LittleBits

$30, Smart Toy

Teaches: science, electricity, circuits

CTR Rating: 87.5%

CTR Review

Powerful but pricey, LittleBits is a system of modular electronics that snap together with magnets. Each block, or module, has a unique function. There are several types of switches, LED lights, a light sensor, a motor and a tiny vibrating motor and more. Each part is color coded, to make it easy to quickly associate functions with colors. The result is that it is incredibly easy to "accidentally succeed" with the kits. If something doesn't fit, it simply doesn't work. The downside is that there's a much narrower range of possible outcomes, given the price. One tester made an "annoyinator" that would flash and buzz, another made a finger pressure sensor; each part worked as expected but the limited options make LittleBits a short term option. LittleBits can be powered either by an included 9 volt battery, or your computer's USB port.LittleBits comes in four packages that range from Teaser ($30 for one project with the LED bargraph, button cell battery, and pressure sensing switch), Starter ($90 with 10 color coded modules, a 9v battery and instructions), and Extended ($150, with 14 parts). These include a USB power cable, slide dimmer, motion trigger, roller switch, toggle switch, light trigger, fan, DC motor, buzzer, two long LEDs, a branch and two wires. Even with the most advanced kits, our testers found the possibilities to wear thin, however. For a positive first exposure to snap together circuits, LittleBits works. See http://youtu.be/6_OFav4wXHg.