Pixter Plus
© 2002 Fisher-Price, Inc.
Last year's Pixter is back, with some additional features and more memory to store pictures. The screen and controls are exactly the same. For those not familiar with the Pixter, it is a handheld creativity toy that features a 3 by 3 1/2 inch touch-sensitive, black and white screen and a stylus. Kids use the gadget to scribble, draw, or complete dot-to-dot puzzles, and thanks to seven cartridges, practice early school skills. The graphics are crude, with highly pixilated jagged lines, the menus could be easier to use, and how to adjust the volume is not obvious. However, some of these same criticisms could be made about the beloved etch-a-sketch, a toy that has stood the test of time. Strengths of the gadget include good responsivity, easy undo, and no need for paper! New features include a screen light that runs off the internal batteries, a password feature (to keep your brother or sister from playing), and more sound effects. This Pixter is compatible with all Pixter software cartridges, which are sold separately for $12 each. The two most current titles are Learning Fun 2 and Music Studio. Requires 4 AA alkaline batteries.
$62, Smart Toy
Teaches: creativity, early math and reading skills