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Table of Contents

Introduction.1 About Sandy Bergers Great Age Series.2 Gadgets and Gizmos.2 Whats Inside.3 How This Book Is Organized.4
1 Keyboards, Mice, and More. 5
Ergonomic Keyboards.6 Kensington Comfort Type Keyboard.6 SafeType Keyboard.7 Kinesis Contoured Keyboard.8 Big Key Keyboards.9 BigKeys LX Keyboard with USB.9 VisiKey Keyboard.10 20/20 TypeLarge Print Keyboard Labels.11 Specialty Keyboards.12 Cordless Keyboard with Microban Protection.12 Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader.13 Keyboard Organizer.13 FrogPad.14 Logitech diNovo Media Desktop.15 Keyboard Accessories.16 Fully Adjustable Keyboard Manager.16 Gel Wrist Pillow.17 AirDR Dust Blaster CO2.17 Data-Vac Shuttle Vacuum.18

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GREAT AGE
GUIDE TO GADGETS AND GIZMOS
Ergonomic and Assistive Mice.19 AirO2bic Mouse.19 Evoluent VerticalMouse 2.20 RollerMousePRO.21 Assistive Mouse Adapter.22 Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer.22 Gyration Ultra.23 Mouse Alternatives.24 Orbit Optical Trackball.24 Cirque Smart Cat.24 TrackMan Wheel.25 Sandys Lingo List.26
2 Computer and Internet Gadgets. 29
Hot Digital Devices.30 SWISSMEMORY Knife.30 Executive Attach.31 SanDisk Cruzer Profile.31 Iomega REV Backup Drive.32 Freecom USB.33 Griffin PowerMate.33 Zip-Linq Retractable Cables.34 Linksys Wireless Router with Speed Booster.35 RangeMax Wireless USB.35 Fingerprint Reader.36 OTT-LITE VisionSaver Plus DeskPro Task Lamp.36 Protective Equipment.37 Performance SurgeArrest.37 Tripp Lite Home Theater UPS.38 SurgeArrest Notebook Surge Protector.39 Email and Internet Hardware.40 PocketMail.40 MailBug.41

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MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player.41 MailStation.42 Voice Email.43 Sandys Lingo List.44
3 Entertainment Gadgets. 47
Audio Gadgets.48 Delphi MyFi xm2go Satellite Radio.48 Starmate Sirius Satellite Radio.49 MuVo Micro.50 Apple iPod.50 Archos Gmini 400.51 iriver H10.52 SoundBridge.52 Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox.53 Sonos Digital Music System.54 Griffin Radio SHARK.55 QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones.55 Sennheiser Earbuds.56 Digital Vinyl CD-R.57 Video Equipment.58 Archos AV420.58 ForceField DVD.59 Bose 3-2-1 Home Entertainment System.59 ZVUE.60 DigitalMovie DVD.61 Television Devices.62 TiVo Digital Video Recorder.62 Terk Volume Regulator.63 Universal Remote.63 TV Remote with Alarm Clock.64 Media Center PC.65 Big Button Universal Remote Control.66

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DVD/VCR Combination Unit.66 Slingbox.67 Sandys Lingo List.68

4 Fun and Games. 71

Video and Computer Games.72 XaviX Baseball.72 Nintendo GameCube.73 Donkey Konga.74 Atari Flashback Classic Game Control.75 Ferrari Force Feedback Wheel.76 Handheld Games.77 Nintendo DS.77 New York Times Touch Screen Electronic Crossword.78 Electronic CATCH PHRASE Game.79 Hasbro Scrabble Express.80 The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary.80 Big Screen 20Q Deluxe.81 Maestro Travel Chess Computer.82 Electronic Talking Texas Hold Em.83 Just Plain Fun.84 Robosapien.84 Electronic Dart Board.85 Laserpod.85 OnKey Karaoke Pro.86 Singing Coach Unlimited.87 Creative Prodikeys DM.88 AIBO.89 Sandys Lingo List.91

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5 Vision Aides. 93
Magnifiers and Large Text.94 Max Portable Magnifier.94 QuickLook Magnifier.94 Big Eye Magnifier.95 2-in-One Lighted Magnifier.96 Reizen 15X Illuminated Pocket Magnifier.96 Royal Talking Watch.97 Lighting.98 OTT-LITE VisionSaver Plus.98 Intelli-Lite.99 Feather-Touch Keyboard Light.99 Verilux Happy Eyes.100 Long-Life 3X Magnifying Floor Lamp.100 Specialty Glasses.101 JORDY Glasses.101 SOLA Access Computer Glasses.102 FlipperPort with Glasses.102 MelaOptix Glasses.103 Vision Software.104 WebEyes.104 ViaVoice.105 ZoomText.105 BigShot.106 JAWS.106 Sandys Lingo List.108

