14 Top Tech Toys of 2009

It walks, talks, lights up, flies—but is it fun? Find out what kids (and a few grownups) think are the coolest toys for this holiday season.
This is an exceptional year for tech toys. Oh, and I am not talking about your lightning-fast gaming rig, $7,000 D-SLR, or awesome handheld whatever. I mean actual toys, for children, with some sort of technology built into them. Not only have companies that specialize in tech toys (LeapFrog, Jakks Pacific, WowWee) come through with great new products, but also, traditional toy companies, such as Hasbro and Mattel, sent us some fun and innovative offerings to try out.
What makes a great tech toy? Well, it should be fun, first and foremost—not just a novelty that kids put aside after 10 minutes and forget about. It should be rugged—and cleanable! Another factor is how well the technology is integrated: Does it enhance the playability of the toy? Is the toy accessible and easy for the intended age group to use, or do mom and dad need to play along?
Most of the toys that made it into our best-of list were played with by kids (all PCMag staff progeny), which is the ultimate test. A couple of our top picks, though, never left the office! Let's just say a few of us here are very much in touch with our inner 8-year-olds.
Read on to find out the real deal on the toys your kids will want this year. And find more toy reviews, along with lots of other tech-gift ideas, at Gearlog, in the Holiday Gifts category.
Ages 10-14
Mattel Barbie Doll'd Up Nails Digital Printer
Any girl into Barbie—and even some who aren't so into Barbie—will have a terrific time with this toy. Kids can pick from a huge range of designs, or upload their own, and decorate their nails to suit their taste. All materials are included, at least to get started with. Parental participation is recommended for this one.
Company: Mattel Inc., www.mattel.com
Price: $179.99 list
For ages: 8 to 12
Find out why the Mattel Barbie Doll'd Up Nails Digital Printer never left the office, at Gearlog.
Nanover Nanoscope
In the Nanover online game, kids collect characters and have them battle against other characters. The Nanoscope electronic handheld device turns the Nanovor game into a portable experience, letting kids practice on their own and play against their friends (as long as they also have Nanoscopes) without a computer.
Company: Smith & Tinker, www.smithandtinker.com
Price: $49.99 list
For ages: 7 to 12
*Kid tested!
See how our kid tester fared with the Nanover Nanoscope at Gearlog.
Spin Master Air Hogs SwitchBlade
The SwitchBlade RC flyer is part helicopter, part plane: It takes off by rotating like a helicopter, but once it's up high enough, you hit the Morph button on the remote to cause the wings to align, and it then flies like a plane. Just make sure you try it outside—and have plenty of room to fly.
Company: Spin Master, www.spinmaster.com
Price: $69.99 list
For ages: 8 and up
*Kid tested!
Check out our hands-on review of the Spin Master Air Hogs SwitchBlade at Gearlog.

Techno Source Rubik's Touch Cube
Yep, it's a digital version of the diabolically challenging cube. Instead of physically twisting slices of the cube to try to turn each side all one color, you slide your finger along the top, and the colored lights make the move for you. You can also ask the Cube for hints, undo moves, and even get it to solve itself.
Company: Techno Source, www.rubikstouchcube.com
Price: $149.99 list
For ages: 5 and up
Watch our hands-on video of the Techno Source Rubik's Touch Cube on Gearlog.

WowWee Roborover
Kids are sure to have a blast with WowWee's newest interactive, trainable toy bot: With its tread wheels, flashing lights, and seemingly never-ending patter, Roborover will more than match the energy and imagination of any child. (Parents, thankfully, you can adjust Roborover's volume.)
Company: WowWee Group Ltd., www.wowwee.com
Price: $69.99 list
For ages: 6 and up
*Kid tested!
Check out our hands-on review of the WowWee Roborover at Gearlog.