Your child can also use the Reader with headphones (not included). An adult can help pry open the flaps that hide the headphone plug and USB port. There's also a handy audio book feature -- perfect for traveling -- that plays aloud an entire story. The battery is securely placed behind a screw-locked compartment for safety.

Advice to parents: the optical reader is exposed at the tip of the Reader so be sure to keep liquids away from it.

Amazing Response with Every Touch
Your child will instantly gravitate to the entertaining, interactive way the Tag Reading System opens up the world of books. She can touch virtually anywhere on the special Tag Activity Storybook and the Reader will respond with music, sound effects, amusing phrases, and other fun activities related to the book. There are special symbols placed throughout the pages that cause the Reader to read the entire page, play a game, prompt children to answer "yes" or "no" questions, repeat a phrase, or simply stop the Reader from speaking.

When children want to read on their own but need just a little help, simply pointing to a word on the page will let them hear just that word. This feature is perfect for children that are just developing their reading skills but get frustrated when faced with a challenging word. The Reading System will help them gain confidence and enjoy reading. Each TAG Storybook features games and activities that will help develop age-appropriate skills such as building vocabulary, reading comprehension, and other core reading skills.

Store up to 10 Books
The sample full-size book comes conveniently pre-loaded onto the Tag Reader. Additionally, 10 books can be loaded onto the Reader giving children the opportunity to switch back and forth between different books with ease. The Tag Reading system comes with a LeapFrog Connect CD and the Reader can easily connect to a computer with the USB cable (included).

There are currently over 30 books in the Tag Reading System library and it will continue to grow as LeapFrog constantly adds new books. Books range from classic children's books to contemporary, cartoon-based adventures, so there's something for every child. They also range in varying reading and skill levels allowing parents to tailor the books to their child's individual needs.

What's in the Box
One Tag Reader, one full-size Tag Activity Storybook, USB Cable, LeapFrog Connect CD, 2 "AAA" batteries.

MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Ages:10 and up Pieces:619 Requires:6 "AA"/LR6 batteries (not included)

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Brings LEGO to life. The Challenging: Booklet only includes instructions for one basic robot. In a Nutshell: Everything you need to build and program robots -- jump starts inventive play.

With MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0, you can construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. View larger.

Use the included software to program your robot and watch it come to life. View larger.

Build, Program, Go
Creating a MINDSTORMS robot is challenging -- but not too difficult -- with an illustrated step-by-step booklet and software showing the way. The booklet gives you instructions for building a basic "Quick Start" robot only, which is an easy introduction to the MINDSTORMS experience. This robot took our two adult testers about 30 minutes to build and 30 minutes to program. After that, they spent a lot of time just playing with their creation and testing its abilities.

Once you master the basics of MINDSTORMS, you'll need to use the included software to get instructions for more advanced creations. You can also use the MINDSTORMS web site to find instructions for many other robots, or you can create robots on your own. No matter what you choose to create, the principles are the same: just build the robot using the LEGO elements in the kit, and program it on your computer using the software. Then watch your robot come alive.

NXT Technology Brings LEGO to Life
MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 features the latest in robotic technology: an advanced programmable microcontroller, Interactive Servo Motors, smart sensors, icon-based drag-and-drop programming software, interactive challenges, and wireless Blue tooth and USB connections -- all the smart technologies you need to create your custom robot.

First, the brain of the MINDSTORMS robot is NXT, an intelligent, computer-controlled LEGO brick that features a 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, input and output ports, and a speaker.

Second, three Interactive Servo Motors give you precise control over the robot and ensure that the robot moves with precision -- the built-in rotation sensor can measure one-degree steps.

Third, there are four robotic sensors. The first is the Ultrasonic Sensor, one of two sensors that gives your robot vision. You can use it to make your robot avoid obstacles, sense and measure distance, and detect movement.

And fourth of all, two Touch Sensors give your robot a sense of touch. They detect when they are being pressed or released, and you can use them to make your robot pick up things or act on command. For example, by pressing a Touch Sensor you can make your robot walk, talk, close a door, or turn off your TV.

There's also a Color Sensor that functions three ways: it distinguishes colors -- black and white, as well as a range of bright and pastel colors -- it distinguishes light settings, and it can be used as a color lamp.

And finally, the MINDSTORMS Software lets you program your robot. Use the software to create a program, and then download the program to the NXT by using the USB cable or the wireless Blue tooth connection. Mac- and PC-compatible drag-and-drop software gives you 16 building and programming challenges, from beginner to expert.

Overall, this set scores an excellent rating for its clever design elements. Our testers enjoyed the way the set brought a new level of interaction to their LEGO experience, and appreciated how easy it was to create their first robot. They also loved the way this set encourages inventive play -- all the cool hardware that makes up the set can be used to build any robot you dream up. Finally, our testers liked how this set offers a great balance of learning and fun, and encourages interest in science, computers, and engineering.

Microsoft Windows Requirements
• Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 or newer
• Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 800 MHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or newer
• Intel Pentium processor or compatible, 1 GHz minimum (1.5 GHz or better recommended)
• CD-ROM drive

Apple Macintosh Requirements
• Apple MacOS X v10.4 or v10.5
• PowerPC G3, G4, G5 processor, 600 MHz minimum
• Intel processor (1.3 GHz or better recommended)
• DVD drive

General System Requirements
• 512MB of RAM minimum
• 700MB of available hard-disk space
• XGA display (1024x768)
• 1 available USB port
• Compatible Blue tooth adapter (optional)