LEGO fun and educational toys for Christmas
LEGO is one of those large toys that never gets old and makes a great Christmas gift every year. Even if you buy a game with a specific topic, having been built, can be torn down and used to create something completely different. The lure of LEGO toys based on this fact. I have not LEGO, when I was a kid and I’ve only added to my collection in recent years.
Some of the games I’ve added are the games LEGO Star Wars. I’ma big fan of Star Wars and as I also love LEGO (yes, adults can play too), I found a perfect toy for me. Also I have nieces and nephews who like both and I love that gives us something to do together when they visit. It’s a great way to work together and bond.
LEGO is also one of the best educational toys because children develop hand-eye coordination and creative stimulation without even knowing they are learning. Perfect! It can be difficult to get children interested in educational toys for them to play with LEGO is a great way for them to learn important skills.
If your child is too young to small pieces of LEGO, then you can use doubles instead. They are nice and big, and are teaching your baby colors, hand-eye coordination and motor skills. You can buy double in groups of different bucket sizes.
They also make different board games and video. LEGO Harry Potter is a very popular video game and board game. They are fun games the whole family can play together.
Another wonderful educational toy includes LEGO Mindstorms. This is a level above normal LEGO because robots can do with them. Mindstorms is a great toy for teaching robotics in a fun way. The team begins with instructions on how to build a basic robot. Once you’ve accomplished that, you can use the software for instructions to build more advanced robots. I love the LEGO Mindstorms is a great balance between learning and fun, and encourages interest in science, computer science and engineering.
Christmas is fast approaching and if you are still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for kids in your life, I recommend the purchase of LEGO. Children will be happy and be happy knowing that they have fun while developing their motor skills, hand-eye coordination and encourage creativity.
Logitech Wireless Anywhere Mouse MX for PC and Mac
Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX
Finally, a portable mouse that works anywhere you do.
Thanks to your laptop, you can work and play anywhere. And now your mouse can, too. Meet the Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX. It’s the wireless notebook mouse that gives you new freedom to work anywhere without a mouse pad—on virtually any surface. Your laptop bag balanced on your lap at the airport. Your granite kitchen countertop. It even gives you precise cursor control on glass conference tables and hotel desks—the surface where no mouse has worked before. From the first track-on-glass technology to a tiny USB receiver that never needs to leave your notebook, this compact mouse is ready to help you fly through any task anywhere you go.
Darkfield Laser Tracking for precise cursor control on more surfaces—even glass
The culmination of a groundbreaking five-year engineering effort, Darkfield Laser Tracking lets you track on more surfaces than ever—including glass, where other mice flat-out fail. Logitech’s exclusive technology tracks mouse movements by producing a detailed micro-roadmap of the work surface. So now you can confidently use your mouse on surfaces you never could before like clear glass, lacquered wood, marble and even your living room carpet.
Plug-and-forget Logitech Unifying receiver stays in your notebook
One tiny wireless receiver gives you many possibilities. The receiver is so small you can leave it in your notebook and forget about it. So you never need to unplug it when you move around, and your mouse is always ready when you are. Plus, this one receiver connects up to 6 Unifying compatible devices, allowing you to add accessories like a Unifying wireless keyboard without the hassle of multiple USB receivers. Create The Combo That Works For You.
Compact, ergonomic design for go-anywhere comfort and style
No matter how full your laptop bag gets, you’ll always have room to take along your mouse. The compact size fits easily in a small side pocket, and comes complete with a protective carry pouch. And the sculpted shape feels as great as it looks, including contoured finger rests to help you work for hours without hand fatigue. Comfort also means every control is strategically positioned at your fingertips, so you can move through tasks with ease.
Hyper-fast scrolling gets you there faster
Want to see page 39 in a 60 page sales presentation? Or get to the attachment at the bottom of a 20-message email thread? Easy. With a single spin of the hyper-fast scroll wheel, you can fly through long documents, spreadsheets, emails and web pages. You can also shift to click-by-click mode for precise, line-by-line navigation of lists, slides and photos. Either way, you have the control to get it done at your pace.
