Stylin' Studio
© 2008 Mattel, Inc.
Want to see how you'd look in a purple wig? Designed for Windows computers, this new peripheral from Mattel's Radica Girl Tech division (www.girltech.com) lets you find out. Easy to use and full of features, this stylus-based virtual graphics tablet has a .3 Megapixel camera in its center. It is the second toy of this type from Radica. The first, called Digi Makeover, plugged into your TV and was much harder to use. With Stylin' Studio, putting on makeup is as easy as scribbling. After you install and start up the software, which comes on an included CD, you plug the pad into a USB port. This process worked easily on our Windows Vista test machine. Next, you line up the camera -- a process that is helped by a small mirror, and snap a photo. There are a few minor quirks to note. There is a large, easy to press on/off button that can be pressed accidentally, especially if you think you're taking a picture. Also, if you're already using a webcam, you'll need to unplug it. These are minor points; you quickly learn when not to press the button. The real fun begins when you import a face; either yours or someone else's, from an existing digital photo, and start trying on eye liner, outfits, scarves, earrings, hats, hairstyles and more, by simply dragging and dropping with the fat, tethered stylus. It is easy to save work for emailing or perhaps uploading to your facebook page, just in case you're in the mood for a tiara.
$60, Windows XP or Vista
Teaches: creativity, intrapersonal skills, makeup
CTR Rating: 96%