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6 Accessories for Healthy Living. 109
Staying Healthy.110 Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing.110 Digitt UV Monitor.111 Heart Rate Monitor.112 Pedometer with Panic Alarm.112 Talking Pedometer.113 Talking Bathroom Scale.114 LifeSource ProFIT Personal Health Scale.114 XaviX Health & Fitness Manager.115 Weigh of Life Nutritional Scale.116 Personal Health Care Devices.117 Lifestream Cholesterol Monitor.117 LifeSource Blood Pressure Monitor.118 Omron Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor.118 Timex Talking Thermometer.119 7-Day Reminder Pillbox Set.120 Independence iBOT Mobility System.121 Memory and Relaxation Aids.122 RESPeRATE.122 Sound Soother Fifty.123 Reflexology Foot Massager.124 Journey to the Wild Divine.124 Alerts and Emergency Equipment.125 Telemergency.125 Help at Hand Emergency.Guardian.126 Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator.127 MedKey.128 Sandys Lingo List.129

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7 Communication Devices. 131
Cell Phones and Accessories.132 Motorola Cell Phone.132 RazrWire Bluetooth Eyewear.133 Bluetooth Easy Install Car Kit.134 Cellboost.134 TracFone.135 Plantronics Voyager 510 Headset.136 CellDock.136 CellAntenna.137 Telephones and Enhancements.139 Bright IDer.139 Olympia InfoGlobe Plus.140 Amplified Big-Button Talking Phone.141 Loud & Clear Cordless Phone.141 Reizen Speak N Hear Voice Amplification System.142 Vocally Voice-Activated Phone Dialer.143 Specialty Communication Devices.144 Beamer TV Videophone.144 iZon Hands-Free Walkie Talkie.145 Live Ultra Web Cam.146 i2eye Videophone.147 Sandys Lingo List.148
8 Gadgets for the Home. 149
Organize Your Life.150 Now You Can Find It.150 LetraTag.151 New Dymo Labeler.151 SCOTTEVEST.152

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NeatReceipts.153 Olympus Voice Recorder.154 iTalk iPod Voice Recorder.155 High-Tech Helpers.156 Magic Tap.156 Electric-Powered Chair Riser.157 LavNav Lavatory Navigation Night Light.157 Fellowes Paper Shredder.158 Data Destroyer.159 Home Heartbeat.160 Domestic Appliances.161 Roomba Intelligent Floor Vac.161 iCEBOX CounterTop.162 Beyond Bread Maker.162 Emerson SmartSet.163 Weather/All Hazard Radio.164 Dual Alarm Thermometer Clock.164 Sonic Boom Alarm Clock.165 Reizen Talking Atomic Alarm Clock.166 Friedrich Air Cleaner.166 Senseo Coffee Maker.167 Sandys Lingo List.168
9 Photography and Printing. 169
Digital Cameras.170 Easy Share Camera with Printer Dock.170 Nikon Coolpix 8800.171 Evolt.172 PowerShot SD400.173 Instant Replay Binoculars.174

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Photographic Aides.176 Energizer Rechargeable Batteries and Charger.176 RoadWired Pod.177 15-in-1 Card Reader.178 Single Slot Multi-Card Reader.178 Media Reader for iPod.179 Ultra II CompactFlash.180 Graphire3 Tablet.180 Spyder2 Plus.181 Oxyride Extreme Power Batteries.182 R.A.P.S.! Advanced Protection System.183 Norazza Digital Media Slot Cleaners.184 Print, Scan, and Display Your Photos.185 Photosmart 375B.185 Pixma Photo Printer.186 HP Deskjet Color Inkjet Printer.187 Epson Perfection Photo Scanner.188 Ceiva Digital Photo Receiver.189 MemoryFrame.190 VistaFrame.191 Radiant Frame.192 SanDisk Photo Album.193 PhotoBridge HD.194 Sandys Lingo List.195

10 Travel and Automotive. 197
Navigation Devices.198 Tom Tom Go.198 Streets & Trips.199 DeLorme Earthmate GPS.200 Talking Digital Compass.201

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Automotive Gadgets.202 Sit-N-Lift Power Seat.202 Park-Zone Platinum.202 Talking Tire Gauge.203 Driving Mirror.204 Swivel Seat Cushion.204 Super Size Sticky Pad.205 Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter.206 Mobile Cassette Adapter.207 Travel Helpers.208 Segway Human Transporter.208 Secret Agent Walking Stick.209 Vibrating Pillow LCD Alarm Clock.210 The Ape Case Tri-Fold Traveler.210 Traveling with a Computer.211 Mac Mini.211 Canary Digital Hotspotter.212 Travel Connection KitWorld Pack.213 Skooba Satchel Laptop Case.213 Sandys Lingo List.215

