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You dont need to be a Military Police in order to like this full case for Nintendo DS Lite. Perfect for people who got tired of the old look or simply just want to impress on pals. It is a complete case in Military colours designed for Nintendo DS Lite. All Screws as well as Buttons is bundled. This full case called “Army Camo” is made by NBToys, retails at USD29.99 and can be purchased via one of their resellers.
[Source: NBToys Pressrelease]

Before PlayStation: The toys I grew up with

Christmas shopping was so easy for my parents. They never had to remember to istock up on batteries, or else face the hols of rage on Christmas morning when the electronic toys couldn't be activated.

None of my childhood Christmas or birthday presents ever required batteries. That didn't happen until well into my teenage years when I was given my first transistor radio. Until then, every toy I possessed was powered by only two sources – my own energy and my imagination.

The first toys I can remember were a teddy bear and a doll's pram. The pram was supposed to carry the bear but I was into house building at the time, painstakingly carting small stones and bits of rubble in my pram to make the walls of my house.

In those days we only got toys for Christmas and birthdays. It was very rare to receive toys at any other time, so they had to last. Not surprisingly, the doll's pram didn't last very long at all.

For my birthday, we always received one present only, such as a book or a stuffed toy. For Christmas, I got a Christmas stocking filled with crayons, marbles and an apple or tangerine, as well as books, drawing books, pencils, jig saw puzzles and games and one `big' present.

Reading formed a big part of my leisure time, from comics to novels. Adults were just as scathing about kids who enjoyed reading in those days as they are now about video games. “Got your nose stuck in a book again?” was a horrified comment I heard often, while I was constantly exhorted to “get out and get some fresh air.”

But in fact, I did spend a lot of time outside, learning to use roller skates, riding my bike, or just beach combing along the shore. I loved the sea back then and still do.

My `big present' at Christmas was usually an outdoor toy, like a sled, or a stuffed toy. I had a huge collection of these, starting with that first teddy bear, from all over the animal world. My bed was packed with bears, tigers, dogs, lions and rabbits. One year, someone even managed to find me a stuffed toy horse. I was crazy about ponies, like most little girls that age, and had a collection of small china horses as well.

I wasn't keen on dolls, and never owned a Barbie or other fashion type doll, but I loved paper dolls, especially those based on movie stars. I used to make my own paper dolls by cutting out pictures from magazines and comics and used cereal boxes to make houses for them. Once I was given a life size paper doll and she became my new best friend, going everywhere with me until, regretfully,she fell apart.

Games, jigsaw puzzles and craft sets made up the bulk of my toys. I enjoyed playing Monopoly and Cluedo, working on jigsaws that had horses in them, and learning to sew, knit or make glittery greetings cards – every Christmas brought me a couple of new crafts to learn. This early exposure to crafts has grown with the years into a hobby that brings me much pleasure.

But looking back, if there is one `big present' that I remember most fondly, and loved most, it would have to be my bike. I decided I wanted a bike when I first saw the Pink Witch advertised in one of my girls' comics.

As the name suggests, it was pink – very pink – and sleek and stylish. It had a basket on the handlebars and even a holder for lipstick. It was an absolute dream bike. I left hints everywhere, but without much hope – we didn't have much money for luxuries, and this bike was very expensive.

But that Christmas I found a note in my stocking – “look outside” it said. Bursting with excitement and anticipation I ran outside and there, leaning against the wall, was my new bike.

No, it wasn't the Pink Witch. It wasn't even new. It was a black bike, made up of spare parts, which my father had been scrounging and putting together for months. But when I got on it and wobbled off down the road, I felt as free as a bird, and it took me everywhere the Pink Witch would have done.

Best of all, of course, it didn't need batteries.

Have you lose or damage the AC power adapter to your precious Nintendo wii gaming console? Well now you don’t need to panic anymore, simply swap it with the new WII POWER SUPPLY from Shinobii and you are back in the game! Great for using your Wii in 2 locations or to replace the broken power supply. It is more compact than the original nintendo adapter and Contains 1.2m Eu power cord.

The Adventures of Kid Kleets is a unique game released by a number of publishers initially in 1993. The game has since been ported to a ton of platforms, not limited to but including the SNES, the PlayStation, the GameBoy Advance, a few Atari systems, the Amiga, and the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. The game has received good reviews, despite experiencing limited sales.

The plot in The Adventures of Kid Kleets is very soccer-themed, as the name implies. The main storyline involves an evil alien named Scab who collects trophies for whatever unknown reason. One day, as Scab is traversing the universe in search of trophies to add to his collection, he comes across across the Earth's World Cup. As he steals the cup with his spaceship's tractor beam, an asteroid impact causes it to break into multiple pieces which are then strewn about Earth, and it's Kid Kleet's goal to retrieve them.

