Review of Tracfone Wireless Phones and Service
Thursday, July 3, 2008
We gave up traditional cell phone plans long ago. With some months totaling over 2,000 anytime minutes, and other months totaling zero, it was a crap shoot as to how much we would pay in overages. (And it just wasn't worth it for the months we didn't use service.)
Prepaid seemed the way to go, and while per minute, it wasn't as reasonable as a 2-year contracted plan, it kept us within our budget and talking when we needed it. Who did we finally go with? Tracfone, of course. The price was right, the service on par with other providers, and if we lost a phone it was no big deal to replace it (for usually less than $15!)
If you don't care about having an infinite number of calls, 24/7 web access, and all the jiggiest (lame, I know) ring tones on the planet, Tracfone may just be perfect for you, too! With all the neatest phones from LG, Motorola, and Kyocera, none of your friends will know that you are on a prepaid plan. And you'll be laughing all the way to the bank!
Setup is easy either online or via their toll-free number. Most phones comes with a few minutes to get you started, and there are some great deals going on every day! I love my pink phone with accessory package, 20 starter minutes, and charger -- it was only $14.99! Add another airtime card, and use code 50722 to get an extra 60 minutes with any prepaid minutes purchase (bonus won't show up until purchase is complete.) I think I'll use all that extra cell phone money to support my Luna Bar habit...Labels: electronics, Mom
posted by Kylinsmom @ 11:24 AM,
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Review of KidzMouse
Monday, June 16, 2008
Kids love to play computer games, and many start asking to use Mommy and Daddy's PC as soon as they learn to talk. But let's face it... the keyboards and mouse equipment that come standard on most desktops and laptops just aren't designed to be used by tiny hands just learning computer-coordination!
We were thrilled to learn about KidzMouse -- the mouse designed exclusively for tiny computer enthusiasts ages 2-10. They come in exciting and adorable designs (we love Dora the Explorer best), and work with a "squeeze" rather than a "tap." (This is because most kids muscles work in this manner.)
With the option to switch to a right-click, left-click or any click, this mouse was easy to install and use on both our desktop and laptop! My 3 year-old was playing his favorite games without the stress of click-difficulty, and my 9-year-old loved that it was very pressure-sensitive and worked well with all of her games! The mouse was also "optical" rather than with a ball roller, which meant it worked well on all surfaces and doesn't need cleaning!
KidzMouse carries a full line of "mice" to plug in to your USB or PS/2 adapter. They also offer keyboards and headphones! Check out their Nickelodeon varieties, Disney designs, and Sesame Street Gear! This is truly kid-friendly computing!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, electronics
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:10 PM,
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Review of Yada YD-V1 + phone holder + car charger
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sure, you know you really shouldn't be yapping on your cell when driving. (If fact, some states outlaw it.) But things happen, and sometimes you just have to take that call!
Yada is a cool new gadget designed to help you "Talk safe. Drive safe." And we agree that it is a great tool for communicating on the go!
What is Yada? Simply put, it's simple. You've got a YD-V1 + phone holder + car charger, all wrapped up into one easy-to-use gizmo. What's it do? Everything:
- Universal phone holder with Bluetooth headset combo
- Compatible with any Bluetooth capable mobile device
- Auto "End" calls when headset is placed on the charging cradle
- Auto "Power Off" when no Bluetooth signal is detected and/or not being used for more than an hour
- Auto "Power On" and connects to your mobile phone when engine starts
- Auto answer incoming call when headset is removed from charging cradle
- Pair with up to 8 devices
- Multiple mounting options
- Multiple charging options
Bottom line: This is one doo-dad that replaces all doo-dads. It works, and it reduces extra "cell-phone" clutter. (Like we need anymore junk in our cars.) Simple and streamlined, we really likey!