Back and forward thumb buttons let you flip fast through web pages
You just dug deep into your competitor’s website. Now you want to go way back to a page that caught your eye. No problem. Just press the back button to flip back through the pages you viewed. Or press the forward button to quickly flip back to the page where you left off. Web pages, photos, slide presentation pages—the power to flip through them all is under your thumb.
I received the Logitech MX mouse anywhere after my Logitech VX Nano started having some problems. The mouse is great. The nano receiver unifying Logitech allows multiple devices to be connected to it. Mouse weight is significantly heavier than Nano VX. However, you can only use one AA battery, if desired. Moving the mouse in and out is easy, just flip the lid. The case includes a little stiff and the mouse fits very snugly. I prefer the kit included with the VX Nano. The battery cover is very well designed. Mouse pull the box can sometimes cause the battery cover out depending on their grip. The button forward / reverse is in a location other than the VX Nano and takes getting used to. The biggest hit with the mouse is that they require more click on my “normal” grip. I have to put my hand below to have one easy click. Also, the click is the usual standard of “noise” click. In general, the Anywhere Mouse MX is a great mouse and I recommend it.
KitchenAid KSM150PSWH Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer
The Artisan mixer’s strong 325-watt motor delivers the power to handle the heaviest mixtures, and mix large batches easily.
The 5-quart polished stainless steel bowl with ergonomic handle is big enough to handle large batches of heavy mixtures. Its ergonomically designed handle is contoured to fit the hand and makes lifting the bowl more comfortable.
Unique Mixing Action
The beater spins clockwise as the shaft spins counter clockwise; moving the beater to 67 different points around the bowl. This unique mixing action creates a thorough blend of ingredients and eliminates the need to rotate the bowl.
Multiple Speeds
10 speeds allow the user to select the right speed for the mixing job; from very high to very slow stir. It’s easy to select the precise speed needed for a perfect mix.
Versatile Accessories
The flat beater, dough hook, and the professional wire whip add to the versatility of the mixer. The flat beater is the ideal accessory for mixing normal to heavy batters. From cake mixes to firm cookie dough, the flat beater mixes quickly and thoroughly.
The dough hook mixes and kneads yeast dough, saving both time and the effort of hand-kneading. The wire whip incorporates the maximum amount of air in whipped mixtures for fluffier whipped cream and angel food cakes.
All attachments are solidly constructed, and attach easily to the stand mixer.
Easy Clean Up
The pouring shield fits around the top of the bowl and prevents ingredient splash-out. The chute makes it convenient and easy to add ingredients.
The tilt-back mixer head allows for easy access to bowl and beaters. A lock lever holds the mixer head securely in place and the bowl fastens tightly to the base.
Optional Attachments
Optional attachments (sold separately) complete the package to make cooking a pleasure. From citrus juicer to sausage stuffer, KitchenAid stand mixers can handle just about any job in the kitchen.
As a mother of 5 children, the KitchenAid stand mixer makes my work in the kitchen so much easier! I have waited many years for a KitchenAid and literally screamed when the UPS man showed up with him. My grandmother has had a KitchenAid stand mixer for over a decade and has never complained or sputtering.
I have everything mixed pudding dough biscuit meatloaf and my mixer does not groan. I love the pasta maker attachment, ice cream machine, and the juicer is a godsend when it comes to jelly.
Amazon sends lightning speed. Thanks, KitchenAid to test quality products are still made!
Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman II Knife with AA LED Flashlight
- Package includes swiss army huntsman II pocket knife and a swiss army AA LED flashlight
- Knife has unique nylon handle holding 14-functional tools
- Also includes a bottle opener, large screwdriver, wire stripper, etc
- AA LED has an anti-slip handle with 150-foot effective range
Amazon.com Product Description
A great gift for the outdoor enthusiasts on your shopping list or a handy set for your tool box, glove box, or utility drawer, you’ll find many uses for the Swiss Army Huntsman II pocket knife and LED flashlight. Measuring 3-1/2 inches long, the Huntsman II is stylishly cased in the famous red Swiss Army body that’s recognized around the world. More importantly, the pocket knife contains 14 tools appropriate for just about any occasion. The tools include a large knife blade, small knife blade, can opener, bottle opener, small screwdriver, reamer, sewing eye, tweezers, corkscrew, scissors, hook, wood saw, toothpick, and key ring.
