The latest gadgets for kids to blast their tunes on
Kids these days grow up surrounded by technology, whether it’s computers, cell phones or video games. And when it comes to MP3 players, chances are your kid has at least one. If they don’t, however, maybe it’s about time to get them digitalized with these kid-friendly MP3 and other electronic music gadgets.
1. Aigo F029
It’s not just a watch – this Aigo F029 also functions as a music player. The Aigo has a full-color OLED screen with a maximum resolution of 160×128 pixels. It supports both MP3 and WMA audio formats, and can also play MPEG videos. RMB 799 for 2GB; RMB 999 for 4GB. Available at various electronic stores and markets.
2. I Can Play Guitar
Fisher-Price’s I Can Play Guitar will magically transform any kid into a skilled guitarist. Color-coded finger positioning buttons are specially designed for kid-sized hands, and it includes a hardware system so kids can follow along with on the TV. USD 99.99, available at www.taobao.com and www.amazon.com.
3. Onda VX747
Looks like an iPod Touch but is less than one third of the price! Comes in 4GB and 8GB formats with an optional 32GB of external storage and boasts 18 hours of music playback or seven hours of video. RMB 599 for 4GB; RMB 799 for 8GB. Available at various electronic markets and stores in town.
4. Barbie Girls
These may look like cute and simple dolls, but they also serve as music players, too! Has an expandable memory slot that holds up to 2GB (sold separately) in addition to the stock 512MB of memory. The girly-girl style will send your young princess into a musical rapture! Available at www.taobao.com and www.amazon.com.
5. iDog AMP’d
Simply plug iDog AMP’D into the headphone jack of any music device and the tunes will emit from speakers situated in the dog’s back and belly. Wait long enough and the dog comes alive, bobbing its head and wagging its tail to the music. For ages 8 and up, available at Hailong Electronic Market, www.hilon.com.cn
6. Disney Mix Sticks
A player for kids under 13 years old, rechargeable batteries last eight hours and the stock 128MB of memory can be upgraded to 1GB for a price. Four styles include Disney Chrome, Forever Princess, Sassy Pixie and That’s So Raven. Available at www.taobao.com and www.amazon.com
7. iPod Shuffle
Small, easy to carry, reasonably priced – it’s no wonder why iPods are so popular. The Shuffle can hold up to 1GB worth of music. RMB 428 at various electronic markets and stores in Beijing, also available at www.apple.com.
8. iriver S7
A player for older kids who want to stand out from the crowd, the iriver S7 deliberately lacks a screen and features unique control buttons. Comes with 1GB of memory storage; battery lasts up to nine hours. RMB 499 at various electronic markets and stores around town.