This very cool piece of gear is available at electronics retailers and Amazon.com. The YD-V1 + phone holder + car charger is just one of many new offerings from Yada. Get one for a Mom-on the-go in your life!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, electronics, Mom
posted by Kylinsmom @ 1:57 PM,
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Review of Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs Software
Monday, May 12, 2008
Computer games are a fun hobby at our house, but I really prefer those that teach basic learning skills over those for pure entertainment. We recently had an opportunity to test out Kutoka Interactive's Mia's Reading Adventure: The Bugaboo Bugs with both my 4 and 9-year old children, and the response was overwhelmingly positive!First, let me give you a little background: Mia Reading is a DVD-ROM computer learning software game that provides hours of fun activities for reinforcing the foundational reading skills that every child needs to succeed. But this really is no ordinary educational software! The graphics are beyond amazing! My daughter and I were shocked to see that the game played much like a high-budget computer-animated movie, and she even told me that it was more realistic than games she had played on a Nintendo DS or a PS3. The game was quick-loading, and very easy to set up (it only required a short installation and allowed children to type their name for their play settings.)
In addition to really clever activities that challenged phonics, adverbs, sentence structure, and so much more, the game provided:
• Adventure game includes 12 educational activities
• Two game styles: Adventure Mode and Activities Mode
• Four age-appropriate difficulty levels
• Easy to consult evaluation report to follow the child’s progress
• Educational activities seamlessly integrated into the story
• Colorful environments and endearing characters in a rich
3D environment
• Feature-film quality animation
• Unique navigation system enabling real-time control of
the main character
• On DVD-ROM for an even better graphic quality
(This is a screen shot from our favorite activity in the game! Who doesn't love jellybeans?)This game was just as fun for me to watch as it was for my kids to play! Children will enjoy helping Mia (the mouse) find ways to rid her home of stinky, nasty bug invaders while they build upon their reading skills. Adults will enjoy having a game played in the home that is worthwhile and pleasant to be around (as we all know how annoying some video games can be).
Mia Reading is perfect for summer learning, supplementing homeschool curriculum, or just as a way to pass time in a uniquely enriching way. See more about Kutoka Interactive and the Mia Reading program at their website! (This game is available at major electronics retailers and Amazon.com)
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, electronics, entertainment
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:20 AM,
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Review of Girlz Connect LocketPal
Friday, December 28, 2007
Bandai has captured the heart of my little girl with their latest line of products for tween girls -- Girlz Connect! After being presented to my 9-year-old, the LocketPal has never left her side! Designed for girls ages 5 and up, the LocketPal is a plastic locket/planner/game console that is light on the wallet and heavy on the charm.
Equipped with a small stylus (an extra is stored in the body of the locket), the LocketPal features games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Hangman, as well as drills for math and spelling. (She has been devouring the times tables quizzes.) To keep things girly, they have included a sensor for testing the user's mood; Just place your fingertip on the sensor pad, and LocketPal will tell you one of over a dozen generic but fun sayings, such as, "You need to relax."
A calendar and phone book will help keep girls organized and connected. (Just watch how many times a day they will try to set the timer.) I was impressed with all the different functions this little gadget performed! The entire mirrored locket is no bigger than a small wallet, and it clips onto backpacks or purses with ease.
Available at online retailers and Amazon for under $15! For more info on the entire Girlz Connect line, visit Bandai's website!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, electronics, toys
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:28 AM,
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Review of Tamagotchi Connection v4.5
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tamagotchi isn't new, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun! The clever little pet for kids ages 8 and up has some new tricks up its sleeve!
The new Tamagotchi 4.5 has everything you've come to love about the pet, plus potential for so much more! Pick a dream job, and using new games, you can mentor your pet to become a florist, teacher, firefighter, or 12 other cool jobs. Earn gotchi points and prizes from exotic places like Africa and Japan, or just relax at home with one of over 20 fun games.
There are 12 styles to choose from for both boys and girls. All games come with a battery to get started right away! Addictive for kids and adults, we loved our Tamagotchi! Learn more about the world of Tamagotchi at their website, where you can view the commercial, play games, or download wallpaper, games and ringtones for your cellphone! Tamagotchi Connection 4.5 is available from online retailers everywhere!
Wanna win one? Just comment here on your favorite character (see them all here) from the new game for a chance to win! We will accept entries until midnight CST on December 31st! Read our rules, and good luck!
CONGRATULATIONS to Ellinghouse! You have been contacted on how to claim your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, electronics, giveaway, toys
posted by Kylinsmom @ 1:25 PM,
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Review of Dance Praise 2: the Remix by Digital Praise
Friday, November 23, 2007
We all know how amazingly popular the Dance, Dance Revolution trend has become. And why wouldn't it be? It combines video games, music, and exercise: three things that kids all love! But what about those of us who would love to enrich our children's lives with faith and praise by incorporating value-driven songs into their fun?