Ideal for stashing in the glove box, utility drawer, tool box, backpack, desk drawer, or any other place imaginable, you’ll always find a use for one of the Huntsman II’s handy tools.
Huntsman II Tools:
- Large knife blade
- Small knife blade
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Small screwdriver
- Reamer
- Sewing eye
- Tweezers
- Corkscrew
- Scissors
- Hook
- Wood saw
- Toothpick
- Key ring
About Swiss Army Knives
In 1884, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener set up shop in Ibach-Schwyz, installing a waterwheel in Tobelbach Brook to run his grinding and polishing machines. Thus began what would become the international brand name Victorinox, a combination of Victoria, for Elsener’s mother, and “inox,” or stainless steel. Today, Victorinox produces watches, luggage, clothing, and, famously, Swiss Army Knives. The original product dates to 1897, when Elsener patented the Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife he supplied to the Swiss Army. Following World War II, American servicemen and women shopping in PX stores shortened the name to Swiss Army Knife, which lives on in English-speaking countries around the world and has become a metaphor for versatility.
Product Description
Having all the tools you need to get the job done won’t do you much good if you can’t see what you’re doing. Exactly why Victorinox includes an AA-battery-powered LED flashlight with the uber-versatile stainless-steel Huntsman II Knife.
I bought this knife when my Swiss army knife broke past. This was an excellent replacement for various odd jobs that needed doing in motion. A flashlight is a good complement to the set. I use it for cycling home in the dark.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Home
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 Home speech recognition software lets you interact with your PC just by talking
- Spoken words appear on the screen three times faster than typing, with up to 99-percent accuracy right out of the box
- Works with nearly any Windows-based applications–Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, Microsoft Outlook and more
- Dragon Sidebar puts important voice commands and tips in one desktop location for at-a-glance convenience
- Simple installation takes just a few minutes; learn the software quickly with on-screen help and tutorials
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 Home provides a whole new way to interact with a PC–using speech instead of a keyboard and mouse. Just say words and they appear on the computer screen–three times faster than typing–with no typos! Tell your PC what to do and it obeys your commands. Dragon understands what users say and how they say it.
Use your voice to:
- Dictate and format documents
- Surf and search the Web
- Send email and instant messages to family, friends, and colleagues
- Update Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter
- … and so much more!
Dragon 11 Home provides everything you need to get started, including a high-quality headset. There’s no faster, easier, or more enjoyable way to get things done on a PC for home, school, or leisure activities. Once you discover the Dragon difference, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Stop Typing, Start Talking
Just say words and watch them appear on the computer screen–three times faster than typing–with up to 99-percent accuracy right out of the box. Dragon can learn the words you say every day, including acronyms and proper names. It even gets to know you better over time for increased recognition accuracy.
Speak and the PC Obeys
Dragon eliminates the need to navigate menu options or type in keywords so users get more done faster. Just tell Dragon what to do, and it does it. Control applications or edit and format text using simple voice commands like “Open Microsoft Word,” “Show my photos,” “Bold that,” or “Center the row.”
Multi-task Like Never Before
Dragon Voice Shortcuts make it faster and easier than ever to create email or search the Web or desktop for specific information or resources.
- Send an email to multiple friends by saying, “Send email to Jon Smith and Raphael Sanchez.” Dragon automatically opens Microsoft Outlook, creates a new email, and enters the correct email addresses for you.
- Say commands like “Search the Web for low-fat lasagna recipe” or “Search maps for Union College in Schenectady, New York,” and Dragon returns the results.
Transform Ideas into Text at the Speed of Thought
With Dragon, typing, spelling, or fear of the blank page won’t slow you down. Dragon keeps up with your brain, instantly transforming ideas into text–with no spelling mistakes! Just say what you mean instead of struggling with the keyboard or worrying about spelling. Now you can focus more on the content of your writing and less on the mechanics of typing.
Easy to Use
- Simple installation gets users up and running in minutes.
