Sega - Pico System
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Sega

Age Group: Age 2 to 5, Age 4 to 8 Type: More Fun Price: $139.99

Description:

Last year, a good friend of mine, Carol Welch, bought her son one of Sega's Pico systems for Christmas. Since then, I've listened to her rave about the edutainment titles available for play, so I suggested she write some reviews. But first, I got MY hands on a Pico so we could see what the fuss is all about! Sega markets the Pico system as the "Computer that thinks it's a Toy" - and rightly so. It's designed with bright colors and uses heavy plastic, all very kid-friendly.

Pico is easy to get started, it plugs directly into the TV or VCR and plays like a video game. The Pico has the appearance of a laptop computer, complete with directional keys and a Magic Pen - a stylus kids use to touch the screen and make things happen.

Pico is fun!

Features:

• Lap-top computer styling.
• The system comes with one Storyware title.
• As kids turn the book pages, the screen changes.
• Magic Pen - a stylus that's excellent for practicing pre-writing and mouse skills.
• Directional arrows.
• The activities are self-directed and do not require parental involvement.
• By hooking the Pico into your VCR, you can tape your child's session, including their original pictures.

Notes:

My 3 year old has spent hours and hours playing on this system! Even our 2 year old has enjoyed playing the coloring section. In fact, we had to get out the timer and make them take turns! Neither of them has had problems with manipulating the book pages or the Magic Pen. One observation from Mom: unlike PC-based multimedia, with Pico, a child can set off several animations simultaneously.

Reactions

My kids set up their Pico on the table section of their Lil' Tykes Work Shop and announced that it's their "office" - just like Mom's! We tried putting it on the floor but they tend to step on things, besides, Molly the Patio Dog (our Dalmation) was lurking and I could imagine a 60-lb. pawprint could do some damage to the system. Anyhow, although Sega sent two additional titles for review with the Pico, I've got Carol working on reviews of them. And my kids are having a blast with the title that came with the system! Pico is a good solution for those who find their tots taking over the computer, or for those who can't afford a PC but still want quality edutainment for their children. Either way, Pico is a winner!

If you're interested in checking out Pico, watch for the Pico Magic Bus Tour, coming YOUR town soon!

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