The main unit, which requires minimal assembly, is essentially an oversized joy stick--so instead of sitting sedately with a game controller in hand, kids play the Zippity game with their whole body and get plenty of gross motor coordination practice. It consists of a large activity mat with different colored sections, and the "bopper," which is a joystick-like pole that requires big arm movements for moving backward, forward, and side to side.

Play and Learn
The Zippity's eight games feature favorite Disney characters in quality, three-dimensional animation. All are designed to introduce preschool-age kids to a wide range of learning skills--not least of which is practicing listening and following directions. The game system starts out with Mickey Mouse teaching your child (and you!) the basics of how to use the controller, and each game is introduced with either a narrator or a character giving instructions.

Listening, memory skills, and coordination skills are also developed in several games, such as "Darby's Honey Pot Jam," "Goofy's Fancy Dancing," and "June's Twist n'Twirl." These games ask the child to do certain "moves" in a short sequence to create a dance, for example, to step on the green section of the mat or to push the bopper in a certain direction.

The Zippity introduces plenty of other learning skills through the eight fun games, including color recognition, letter and number recognition, and even introduction to classical composers and world cultures. In games featuring Handy Manny, kids get a little introduction to Spanish vocabulary; and in "Super Sleuths on the Case," kids put their problem solving skills to use by helping Winnie the Pooh collect clues to answer questions.

The "Learning Path" in the system's onscreen main menu provides a bit more information about the learning skills the Zippity introduces to your child. Leap Frog also has a more robust online Learning Path Web site, which is touted as a complement to all of its products, including the Zippity. We found, however, that the Learning Path Web site is better suited to use with Leap Frog's other Internet-connectable toys and doesn't augment the Zippity experience in a substantial way.

Different Learning Levels Customize to Child's Ability
Each game features two levels of difficulty, and at each level the game calibrates itself to the child's level of advancement, so the games can grow with your child. We found that our three-year-old toy tester is just old enough to start using this toy. She required an adult to reinforce the directions given by the game--more practice would make the process easier, and older children would also be able to catch on more quickly.

Be warned: although the picture on the box shows a child energetically leaping on the interactive mat, the pace of the games is much slower, especially at Level 1. But the slower pace and the level of challenge doesn't make them any less enjoyable. Although our toy tester found the games challenging, she had a lot of fun trying-- and she would only get better with practice. And once the included games are mastered, other game cartridges are available for separate purchase.

What's in the Box
Zippity main unit with "bopper" and interactive mat; console with attached AV cable

In addition, the board offers such features as spiked traction pads, a kick tail and nose, and a concave deck design, which combine to improve your foot control--a must for tricks. And thanks to the 76mm polyurethane wheels and precision ABEC-5 bearing casters, skaters will enjoy a smooth ride on almost any type of pavement. Designed for children 8 years and up, the Ripstik's plastic end platforms and metal torsion beam support up to 220 pounds. The board also comes with a freeHow to RideDVD.

Key Features:

• Inclined caster trucks
• Concave deck platforms
• Traction plates
• Kick nose
• Kick tail
• Rubber-padded handle
• Torsion bar
• 76-millimeter polyurethane wheels
• High-performance ABEC-5 bearings
• For ages 8+
• 220-pound rider weight capacity

The Razor A is built of aircraft-grade aluminum, a sturdy material that holds up to use and abuse through the years. Its T-tube and deck, meanwhile, fold up into a compact footprint, so riders can fit the scooter inside a bag or carry it at their side when riding isn't appropriate (it weighs around 6 pounds). And thanks to the 98 mm inline-style urethane wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and patented rear fender brake, riders will always feel smooth and in control when kicking along the sidewalk.

Recommended for ages 5 and older, this version of the Razor A sports green handlebars, a green deck logo, and green wheels, with a max rider weight of 143 pounds. It's also backed by a six-month warranty. For the next step up, try the Razor A2 Scooter.

Key Features:

• For riders ages 5 and older
• Sturdy aluminum construction
• Weighs approximately six pounds
• Retractable kickstand
• Rear fender brake
• Patented folding mechanism
• 143-pound user weight capacity
• Six-month warranty

The buyer and rider of the Razor A scooter are responsible for knowing and obeying all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the riding and use of scooters.