Index. 217

June 2009

Whats Old Is New Again:

C o n t e m p o r a r y Tw i s t s o n C l a s s i c G a m e s

By Kristin Clarke

With tight economic times comes the inevitable longing for better days of years past. But past doesnt have to mean pass, especially to families of high-potential, perhaps highly restless children. As popular as they are, all games do not have to be ridiculously-expensive boxes with three-inch screens that require parents or grandparents to squint for hours, those new high-tech game systems are already losing some luster, and parents everywhere are tired of clutching a small, ridiculously expensive box with a three-inch screen that requires them to squint for hours at light-speed avatars shooting laser dots. Is this what play now means? Why, back when I was your age. The good news is that you really can go back to the games and toys of yesteryearand without arguments between your grandparents about the rules were using this time. In fact, nostalgia toys are a major modern-day trend, according to game and toy manufacturers. Although many of the games you loved most as a kid are still recognizable (perhaps more than you are now), most of these oldies-but-goodies have been dramatically updated, and frankly, who doesnt benefit from an occa-
sional nip and tuck? Oh, sure, youll still have the wonderful tactile feel of twirling the Game of Life spinner and the fresh smell of wood tiles from a just-opened Scrabble board, but youll also have contemporary options like multilingual versions and online or even mobile game versions that add new meaning to travel edition. So move over, Granny, and lets have a look at todays rules! MONOPOLY: Still touted by Hasbro as the best-selling game on the planet, Monopoly has been the source of raucous strategizing across almost four generations of families seeking to emulate Donald Trumps real estate empirebuilding. And if intergalactic settlements ever become the norm, the chances are good that this high-life-or-the-poorhouse board game will dominate the solar system. The first step has already been made with Hasbros latest version: Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition (MSRP: $38.99), which has several unique aspects. First, the 22 new properties (all major cities) that now encircle the board reflect the top choices of an astonishing 5.6 million virtual voters worldwide who successfully crowdsourced this hip edition in a 6-week competition held last
Parenting for High Potential
year. How else would Riga, the capital of Latvia, and Montreal, Canada, end up replacing Park Place and Boardwalk as the swankiest properties on Earth? Second, youll recognize the tiny red hotels and green houses, but look closer: New owners can now choose red and green buildings that reflect the architecture found within specific city limits, such as Asian pagodas, African marital huts, and South American skyscrapers. Even those beloved metal movers have gone from top hat to soccer ball and the like. Third, think of a language. No problemin the spirit of globalization, this Monopoly edition has been printed in 37 languages, which makes it especially convenient for playing with grandparents or friends for whom English is not a first language. Some families with high-potential children taking foreign languages may even want to purposely buy a copy in that language as a learning tool. Tips: While corporate wonks recommend Monopoly for ages 8 and up, loads of bright children ages 6 and 7 will happily wipe out their parents wallets and thrill for the tradeya-this-for-that side antics of the game. Play with an atlas or globe nearby so that world domination can be properly appreciated visually. This also is a great chance to discuss multicultural differences beyond architecture and business etiquette. Parental bonus points if you download photos of the famous architectural structures now depicted in neon red and green plastic, and keep them with the board. Short on time? Check out Monopoly Express (MSRP: $14.99), which shrinks the game to a mere 20 minutes. CLUE: The makers of this 60-year-old murder mystery favorite (Hasbro) appear to have replaced the games ever-proper Tudor mansiona beloved deathtrapwith a dramatically remodeled sprawling estate, which include