- New! The Dragon Sidebar puts important voice commands and tips in one desktop location for at-a-glance convenience.
- Improved! On-screen help and tutorials make it faster and easier to complete tasks by voice.
- Works with nearly any Windows-based application.
- Comfortable hands-free interaction lets you control your PC without being constrained by the keyboard.
I bought this product because I’m having shoulder surgery soon. I had no problems with this product and actually find useful. It is loaded without difficulty and for the most part, recognize my speech with few errors.
I should note that I’m using the dictation software Dragon now.
While waiting for this product arrives in the mail, I was dismayed by all the negative reviews that have been listed here. I’ve run into any problems that dissatisfied customers complained.
If I have any problem is I do not believe that Amazon has indicated that a headset and microphone included with this item. Although I should have guessed, I bought a headset separately unnecessarily. The only other issue is beyond that which would be helpful if there was only one microphone and the headset is not complete.
Otherwise, I would definitely recommend this product.
Belkin BV112234-08 12-Outlet Surge Protector with 8 ft Power Cord and Ethernet, Cable/Satellite and Telephone Protection
Safeguard your high-end, home-office equipment against devastating voltage fluctuations, surges, and spikes with the Belkin Advanced Surge Protector (BV112234-08). This unit provides protection for up to 12 separate electronic devices, as well as protecting Ethernet, coaxial, and telephone connections. Rated to withstand a surge of up to 4,000 joules, the Advanced Surge Protector is ideal for protecting computers, printers, modems, and other expensive electronic equipment against damage.
Twelve-Outlet Surge Protector with 8-Foot Power Cord and Ethernet, Cable/Satellite, and Telephone Protection
12 Outlets with 4,000 Joules of Surge Protection
The Belkin Advanced Surge Protector allows you to power up to 12 electrical devices using only one AC outlet. It features six large BlockSpace Outlets to accommodate large power adapters without blocking other outlets.
Rated to withstand a power surge of up to 4,000 joules, this surge protector uses complete, three-line AC protection specifically designed to safeguard your high-end electronic devices. Oversized metal oxide varistors (MOVs) absorb excess electricity for increased protection.
In addition, a Surge Protection Indicator lets you know your equipment is protected, while a Not-Grounded Indicator warns you when your outlet is not properly grounded.
Ethernet, Coaxial, and Telephone Protection
The Advanced Surge Protector features protection for Ethernet, coaxial, and telephone cables to ensure your data connections are working at peak performance. One-in, one-out Ethernet protection supports uninterrupted network and internet connections, while one-in, one-out coaxial protection safeguards cable and satellite connections for clear picture and sound. Additionally, one-in, two-out RJ11 telephone/fax protection ensures open and continuous phone-line connections.
Heavy-Duty, 8-Foot Power Cord with Low-Profile Plug
An 8-foot cord allows you to keep the Advanced Surge Protector in an unobtrusive location while still having plenty of room to reach your devices. The heavy-duty design ensures optimal power flow, while a low-profile plug fits easily in tight spaces and behind furniture.
Recessed Power Switch for Easy Reboot
The large power switch features a recessed design, safeguarding against accidental shutdowns while making reboots easy.
This item is a good bit larger than the stabilizer it replaced – but it compensates with a couple of excellent benefits – which has twice as many plug receptacles, and so willing to call something with a large adapter does not lock container beside him, all this and the capacity to accommodate the phone, Ethernet and cable TV, and a form of low profile, and there are even a couple of containers that are left. The power indicator light is so powerful that illuminates the room when everything else is out, and as some other reviewers have noted, is wonderfully peaceful. My only caveat is that it seems quite light and relatively fragile compared to the original strip 8 outlet, but this is something that only time will tell.
Ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service
The Ooma Telo is a revolutionary device that allows you to call anywhere in the U.S. for free. Just pay applicable taxes and fees. You can also make international calls for next to nothing. Telo is easy to set up and even easier to use. You simply connect the device to your high-speed Internet and your existing phone, and that’s it. You don’t need a computer, and you don’t need a headset. With the Ooma Telo, you’ll be ready to start calling and saving money within minutes.