The graphics in The Adventures of Kid Kleets are good. While they definitely aren't groundbreaking, the developers put time into them and they're definitely crisp and without flaws (despite being somewhat average, they are leagues ahead of the failures in many other games). Since The Adventures of Kid Kleets is a platformer game rather than a soccer game (which is counterintuitive to most), the graphics revolve around animations that a typical platformer has, such as the rolling, treadmill backdrops and the common platform sprites. The main character uses a soccer ball as his weapon and employs all kinds of soccer moves to progress.

The audio in The Adventures of Kid Kleets is good, as well; it reflects the general zingy, zany, up-beat environment the game pushes. The target demographic seems to be fairly young for this game,which is reflected in its up-beat soundtracks (which are very similarly synthesized to those of Mario). The difficulty level, however, eventually brings The Adventures of Kid Kleets to a level almost anyone will enjoy.

That's where the learning curve comes in; The Adventures of Kid Kleets has a learning curve that's pretty simple in the beginning, and takes almost no getting used to. The various techniques Kid Kleets uses to defeat enemies are easy to master, but levels eventually become so difficult that they're pretty much beyond the capabilities of anyone within the target age demographic of the game.

In closing, The Adventures of Kid Kleets is a good clone of a classic game like Mario. It's not an exact clone, and does add its own elements (take, for example, the fact that you can attack using various soccer techniques with a soccer ball rather than simply fireballs or jumping). The graphical and musical environments both contribute to an overall fun to play platformer with a unique stylish twist. The Adventures of Kid Kleets gets five world cups out of five.

Because Atari computers and especially video game systems were so popular during the late 1970s and 1980s, many are still in use today. However, many of the controllers – especially for the Atari 5200 – are in poor condition or no longer function. When purchasing an Atari system or individual controllers, there are some potential problems you should be careful to avoid.

Two types of controllers which often function poorly are the original Atari 5200 joystick and the Atari “Paddle” controllers. Because of this, be careful not to purchase these controllers unless they have been tested and are known to function properly. Repair kits for original 5200 joysticks are often available on eBay.com, but these are fairly expensive. 

The “Paddle” controllers often develop a problem in which movement becomes “jittery” when the knob is turned – this can also be fixed. If the knob is broken on one of the two paddle controllers in a set, you can pull both knobs off (they come off like an analog TV knob, nothing needs to be unscrewed) and swap them if necessary. It is still possible to purchase some types of controllers which have never been used on some websites and internet auction services.

The original 2600/400 joystick (model CX-40) is less likely to become unacceptable, but can be difficult to use as it ages. A good replacement for this is to use an original Sega Genesis controller instead. These are easier to use, and they don't cost much on eBay.com. Some controllers from vintage Commodore computers will also work on the 2600. If you want to repair the original 2600 joystick, try searching on eBay for “Atari 2600 Joystick Repair Kit”. The website best-electronics-ca.com also sells Atari accessories and replacement parts.

Another option to replace the CX-40 joystick is to purchase a CX-24 Deluxe Joystick, which was designed for the 2600, 7800, and XE systems. One seller on eBay regular sells new joysticks of this type, you can find them by searching for “new unused atari joystick”. Some controllers used with the Atari 400 and 800 computers can also be used with the Atari 2600 and 7800.

Unlike the 7800, the 5200 is not compatible with the 2600's joysticks or game cartridges. Because of this, it is harder to find controllers for the 5200, especially outside of the internet. Wico made a joystick for the 5200 which is more popular with users than the original joystick, and apparently longer lasting. However, it is somewhat rare and usually expensive. Wico also made a joystick and even a trackball for the 2600. Be careful not to confuse Wico joysticks and trackballs designed for different models and computers made by other brands (Texas Instruments, Apple), as some of them look similar.

If you find that no controller will work properly on your Atari system, it may need a replacement joystick port. These are available from some internet sources for the Atari video game systems and some of the earlier computers as well. Replacing the joystick port will involve opening up the system and soldering, but doesn't appear as if it would be especially difficult.

In addition to eBay and Atari parts/accessories websites, Atari joysticks and controllers can also be purchased on some forums and message boards related to vintage video games or computers, as well as yard sales and thrift shops. CX-40 joysticks and “Paddle” controllers are the easiest to find. A few controllers can also be found on Yahoo! Auctions.

Following these tips should help you to continue enjoying games on your vintage Atari video game system or computer.