extra potential murder locales like a media room and spa. The posh party has changed, toovictims, murderers, or innocents might include an aged sports celebrity or megarich video game designer instead of stuffy academics and ancient military leaders. Yes, Im getting to the weapons the enlarged cache is certainly deadly, with few victims likely to miss the lead pipe, now replaced by a baseball bat, ax, and trophy. Best of all, though, is that the game has been made much more challenging and unpredictable because players must consider a second deck of cards. Think of this makeover as Clue 2.0youll recognize the basics but enjoy learning some new bells and whistles alongside your young sleuths. Tips: Hasbro also has expanded the Clue brand through certain character-specific editions, including a very cool one based on the Harry Potter books (MSRP: $26.99). In the latter, the game challenge is somewhat boosted because the board contains wheels that might reveal secret passages or Voldemorts dreaded Dark Mark, so young detectives must be extra alert. Try playing the Harry Potter movie soundtracks in the background and snacking on Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans (wacky-flavored jelly beans) for extra ambiance. DOMINOES: Reportedly played since 1120, Dominos remains true to its core game concept of matching divided rectangular tiles of varying dots (technical name: pips) end to end. However, that doesnt mean this centuries-old game hasnt experienced some modernization that even old-timers will love. Bendomino, for instance, contains the traditional 28 tiles but bends them like mini-rainbows and adds bright colors. The result is a twisty-turny layout that requires more concentration and strategy (you can block opponents whose tiles may not fit into the layout). As a nice aside, socially responsible manufacturer Blue Orange (http://www.blueorangegames. com) plants two trees for each tree it uses in production of their games. Also, be forewarned that the manufacturer has labeled the tiles as choking hazards to children age 3 and under. Wooden junior (MSRP: $19.99) and spiffy deluxe (MSRP: $34.99) versions are also available. Another versionFundomino (MSRP: $19.99, Blue Orange)mimics the roundness of Bendominoes but players
must match colored and numbered tiles to try to reach 120 points first. Action is kept lively because some of the dominos are wild or direct players to draw or play again. If your children are older or desire serious challenge, consider turning to High-Rise Dominoes (MSRP: $34.00, Fundex Games). Recommended for age 8 and up, players match and stack their tiles vertically to build a skyscraper. Testers give the game extra cool points for its revolving, 5 -inch plastic board and the spacers that help hold the ever-changing construction together. Another plus is that wild tiles can help lead to dramatic swings in the scoring, so everyone has to pay close attention from all angles. Tips: Bendomino is priced at $16.99, inexpensive enough that you can do what many families do buy two sets to double the size. With 56 tiles, players can create very large snakelike designs across your dining room table. Playing time with two sets is about 2035 minutes, and half that with only one set. Meanwhile, High-Rise Dominoes, which comes with 36 tiles versus 21, takes much longer than the other two versionsoften more than an hour, although the time goes by quickly. SCRABBLE: With more than 18,000 U.S. schools hosting Scrabble clubs that compete at local, state, and national levels, your child may already be deep into the world of wooden letter tiles and timed spelling. Now add in the 200-plus adult clubs, the nearly-as-many sanctioned tournaments of the National Scrabble Association, the games ever-expanding global distribution, and the crazy-hot Facebook version Scrabbulous (which was challenged by Hasbro

Parenting for High Potential is published quarterly and is distributed as a membership benefit by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). The views expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NAGC or its Board of Directors. Copyright 2009 National Association for Gifted Children 1707 L Street, NW, Suite 550 Washington, DC 20036 202-785-4268 www.nagc.org
for trademark infringement when the game was the ninth most popular application on this social media site). Thus, few should be surprised to learn that one third of American homes contain this National Toy Hall of Fame winner. While creative marketing and a fair price tag (MSRP: $12.99, Milton Bradley Hasbro Games) have helped keep Scrabble on parents must-have lists, so too has the variety of game versions that go well beyond just a Disney version or Junior edition, for instance. These contemporary takes keep things interesting by changing the rules, speed, and structure. Scrabble Upwards (MSRP: $19.95) turns a flat crossword game into a 3-D stackable version that lets players rack up huge scores because even tiles that are built five-high are counted in the final word. Kids love scores in the hundreds! The same holds for Super Scrabble (MSRP: $24.95, Winning Moves) with its super-sized board and 200 tiles that let everyone create even more words. Scrabble Express (MSRP: $12.95) mimics Monopoly Express by condensing game time to 20 minutes, but the newer version that really scored high with young and young-at-heart testers was Scrabble Me! (MSRP: $19.95, Winning Moves). Youre on your own here, and no one is squirming while waiting a turn, because everyone is playing all the time with his or her own board. Between plays, everyone can choose either an unknown tile from the bag or a face-up letter from the prize tile podium. Adding to the craziness are wild tiles that, when used, require an opponent to swap boards with that player. Tips: Although aimed at 2 to 4 players, Scrabble Me! can be great fun at a neighborhood or school game night with multiple sets. It can be a bit confusing at first to children under age 8 (the manufacturer suggests age 8 and up for all of these versions), but they do catch on, even teaming up at times to increase their competitiveness. The wild tile trades are particularly popular and draw enthusiastic shrieks, even from the classic crowd. Clearly, whether centuries old or minutes new, when a game concept is strong, the appeal to play will hold across both generations and innovations.

Aurthors Note

Kristin Clarke is the parent of two high-potential children, and a longtime journalist, editor, and Web content developer who still remembers losing in the Scrabble Club semi-final in seventh grade. She can be reached at fishtrail@aol.com.