NOTE: The Ooma Telo requires high-speed Internet and a router (sold separately).
Technical Details
- Revolutionary device that gives you free calls within U.S. and low rates for international calls
- Works with any corded or cordless phone; easy installation with no computer required. Not compatible with Ooma Scout.
- Includes caller-ID, call-waiting, 911, and many other calling features
- Includes 60-day free trial of Ooma Premier — a suite of enhanced calling services features
- Includes everything needed for installation; backed by 30-day money-back guarantee and extendable 1-year warranty
The most hated paying $ 50 for ATT or Comcast bought this at Costco as well to try and have been very pleased so far, in three months. $ 4.77 per month and more features than my previous supplier. Moving our phone number was not a problem, they said they could be taken 30 days of a week. The sound quality was very good, 99% of the time. Another month and I have paid for this saving. I highly recommend.
Kindle Touch Wi-Fi, 6″ E Ink Display
- Most-advanced E Ink display, now with multi-touch
- New sleek design – 8% lighter, 11% smaller, holds 3,000 books
- Only e-reader with text-to-speech, audiobooks and mp3 support
- Built in Wi-Fi – get books in 60 seconds
- Borrow Kindle books from your public library
- Exclusive EasyReach touch technology lets you read easily with one hand
- New X-Ray feature lets you look up characters, historical figures, and interesting phrases.
- Amazon Prime Members choose from over a hundred thousand books to borrow for free. READ MORE
It took me a long time to decide the WiFi-only model, mainly because of the cost for the 3G for free. It would cost about half that of the device to update the 3G model, and probably would not need to use 3G all the time. I’d like to download my content with WiFi before leaving for a trip, and probably use the WiFi at a hotel to sync my media. It ‘s been a couple of weeks, and I do not feel any regrets with getting the WiFi-only model and recommended it to friends and colleagues who have been stuck on the fence itself.
The e-ink is a really nice design. I watched the Fire Kindle, Nook, Nook color, and iPads to a local target. The Fire and iPad Kindle, even if large color display, did not feel comfortable for long periods of reading. LCDs have always hurt my eyes to anything for more than 30 minutes at a time. The E-ink looks like paper. As a matter of fact, when I ripped open the box touch Kindle (frustration free packaging Amazon) I thought the message was until I saw a label change before my eyes.
Speaking of packaging, I ordered a case CaseLogic Kineo at the same time. The case Caselogic arrived in a huge box with air bubbles to protect (a neoprene case that does not break), while the Touch more expensive Kindle come to something I describe as a TV dinner box. The touch Kindle had a scratch on the back of the unit caused by moving around inside the cardboard box. This was really unacceptable in the long run. I can understand the reduction of transport equipment, but at least ship the Kindle in a soft anti-static bubble wrap. It ‘a sensitive electronic device, after all.
The battery life is really good. I loaded only once a few weeks ago, and the battery gauge is still close to max. I’ve spent on the fire and iPad Kindle because of their short battery life. Touch The Kindle is a book that I can leave my desk without worrying about battery life.
The screen refresh and the response is very slow, perhaps too slow in my opinion. Unfortunately, I think that there is no way around this without going to a faster processor that significantly reduces battery life. To read a book, the slow response is acceptable although I would have preferred it any faster by a factor of 2-4 times.
I like to read on Kindle Touch more than reading a book. I can not put down and tend to fly through books. A colleague asked my touch Kindle, and I was told about the features. His mother seems to fly through books Kindle as well, but she often ends up paper books. The e-ink is very interesting and easy to read, is a true innovation in display technology.
Total: 5/5 stars, probably the best e-reader available on the basis of a balance of cost, size, ease of use and features.
VIZIO 8-Inch Tablet with WiFi – VTAB1008
Keep entertainment freedom at your fingertips with the 8-inch VIZIO Tablet (VTAB1008), which delivers movies, TV shows, and music in a thin, ultra-light design. Access hundreds of thousands of apps from the Android Market, and smoothly multi-task between browser and apps. Connect to your wireless network via ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11n) and even use the tablet as a universal remote control with the integrated IR blaster.
