Computer Set (2006-2008)
Jan 16, 2008 17:08:14 GMT -5
Post by monimarine on Jan 16, 2008 17:08:14 GMT -5
I apologize for the delay in getting this review up. The day I thought it had arrived, the box turned out to be something else. So without further ado...
This is the JLY Computer Set originally priced at $35. I purchased it in January of 08 when it was on sale for $18.
It contains one slim white monitor that is attached to the hot pink keyboard by a grey cord. This cord cannot be removed. The keyboard is very nicely done. The keys reflect their actual positions on a regularly functional keyboard. The space bar is labeled and the other buttons include the on, off, set, enter, %, period, +, - <,>, x, / and the numbers 0-9. Insert, delete, search and symbol are labeled above the +, -, x, and /.
The mouse is a light green oval on a very thin cord that connects to the back of the keyboard. This is the only one that can be removed.
There are two grey cd's with American Girl written on them. They are pretty flimsy and I imagine they'd break without much effort.
The computer tower is lightweight plastic in blue with a silver eject button at the top. The cd's can be inserted easily and ejected with a decent push of the button.
The monitor uses 3 AAA batteries that are not included. The battery compartment requires the removal and replacement of one screw to install the batteries.
The first thing I did was set the clock to today's date and time. The instructions for this mode are very easy.
The computer can store up to 50 names and telephone numbers in telephone mode. I didn't have time to try this one and am not sure I want to put that information in a toy.
The other two modes are calculator and games. The first mode I tried was Games. There are three different games including Slide Puzzle, Follow Me and Tic Tac Toe. I've never heard of the first two so I chose to try out Tic Tac Toe.
The computer allows you to play with one or two players. Choose the number of players, then it will prompt you to choose whether you want to be x or o. Once you make your choice, the computer will randomly decide who gets to go first. The two times I played, I was o (it doesn't tell you how to change from having the o highlighted to the x to select it) and the computer bounces back and forth between the two. While it's "thinking" the computer makes electronic happy musical sounds. It makes noise when you type anything on the keyboard as well. It will tell you who will start. Then it brings up the tic tac toe board.
The directions for placing your x or o in the board are confusing. It gives you a list of letters to use as control keys in order to place your x or o in the grid, but it doesn't give you a table as to which letter represents which square. It's pretty much a guessing game at this point.
The computer automatically shuts off after 5 minutes of inactivity. The clock and telephone numbers can be reset or cleared by using a pencil to press the reset button on the back of the monitor then hitting the enter key.
I was very surprised at the detail on the keyboard, and that the monitor makes sounds and will actually display anything. I am a bit disappointed in the computer tower. It's pretty much just a molded piece of hollow plastic that just sits there for appearances.
I give it an A for the range of options and several aspects of the detailing. The directions could have been better in some areas and I feel like they could have made the tower with a slide out compartment for the cd's and made the cd's more detailed.
I am glad I only paid $18 for it. Definitely would not have spent $35.
This is the JLY Computer Set originally priced at $35. I purchased it in January of 08 when it was on sale for $18.
It contains one slim white monitor that is attached to the hot pink keyboard by a grey cord. This cord cannot be removed. The keyboard is very nicely done. The keys reflect their actual positions on a regularly functional keyboard. The space bar is labeled and the other buttons include the on, off, set, enter, %, period, +, - <,>, x, / and the numbers 0-9. Insert, delete, search and symbol are labeled above the +, -, x, and /.
The mouse is a light green oval on a very thin cord that connects to the back of the keyboard. This is the only one that can be removed.
There are two grey cd's with American Girl written on them. They are pretty flimsy and I imagine they'd break without much effort.
The computer tower is lightweight plastic in blue with a silver eject button at the top. The cd's can be inserted easily and ejected with a decent push of the button.
The monitor uses 3 AAA batteries that are not included. The battery compartment requires the removal and replacement of one screw to install the batteries.
The first thing I did was set the clock to today's date and time. The instructions for this mode are very easy.
The computer can store up to 50 names and telephone numbers in telephone mode. I didn't have time to try this one and am not sure I want to put that information in a toy.
The other two modes are calculator and games. The first mode I tried was Games. There are three different games including Slide Puzzle, Follow Me and Tic Tac Toe. I've never heard of the first two so I chose to try out Tic Tac Toe.
The computer allows you to play with one or two players. Choose the number of players, then it will prompt you to choose whether you want to be x or o. Once you make your choice, the computer will randomly decide who gets to go first. The two times I played, I was o (it doesn't tell you how to change from having the o highlighted to the x to select it) and the computer bounces back and forth between the two. While it's "thinking" the computer makes electronic happy musical sounds. It makes noise when you type anything on the keyboard as well. It will tell you who will start. Then it brings up the tic tac toe board.
The directions for placing your x or o in the board are confusing. It gives you a list of letters to use as control keys in order to place your x or o in the grid, but it doesn't give you a table as to which letter represents which square. It's pretty much a guessing game at this point.
The computer automatically shuts off after 5 minutes of inactivity. The clock and telephone numbers can be reset or cleared by using a pencil to press the reset button on the back of the monitor then hitting the enter key.
I was very surprised at the detail on the keyboard, and that the monitor makes sounds and will actually display anything. I am a bit disappointed in the computer tower. It's pretty much just a molded piece of hollow plastic that just sits there for appearances.
I give it an A for the range of options and several aspects of the detailing. The directions could have been better in some areas and I feel like they could have made the tower with a slide out compartment for the cd's and made the cd's more detailed.
I am glad I only paid $18 for it. Definitely would not have spent $35.