Editorial Review

Many high-tech toys start with a fun and fascinating idea only to make it frustratingly complicated in the execution. Leave it to LEGO to make a technologically advanced toy fun to play with. The enormous 718-piece LEGO Mindstorms Robotic Invention System lets you construct a variety of moving robot vehicles and then program them from your Windows 98- or Windows Me-compatible computer. The robots are all based around a bright yellow basic unit, which serves as the functional heart of whatever is being built. The brick receives commands from the computer via an infrared tower unit. The computer interface is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. What's most impressive about the system, however, is the variety of robots that can be built. There are detailed instructions for each one, and since these are LEGOs, builders are free to come up with an endless variety. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (76)

rocks
This toy rocks!!!!!!!!! you get to build a robot, program it, and add sensors!!!!!!!!!!!!

Invention, Robotics, Computer Programming
If you want your child to take the steps necessary to prosper in the future, this is the kit to purchase.

The kids of my generation had telescopes, microscopes and chemistry sets.We only could dream of building and programming a functioning robot!

It truly will create a positive mindstorm in your child !!

Windows XP fix
With regard to users having problems using this kit with windows XP.The dreaded freeze problem will only occur on computers using hyper thread processers.(...)

Save this zip file to your harddrive.You should have previously installed the mindstorms software and the USB tower.Unplug your USB tower, restart your machine and follow the installation instructions.The freeze issue should now be a thing of the past. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Electronic    4. Motors    5. Robotics   

Reviews (3)

Gundam NT-1
I must say, if your a gundam enthusiast, you have to get this model.This Skill Level 7 was my first and it took me about 3 hours.One completed I was very pleased with how it turned out. So many parts of articulation and the oerall durability was excellent.Though I wouldn't recommend playing with this, it is a model.Overall I gave it a five.

The least favored Master Grade kit...
You might like it or hate it. I don't really know. I have one and I am not quite sure about it. The detail of the kit is rather mush compared to other 1/100th scale Master Grade Gundam kits from Bandai. You really need to paint (preferably with an airbrush) it to make it look cooler. And, no. It's a model kit not a toy. It's so fragile that you don't want to play with it.

The Cool Toy
This is a great toy.People who enjoy building models,well this is the model for you.It stands up tall and does not fall over.I had a lot of fun making this toy.I know you will too.It is a fair price and it is well worth it.Buy it! You will be satified! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Anime   

Editorial Review

This neon green and grape roller coaster is impressive in both size andscope. When fully built the coaster stretches 6 feet long and stands 3 feethigh. The directions are detailed and clear, and we had no trouble putting ittogether. It did take us a bit over five hours, though, and it's likely that anychild under 12 will need parental assistance. But assembling it is half the fun.When finished, the track careens so hazardously, it's hard to believe the carswill stay on, but they do! The plastic chain hauls the three cars up slowly,just like a real roller coaster, and the sound effects box re-creates the noiseso perfectly you'll squirm with anticipation. After reaching the top and passingthrough the serpent's mouth, the cars begin their dizzying descent past thesound effects box, which has now switched to emitting enthusiastic and terrifiedscreaming. Gravity and centrifugal force whip the little cars along the rest ofthe track until at last it reaches the beginning of the ride, only to be towedup for another round. If you don't have 6 feet of space, there are instructionsfor a smaller version, and you can turn the sound effects off if you prefer toplay quietly. Entirely worth the time and effort, this is ideal as a familyendeavor. --M. Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (125)

GREAT BUILDING
Mon son got this for christmas and when I first saw it I thought "Oh no." But then once we opened it up and actually started to build it, WOW! I am always amazed by k'nex and how they make it work, it was a lot of fun to build, took about 5-6 hours ( We are not experts yet on the k'nex) but well worth the effort. It has withstood being moved from room to room, having the dog topple it over and being jumped on by the friends who have played with it. It comes with the option of a small or large track (we went for the large) and the instructions are easy to follow. My kids, 8 and 5, have not grown tired of it yet. Definitely a better buy.

A great toy!
I (...) built this toy when I was ten. This toy works very good if put together right. Many people would think this is a very hard toy but It really wasn't at least for me.

