Surf scooting

By Paul Best
October 20, 2005
The Ocean Scooter FX.

The Ocean Scooter FX.

Ocean Scooter FX, $269

With summer on the way, children's minds start turning to the beach and water sports.This battery-powered inflatable power-ski for children aged five and up,though,is designed for just about any body of water,including the backyard swimming pool.Inflated in 10 minutes,the Ocean Scooter can hit a speed of 4.7 km/h with a 50- kilogram rider on board (it can support up to 75 kg).

Made from high-grade PVC,it has double-barrelled inflation chambers to protect it from sinking if punctured.

The battery takes about six hours to fully charge,which will provide about an hour of use.Weighing 10 kg,the scooter folds up into a travel bag.Other safety features include power shutdown when throttle is released,a waterproof circuit,and a protected propeller.

Party dolls

Pixel Chix, $55

The doll's house has entered the digital age.This pint-sized plastic abode features an animated Pixel chick doing what single girls do at home alone - all on an LCD screen.A set of buttons on the front of the house lets you dress and feed her,play games and put her to bed.The more time you spend with her,the more things she'll have and do, including sharing a night of karaoke and pizza with you.

By connecting doll's houses,she can invite other Pixel pals over for an all-girl's party or movie night.

Accessorising the go

PSP Playgear Amp, $99

It may be a measure of its popularity or possibly its versatility but,like the iPod before it, Sony's hand-held PlayStation,the PSP,is establishing a growing market in accessories.Cases,headphones and portable speakers for the PlayStation Portable are just some of the items available.The Playgear Amp's quad micro drivers give a fuller,richer-quality sound whether you're listening to music,watching a movie or playing a game.The PSP fits into a cradle for hands-free viewing.

The unit also comes with a travel case.
