Youngsters will love whipping out this very grownup-looking laptop for a little educational funactually, a lot of educational fun! With 80 activities in such skills as language, math, Spanish, social studies, reading, art, and music, the Nitro Notebook packs a true academic punch. The sleek blue computer looks like a standard laptop on the outside, complete with mouse and pad, but features developmentally appropriate games for kids six and older.

As players explore games in Science World (match the animal to its shadow), Word Zone (spell the word to help the puppy cross the river), Creative Studio (create a musical masterpiece), and more, an artificial intelligence tool tracks their progress, automatically upping the challenge quotient as their skills progress. Two bonus cartridges (Story Time and Sing-Along) take kids still deeper into their journey of knowledge. This is a terrific way to improve school skills at home. Three AA batteries or 9V 300mA adaptor required (not included). (Demo batteries included.) --Emilie Coulter

Nitro Notebook is power packed with learning tools.

This fun and educational tool delivers many computer-like laptop features. View larger.