I give this 5 stars

Fantastic!
This easily is the best present that my 8 year old son has ever received.Even though it took about 5 hours for my husband and son to assemble, the assembly was easy, with color coded pieces and a clear instruction manual.Once it was finished, we all sat in awe.It looks like something out of an amusement park!We all sat and watched this thing go around for about an hour.My husband and I like it as much as our son does.We highly recommend this! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Models    4. Activity   

Reviews (1)

This Item Is Totally AWSOME!!
This toy is so cool. The day I got it I opened it up to find tons of pieces and instructions. I spent a lot of time just building the models that were in my head. This is sooo cool. If you buy this, you are NOT wasting you'r money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Activity    4. Models   

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Activity    4. Models   

Reviews (2)

Woweecaboodals!
pirty good, pirty good. not 400 all say bout 200ft. ya i was dragged in the house after bout 6:oo. hhmmm it does tend to crack a little bit in the sides if crimped i little bit to much the pad has stayed nice and neat since i got it for my birthday number 10. rilly good- go check it out!

A+ fun for all
My 8 year old got this for his birthday. He loves it he played with it all day. I had to drag him in because it was getting dark. We got it up about 300 ft or so. This is the first toy that he played with all day. Great toy under $10! ... Read more

Editorial Review

People have been fascinated by rockets since the first ones were launched in China almost a thousand years ago. Now your kids can observe the principles at work behind rocketry with the Meteor Rocket Kit from Scientific Explorer. The kit contains everything rocketeers need to build a rocket and send it shooting to heights of 100 feet. Rather than using gunpowder or liquid fuel, the Meteor is powered by baking soda and vinegar, so it's safe and can be launched again and again. A specially designed fueling module lets kids experiment to find just the right vinegar and soda mixture. The informative guide gives detailed instructions as well as information on rockets, chemistry, and suggestions for experiments. This Scientific Explorer kit is a 1999 Parents' Choice recommended toy. --Lisa Whipple ... Read more

Reviews (16)

This Rocket Rocks!
Quick to Assemble; Launches with Vinegar and Baking Soda; Use over and over again; this rocket soars!
Tip: When tightening the launch stopper, use plyers to hold the bolt in place while you tighten the screw nut

it is ok
the rockets i usually launch go about 1500-3000 feet inthe air so this to wasn't as good ,but then the rockets i like have fire come out of the bottom and are more fun yet the get lost to easy you have to go a big place to luanch them and the engines are sold separtly. Then again this has to do with house old items and is cheaper.

its ok
if i was you i woud save your money on something better ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Models    3. Rockets    4. Learning    5. Science    6. Vehicles    7. Activity   

Subjects:  1. Vehicles    2. Models    3. Construction    4. Building Sets    5. Activity    6. Radio Control    7. Remote Control   

Reviews (2)

Homeschool Mom
I bought this for my 14 year old son and was very disappointed.The toy is limiting, due to the size and shape of the templates and the plastic walls.The support pieces for the walls are "chunky" and get in the way of the overall design.A pad of graph paper, plastic templates that are available at office supply stores, a good metal ruler, some paper and tape are a better investment than this.

Awesome! From an 11 year old
This kit is very good for anybody who likes to build. Although there are only 7 pieces of tracing paper to go with it, you can always buy more at an office supply store. It's the best thing ever! Jordan ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Activity    4. Learning   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Arts and Crafts    4. Craft Kits    5. Painting    6. Painting Kits    7. Animals    8. Bugs    9. Activity    10. Construction    11. Models   

Editorial Review

Every child seems to go through a dinosaur phase, and this kit is perfect for those who are intensely curious about digging up bones and being a scientist who studies dinosaurs. An adult will likely need to help with just about every part of this process, from casting the 18 pieces (making sure to expel any air bubbles) to painting them to gluing magnets on the back. Obviously, assembly is only one part of this endeavor. An 11-page instruction booklet thoroughly answers the "why "questions, such as: Why are there holes in the skull? Why is the neck so short? Why do we call this dino "lizard-hipped"? Satisfaction comes when the job is done and the skeleton can be displayed on magnetic surfaces. The kit is designed to complement the Eyewitness book Dinosaur. --Sally James ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Class Project
An excellent project for your child's school report.We purchased the Velociraptor kit for our 8 year old daughter not knowing what to expect.After opening the package my wife came up with a clever idea of pouring melted chocolate chips it into the dinosaur molds, instead of using the plaster mix.We experimented with white chocolate chips and created realistic looking dinosaur bones!We buried these edible bones in ground up Oreo Cookies.What a thrill to see our daughter's 2nd grade class excavate these delectible prehistoric fossils!

