Crayola Print Factory
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by IBM and Crayola

Age Group: Age 4 to 8, Age 8 and Up Type: Art & Creativity Price: $ 29.99 US

PC version requires:
486-33 4 MB RAM, 10 M 2x CD-ROM, Windows 95, also on Windows 3.1,640x480x256

Mac version requires:
Version is available.

Description:

IBM Brings You Crayola Print Factory CD-ROM is jam-packed with fun and easy printer activities. It's extremely easy to use, and although it doesn't have as many stamps as Broderbund's Kid Pix Studios, you can change the colors of the stamps. I know grown-ups who will throw out their programs for this one, just because it's simple and straightforward to use.

One of the intelligent features of this title is that it limits the size of graphics and text to "big" and "small." This just makes it that much easier for kids to have fun. On the other hand, don't try to import graphics and stamps, because it won't work! Maybe that feature is in one of the add-on packs - we'll have reviews of those titles up shortly too.

Features:

• Draw, color and paint (and the Crayola LOOKS like crayola!)
• A myriad of projects: stickers, banners, cards, growth charts, paper toys, posters, and more.
• 80 Crayola crayon colors - 64 classic, 8 glitter and 8 multicultural (what the heck is a multicultural crayon??)
• Creativity tools - crazy lines, crayons, brushes, stamps, shapes, markers, fill.
• Patterns, clip art, text.
• Print designs in color or black and white.
• Decorations activity is creation of 3D ornaments, toys and more, including play money and pinwheels.
• Includes Quick Starts - pre-made designs and layouts.
• User tips for activities.

Technical Aspects:

We had no problems running this title on either machine until attempting to print. Alas, our HP Deskjet 682C has always been cantankerous and difficult to work with, even after updating printer drivers and talking ugly about HP to half the software industry! After printing one or two projects, we began to get all sorts of error messages and ended up restarting the system, which fixed the problem - until the next time it occurred!

Reactions:

ALL the kids at our house are enjoying this title! Despite the printer problems, we've been doing cards galore, posters, bookmarks. They appreciated the 10 sheets of special printing paper that comes along in the box - glossy, heavyweight and sticker paper. Oh yeeees, stickers! Ah, the possibilities...

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