The VIZIO Tablet features an 8-inch, high-resolution capacitive touch screen, front-facing camera for video chat, and unique three-speaker configuration for stereo audio playback in both portrait and landscape modes. Its universal remote app controls everything in your home theater, while its built-in HDMI port enables HD video output to your TV. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, 2 GB of internal storage, microSD memory expansion up to 32 GB, and USB port.
Powered by the Android operating system, it’s also the first product in the VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (V.I.A. Plus) ecosystem, which will bring a unified, intuitive user experience across a wide range of devices, including HDTVs, Blu-ray players, smartphones, and more. The V.I.A. Plus tablet ecosystem offers the same attractive, yet functional design as found on V.I.A. Plus enabled HDTVs.
Control Your Entire Home Theater
Master your domain with the VIZIO Tablet’s built-in IR blaster and universal remote control app. This VIZIO-exclusive app enables the Tablet to communicate with your home theater devices and control them all with the Tablet. You can also set up a profile for each room in your house and then control those devices as you move from room to room. The built-in HDMI port is fully HDCP compliant so you can output HD video to multiple TVs and monitors, making it a breeze to watch HD content on your big-screen HDTV (requires HDMI port).
Stereo Sound x 3
As you change the VIZIO Tablet’s orientation, it intelligently transfers the sound to two of the three strategically placed speakers to deliver stereo audio in both landscape and portrait modes for movies, music, games, or video chats.
Built-in GPS
Find your way with the VIZIO Tablet’s built-in GPS, which doesn’t need Wi-Fi or 3G/4G to operate.
Flexible Storage
The VIZIO Tablet has room for all your media. In addition to the 4 GB of internal storage (2 GB user accessible), you can add more memory storage via the integrated MicroSD slot, which accepts MicroSD/MicroSDHC cards up to 32 GB in size.READ MORE
I have rewritten this review and my initial assessment increased from 4 to 5 stars because the more I use this device, the more I like. Its well built and the screen is big enough to be useful.
Download the browser Boat and set the user agent of “desktop”, and you can start surfing the Internet “real”. Think of the applications that come pre-loaded in the same way you would on those that are pre-loaded on a PC: really lame. There are so many well-written “apps” in Android Market, its just a matter of finding the good ones. There is hardware tablet best price for this? If you want something bigger than a phone, and smaller than an iPad, GPS, mobile data and not a pre-loaded with Android OS, this is the best deal out there.
Seagate Expansion 750 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive ST907504EXA101-RK
Seagate external portable drives are compact and perfect for file storage and transfers on-the-go. Set-up is straightforward. Simply connect a single USB cable and you are ready to go. The drive is powered from the USB cable, so there is no need for an external power supply. Plus, it is automatically recognized by Windows operating system, so there is no software to install and nothing to configure. Saving files is easy too: just drag-and-drop. READ MORE
I’m pretty satisfied with this product. I like that it is powered via USB, there is no cable constantly getting in the way and I can use it with my laptop in places where an outlet is not available. It ‘s also small enough to fit easily into a jacket pocket, making it more likely that I have with me when I want.
Even file transfers seem very fast, even if it does not really have the technical knowledge to speak with authority on the subject.
I bought two of these external drives from Seagate in the past year. I had my first at Walmart for $ 50 and the second on Amazon for $ 80. These are fast, lightweight, and does not require the use of a power supply, the voltage is obtained small they need from the USB connection of the computer.Professional video shooting and occasionally I put the video files to my client about these units and send them. Unfortunately I’ve never been returned
After a hard “portable” external hard drive that required a power cord for many years, I finally updated. This unit is incredibly quiet, small, and effective. I opened the box, plugged it into my computer, and was up and running in no time! It is worth the price for the size alone – it is only 5 “diagonal, which makes it small enough to fit in tight spaces for travel I bought this primarily to back up my DVD collection so I could have movies on the go., and I was impressed by the speed, when i was watching videos on my computer with the outside – there was no lag at all If you need a small economic unit, this is definitely the disc buy ..I am running a Windows Vista machine and had absolutely no problems with the single USB.