Need to buy one for dad, too!!!
I BOUGHT THIS FOR MY EIGHT YEAR OLD FOR CHRISTMAS WITH A BUNCH OF THE "WHATS POPULAR NOW" TOYS. THIS BY FAR IS THE TOY THAT HAS KEPT HIS ATTENTION FOR MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES. MORE LIKE NEARLY 2 HOURS THE FIRST TIME WE TOOK IT OUT. IT ALSO KEPT MY 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THE EVERY ADVENTEROUS 4 YEAR OLD BUSY. I HAD TO KEEP DAD FROM DIGGING AND DUSTING OR ELSE THE KIDS WOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN A TURN. AFTER FINDING THREE BONES - I TOLD THEM IT WAS TIME TO PUT IT AWAY AND SAVE IT FOR ANOTHER DAY. MY HUSBAND WOULDN'T QUIT FOR ANOTHER 30 MINUTES UNTIL THEY HAD FOUND AND UNEARTHED ONE MORE BONE. THEY HAVE MANY HOURS OF FUN LEFT WHICH IN RETURN WILL GIVE THEM AN ADDED BONUS--NOT ONLY ARE THEY HAVING FUN; BUT ARE LEARNING AT THE SAME TIME!! ONE CONSIDERATION IS THAT IT DOES SAY FOR AGES 8 AND ABOVE, BUT MY 4 YEAR OLD HAD HIS SUN GLASSES ON AND MANAGED QUITE WELL. HIS ONLY PROBLEM WAS GETTING DAD OUT OF THE WAY!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Now we are learning the names of the bones!
My son (now almost 6) has been a dinosaur fanantic since the age of 2.He knows the names, where they lived, what they ate...you name it, he knows it!Or so we thought, until he got this for Christmas!After having agreat time making and painting the "fossil" he read in the manualthat each bone has it's own name--so now we're learning those as well!The only problem we have with it is when the smaller pieces get dropped ona hard surface they tend to break pretty easily.They are, however, alsofixed easily with a dab of super glue. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Models    3. Activity    4. Learning    5. Science    6. Archaeology    7. Dinosaurs    8. Arts and Crafts    9. Craft Kits    10. Animals    11. Geology   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Arts and Crafts    4. Craft Kits    5. Painting    6. Painting Kits    7. Animals    8. Bugs    9. Geology    10. Activity    11. Construction    12. Models   

Editorial Review

The name Gustav seems more appropriate for a Lutheran pastor than a mechanical insect, but despite his moniker, this specimen is pretty impressive. Resembling an enormous robotic potato bug, Gustav sports red plated armor that covers his body. After you follow the detailed assembly instructions, the bug is ready to roll and one AA battery (not included) allows him to walk. Besides Gustav himself, the set includes two mobile platforms, complete with four additional, smaller Zoid figures. When you see the relatively tiny size of these other Zoids, you understand the scale of Gustav in the Zoid universe where, the packaging promises, he weighs 68 tons. In real life, he weighs considerably less and is about the size of a small guinea pig. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Features

• The Zoids Super Motorized, Gustav (Insect). Scale 1/72.
• Features: rotatating "radar" turret, shell expands and contracts, pivoting insect antennae, mechanoid beast rolling action, 2 mobile tow platforms that transform other Zoids and includes 4 Zoids character figures!
• Requires 1 x 1.5 v "AA" battery (not included). Zoids are mechanical monsters you build and customize.
• Each Zoid comes in kit form and quickly snaps together with no glue, instead using rubber bolts to hold the figure together.

