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Speak & Spell is B-A-C-K
If you're a techie of a certain age (cough), you probably have fond memories of the Speak & Spell. The Texas Instruments toy's quirky speech synthesis may be quaint by modern standards, but it sounded like magic at a time when getting any computer to talk was a big deal. You'll be glad to hear it's back, then. Basic Fun is introducing a revived Speak & Spell that includes all the familiar games, that simple segmented display (albeit one based on modern LCDs) and, of course, that signature orange-and-yellow design. However, there is one important change you'll have to consider: the voice.
Guitar Hero Carabiner keeps those fingertips calloused
If you (for whatever reason) thought the Air Guitar Rocker spotted at CES was the next best thing to Guitar Hero itself, you've got another thing comin'. Debuting at Toy Fair 2008 in New York, the Guitar Hero Carabiner takes thrashing to an entirely different level, albeit a much tinier one. Yep, this 7.75- x 3-inch device features a minuscule LCD screen, integrated speaker, five gloriously colorful buttons and a loop for clipping onto your knapsack (or similar). Additionally, the neck itself collapses down to make the entire thing just 4- x 3-inches for easy portability, and best of all, it can be yours for the low, low price of $14.99.[Via CNET]
Atari controller "keychains" -- with games
While its merits as a keychain are questionable (not to mention potentially painful), these officially-licensed Atari game-on-a-controller units from Basic Fun should prove to be geek catnip for anyone who remembers the good old days when game consoles were wood-paneled and had switches for black-and-white or color. The familiar 2600 joystick model is available in two variations, one with Asteroids and Millipede and one with Centipede and Yar's Revenge, while the paddle gives you Pong along with Breakout and Warlords -- although if the reviews are any indication you shouldn't expect completely faithful versions of the games. Each unit will set you back about $15, which includes the six foot RCA cable for connecting it to a TV (yeah, you gotta remember to tote that along with your keychain), but not the three AA batteries required to power it.Read - Design Kitten ReviewRead - Basic Fun[Via Uber-Review]
