Kasey the Kinderbot Learning System
© 2002 Fisher-Price, Inc.
See "Fisher-Price Think 'n Learn Code 'n Learn Kinderbot" This sturdy, chatty, foot-tall robot delivers 16 early math and reading activities through a low resolution 2 1/2 inch LCD screen in his belly. Our testers, ages 3 - 6, were were initially impressed by Kasey's cool arm and trunk movements, as well as his clear music and expressive eyes. They even took him to bed. But limited activities and overly talkative voice limit this toy's value. The good news is that there are expansion cartridges (sold separately for $18 each) that offer additional content and activities. The robot is cleverly designed, with controls for volume and screen resolution, and a special sensor on his base that stops his movements if he is held in a lap-- say for a long van ride. The main problem with Kasey is his over prompting and his shallow activities that have no relation to one another. One reason for the limited activities is the input system, which consists of multiple-choice-style buttons located around the screen -- not the best format for younger children. Favorite games include the singing and dancing, where Kasey plays one of several upbeat songs, and kids can follow along. At press time, there were four additional cartridges shipping. Science Living Things (discover where animals live, "which do you use to see?", etc.) and Science Wonderful World ("a fan spins round and round") each contain four additional activities. Languages French and Languages Spanish expose children to about 90 common words, letter sounds and counting. So should you buy it for $70? Of five different families, three said they'd buy it for $50, not $70, and two said they'd pass.
$74.99, Smart Toy
Teaches: French, Spanish, ABCs, counting (1-10), numeral recogintion, memory