Reviews (18)

an okay replacment of a hover cargo
this toy is ausome! it comes with miny figures of the ariginle zoid show. it come with a moonbey pilot. it has like a miny repair system on the platforms that it halls around on its back as well as your zoids. this zoid has some of the best armore ive ever seen! u know how large it is in the show. in real life its only as big as a gunie pig. this zoids great for the defencive side of your zoid team. great for eather carrying zoids or blowing them up. hope u buy it! :)

The Gustav is soooooo cool!
This zoid is realy cool! I gave this zoid a 5 on durability because the only thing that will come off is the radar. But you have to work at it for it to come off. I gave it a 5 on educational value because you have to put it together. It goes kind of fast too. But my molga can go a little faster. And the pannels on it's back move just like in the movie! Over all the Gustav is a really cool.

The Gustav Model
When i first got this zoid i liked it. Istill like it but all it does is pull a zoid ( One Big like a liger or a 2 small like nightwise size). This zoid is motorized uses 1 aa battery and can pul a zoid on carpet wood and tile. It is farely easy to build and took me about 20 minutes. This toy comes with some of the people of the zoid show (chaotic centry). This zoid is entertaining when it has a zoid on its hitch (wich you can take off). But over all i would say its a good toy and you should like it if you like zoids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Collectible Action Figures   

Reviews (1)

Useless Product -- would give it 0 stars but 1 is the lowest
The description of this product is very enticing.But when you open the box the disappointment starts and spirals out of control.This is a very poorly made kit in all respects.The materials used, the quality of the pieces, the manner in which they fit together are all a huge disappointment.Do not waste your money.Save yourself seeing your child's crestfallen face.I wish I had taken the time to return it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Activity    4. Models   

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Activity    4. Models   

Reviews (1)

Heh...whatever
Well, first off, i don't want anyone dissing me because said bad things here.That is your warning.
This toy is ok.I like the monster, but as far as the kit goes, i don't like it.The y-dragon and x-cannon are both ok.Nothing's wrong.It's the z-tank part that has the fault.My model was manufactured whong, so one of the two treads can't fit into the maing body.The hole is to small.It may have just been mine.It may not be though, so keep your recept.You may need to make a return trip. ... Read more

Editorial Review

If it's true that food always tastes better when you cook it yourself, then this old-fashioned build-it-yourself old-fashioned fire engine from Home Depot might be proportionately more fun than the average toy. Nearly everything is needed to complete the process as the kit comes complete with pre-cut wood pieces, wood screws, and a screw driver. Clearly explained instructions help you complete the job with relative ease. No paint is included with the set. One might wonder how good a job a fire engine made out of wood might actually perform at a real live fire but as a toy and a fun project, this is a great choice. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (1)

So-So.....
This figure is probably a dangerous venture for mega bloks. Because giant "transforming" cyborgs are pretty weird. The figure is pretty fun, with a firing grappling hook, on his arm. With a gattling gun to add more firepower. He is very detailed, but doesn't seem to be much of a cyborg. Not all of his parts look like generic blocks. Such as his forearms, his chest plate, his head, and his lower legs. His left forearm looks a lot better than older blok bot standard fisted arms. His supposed "transformation" is more like reconstrucktion. Like the honestly named k'nex reconstructors. He "transforms'' into a weird looking "weapon platform", but something about the mode makes me like it. But, it does not use all of his parts. His fluid flowing action is pretty fun. Building this is a slight challange, however. And, his joints have a slight tendency to pop out of the sockets, When mishandled, that is. ... Read more

Editorial Review

If it's true that food always tastes better when you cook it yourself, then this old-fashioned build-it-yourself old-fashioned semi truck from Home Depot might be proportionately more fun than the average toy. Nearly everything is needed to complete the process as the kit comes complete with pre-cut wood pieces, wood screws, and a screw driver. Clearly explained instructions help you complete the job with relative ease. No paint is included with the set. One might wonder how reliable a wooden semi truck would be hauling a heavy load on the open highway but as a toy and a fun project, this is a great choice. --Charlie Williams ... Read more