Rocket, helicopter are among the year's best options for toys
Cox News Service
November 18, 2007
I'm giving toys this Christmas whether my family likes it or not.
All this may come as a surprise to my mom. My brother the physician may not know what to think for a change, but that's the way it will be.
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Why toys? Well, this is the time of year for gifts that turn the oldest of us into children. There's a just-right feeling in unwrapping something that isn't remotely useful and can only be used for fun.
Maybe all this is an over-reaction by me since — despite my yearnings — I spend Christmas mornings unwrapping socks, sweaters, khaki pants and the occasional sports jacket.
What I really want is something that blinks, squawks or runs around mindlessly in circles — sort of like what my Uncle Rod used to do at holiday parties.
So bear with me today while I wrap up some of my toy yearnings.
We'll start with a rocket ship. Not only does it fly — topping 1,000 feet — it takes video or digital still images while making the trip.
My choice is the Estes Astrovision Video Rocket available from the www.apogeerockets.com Web site. You'll pay $80.25 — admittedly costlier than a fireworks rocket — but this missile uses reusable rocket engines (a pack of three is just under $10). Little assembly is required and, hey, the sky is the limit.
You'll get the software needed to download your video or still pictures to a laptop computer. One thing to note: The camera stores its work on memory chips that can't hold data for long periods, so you'll need to take the laptop to the launching.
While we're up in the air, let me recommend the Micro Mosquito. You won't need bug repellent. Instead, you get a tiny radio-controlled helicopter that can do extraordinary aerial dances. This isn't the sort of craft to take outside — just a breath of wind sends it tumbling — but think of the fun of watching it take off from the dining table and flying to the top of the Christmas tree. Now that's a toy!
You'll find it at Radio Shack for $69.95. It's Model 61081.
The next toy on my list will stir up some controversy. When it comes to video game consoles, folks get downright ugly. But my choice is the Nintendo Wii. It's not the most powerful of the competing consoles, but I think it does the best job of appealing to all ages and sexes.
The controller is unlike any you've seen. Simply waving it around can cause action on the screen. Don't stand next to someone during an action-packed moment — you risk losing a tooth.
It may be a little hard to find. Amazon was out of stock the day I looked. Using an online search — and depending on how the system is bundled with controllers and games — you will pay a bit over $400 for it.
I'm now going to include a toy I would like to find under the tree. Some of you may quibble about whether it's a toy — after all, it is educational — but there's no law that says toys can't be.
It comes from Meade and is called mySKY. You point mySKY at an object in the night sky, like sighting through a rifle scope, then click the trigger. The gadget tells you about that object in the sky using sound and video on its LCD screen. It's pricey at $399, but you can console yourself with the knowledge it is an educational gadget that is likely to be used for years.
You can find it on the Meade Web site at www.meade.com/mysky.
It wouldn't be a holiday without a game and, when it comes to games that can be played on the PC, I have a clear favorite. I've played this series of games for more than two years now, so you can tell I think it's a winner.
The series is called Guild Wars. There are several games in the series, and you buy them separately. The newest of the stand-alone games is called "Guild Wars Nightfall." There's also an expansion pack — you must own one of the stand-alone games to use it — called "Eye of the North." You'll pay about $50 for "Nightfall" and $40 for "Eye of the North." Most stores will have it, or you can buy it at www.guildwars.com.
These games are played online — so you need an Internet connection, preferably a high-speed one. But unlike so many other online games, you don't pay a monthly fee.
If you buy one of the Guild Wars games, look me up online. Since it's a combat game I may kill you, but — with my skills — you'll probably kill me. My game name is Just Axe Me.
OK. That's today's list of toys. For those grouches out there who insist on useful high-tech gifts, I'll soon oblige. But meantime, leave me with my dreams.