Digital Praise has answered the call with their Dance Praise 2: the Remix computer game. Claiming to "turn your computer into a dance machine," they have done just that! The game contains everything needed to get started right away, including a dance pad that plugs directly into your computer USB port! Families without expensive gaming systems can give their family the dance game experience they've always wanted with these additional features that went over very well with my family:
- 50 songs from top Christian artists including: tobyMac, Superchick, Newsboys, ZOEgirl, Relient K, Tree 63, Jeremy Camp, Pillar, and Michael W. Smith
- 4 dances per song for an amazing number of combinations for hours and hours of dance fun!
- 4 modes for playing including dance mode (keeps score for competitive fun), exercise mode (counts calories and records weight-loss goals), arcade mode, and game mode (tetris-style play)
- Each player ages 4 and up can sign in to their own game and play at their own level
This game is great for bringing family together. With something for everyone in our house, Dance Praise 2, is just pure fun, fun, fun!! This is a great game that has been given Christianity Today's #1 Children's Product of the Year for both 2005 and 2006. We at Lille Punkin' hope that it gets just as honorable a mention for 2007!
Dance Praise 2: the Remix can be purchased at Amazon, Christian gift retailers, and Video and Electronics stores!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, electronics, games, technology, toys
posted by Kylinsmom @ 12:50 PM,
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Review of Donkey Kong Jungle Climber for Nintendo DS
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I was a huge Donkey Kong fan growing up. When I tried explaining this to my now 9-year-old daughter, she didn't quite understand the concept. So I was thrilled to be able to try out the new Donkey Kong Jungle Climber for Nintendo DS, and we played it together!
Reminiscent of earlier Donkey Kong versions, this game seems true to DK's personality. Jumping, climbing, spinning, and smashing are the ways to win in this unique and challenging game. Collect enough gems and you can fly! Exploding barrels and sunflowers that throw you way up high are exciting ways to get more bananas and coins for bonus features. Groovy music and fun sound effects add to the charm of this game.
Detailed tutorials allow you to work through practice challenges before facing off to the bad guys (which are almost more fun than the real game!) You can use more buttons for jumping in this game, and both my left-handed daughter and I found it easy to get the hang of the controls. And up to 3 games can be saved so that you and your friends can each have their own adventure! (For even more fun, you can take on up to three friends in fun multiplayer challenges using DS Download Play and local wireless.)
My daughter can't stop raving about how fun this game is. I even sneak a play in here and there when I can. All in all, this is fun for the whole family. (Rated E for everyone) Get it at your favorite game retailer and Amazon.com!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, electronics, games
posted by Kylinsmom @ 5:33 PM,
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Review of Fly Fusion Pentop Computer
Monday, October 1, 2007
We are not the most gadget-friendly family. It's not that we don't enjoy or know how to use things. We just have a hard time keeping track of all the components, games, batteries, accessories, etc that the newest electronic toy or learning system needs to operate. This is why the Fly Fusion Pentop Computer from Leapfrog is so genius!
Contained within a single writing instrument, the Fly Fusion has so much to offer. My husband adopted this tool immediately after we received it from BzzAgent. Within minutes, he was using it for all kinds of fun and interesting activities:
English to Spanish translation (and vice versa)
Math equations
Music mixing
Games, riddles, brain teasers
Scheduling appointments
I was hooked as soon as I tried it, too! I loved using the special "Flypaper" and pen to make flashcards quizzes. (Simply writing a two-letter abbreviation with a circle around it triggers the computer to start a new function!) It seemed almost to futuristic, but was tons of fun!
There are all kinds of applications to buy and download for the Fly Fusion. Kids will enjoy games from popular movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter. Parents can use the pen to scribble down notes or meeting minutes and instantly upload their jottings into a Word document. Maybe you'll use your Fly Fusion to download and listen to MP3 songs!
The Fly Fusion starts at just $79.99, and contains everything you need to get started. Available at Amazon and other online retailers!
Labels: 2007 Reviews, education, electronics
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:41 AM,
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