Gadget Review: Tech toys for everyone

Tech toys aren't limited to video games these days, nor are they really just for kids. Bring home a Nintendo Wii, and expect to be fighting off the kids to get your turn. And "educational" is no longer a bad word in the world of tech-based toys. They'll have as much fun as with a traditional Lego set, but give your children a Lego Mindstorm kit and they'll be learning about robotics and advanced computing at the same time.

The neighborhood Guitar Hero

Getting your child a Nintendo Wii or Sony Playstation 3, along with a copy of Guitar Hero or Rock Band, will guarantee that your house will become the most popular on the block. Don't want to spend days looking for a hard-to-find and expensive new console system? The Playstation 2 is still widely supported, plays Guitar Hero 3 and Rock Band and most other current games, and can be had for a song. Or try the new Guitar Hero 3 for your Windows or Mac computer.

Interactivity for the littlest ones

If you think your child is still too young for tech toys, think again. There are plenty of toys that provide an interactive experience without needing a computer. Dolls and plush animals can now speak and tell stories, or work with your computer or DVD player to provide a more immersive toy experience for your child.  Amazing Amanda is a great tech toy for younger kids -- it utilizes voice recognition and sensory technology and all it needs are 3 C batteries. Remember the Tamagotchi, the first digital companion to really take off? It's still around, in a new 4th generation version, full of new games and characters.

Media for kids

Letting your child play with your own mp3 player can be dangerous for your child, and often for the mp3 player too. There's no need to hand over your own fragile device to a child who wants to listen to music or watch videos. There are plenty of choices now for the younger set which feature larger buttons, crash-proof design, and much simpler interfaces. Mattel's Juice Box Personal Media Player has a color 3" LCD display and built-in speakers, and can play cartridges full of cartoons, television shows, and music.