After the awesome announcement of the new Apple iPad; Apple enthusiasts are left wondering how they can customize and add to their iPad experience. Following are the four cool accessories that will be available at the iPad's launch – and their prices.

iPad Keyboard Dock ($69)

The iPad will require its owner to type a whole heck of a lot. With the built in QWERTY touch screen keyboard feature; most iPad users will see the iPad Keyboard Dock as a must-have accessory for their Apple iPad. The iPad Keyboard Dock allows its users to dock their iPad atop a keyboard for easier typing; turning the iPad into sort of a netbook looking device. The iPad Keyboard Dock accessory also features a charger and audio output (for connecting to external speakers). The Keyboard Dock seems like a great accessory for sitting at a table top, but seems a bit impractical for using on the go.

iPad Camera Connection Kit ($29)

The iPad doesn't feature a USB or SD slot and will require the iPad Camera Connection Kit if Apple iPad owners want to import photos from their digital cameras. The iPad Camera Connection Kit connects to the iPad Dock or the 30-pin connection at the bottom of the Apple iPad. The Camera Connection Kit accessory comes with two different media port connectors (making it a kit, I guess). You'll have to keep both the SD and USB connection kit ports handy if you want to have immediate access to your digital camera.

iPad Case ($39)

With the small size and sort of expensive price of the Apple iPad, having some sort of protective accessory is a must. The Apple iPad Case accessory fits the iPad perfectly and features a kickstand that sits the Apple iPad at a tilt, which allows for easier reading and typing with the inbuilt QWERTY touch keypad. The iPad Case is made out of rubber and it the perfect accessory for protecting that Apple iPad of yours.

iPad Dock ($29)

The iPad Dock accessory is best explained as the iPad Keyboard Dock without the keyboard feature. The iPad dock will charge your Apple iPad and sit it upright. The Dock also features an audio port, 30-pin connection, and users to synch your Apple iPad.

The launch accessories are few, but handle major concerns with the Apple iPad and its features. There are only a few accessories now, but soon there will be tons of accessories to choose from. I'll keep you posted on any news but for now, these are the accessories available for the Apple IPad's launch.

I previously had written an article entitled Playing Scrabble Online at Atari Play.   I had called Atari Play, or games.atari.com, one of the best online Scrabble sites for having fun and improving your game.  However, since that time, I have found a new site called Scrabulous that I believe to be the best site for free online Scrabble.  After my first experience at Scrabulous, I understood the meaning of “You don’t know what you’ve been missing. ”  This online site for Scrabble is what its name implies.  It is simply fabulous.  Scrabulous has taken the two major problems of quitting and sitting at games.atari.com and has effectively addressed them.  Not only has it addressed the problems encountered at games.atari.com, Scrabulous has added features that make it the most excellent free site to play Scrabble online.

While I have had four or five people in a row quit on me in a typical day at games.atari.com, I have had only two people quit on me since playing online Scrabble at Scrabulous.  Why is this?  I believe that it is the options of surrender, features and the site’s hard nose policy against quitters that discourage the act of quitting on this online Scrabble site. 

Within each Scrabble game is the option to abort, adjourn or draw.  However, in order to enact these actions, you must receive permission from your opponent.  If your opponent does not grant you permission to draw, abort or adjourn, the game continues until all of the tiles have been played or time runs out.  With an option to resign, a person can immediately end a game without permission from the other player.  However, the one who resigns decreases in rank while his or her opponent increases in rank as if he or she won the game.

In one of the only two times in which I have had a player quit on me, I sent an e-mail to admin@scrabulous.com.  Within five minutes, I received a reply stating that the offending player had been flagged. I have never received a personal message from games.atari.com when reporting bugs and ill-mannered players; it became obvious that such reports did nothing to solve a problem.  Moreover, the game in which the player quit on me at Scrabulous had been adjourned; the game had been saved and could be continued at a later time. 

Scrabulous has addressed the problem of sitting on its online Scrabble site by including a timer that is set by the person who initiates a game.  For example, if the person who initiates the game sets the timer for 15/8, each person can take as long as he or she wants to make a move, but each person must make all of his or her moves within 15 minutes.  After each play, each person is granted an extra 8 seconds to their clock.  If you’re the one who sets the timer, it won’t matter to you if your opponent takes 7 minutes to make one move since you know how long the entire game will last.  When games are posted in the lobby, potential players will be able to see the times set by each player and choose who they want to play.  Sitting was one of the reasons stated as to why people quit at games.atari.com; the timer function at Scrabulous dissuades sitting and quitting at this online Scrabble site.

In addition to addressing the problems of quitting and sitting, Scrabulous offers other features that make this online Scrabble site so great.  For each game, the player setting up the game must choose the TWL or SOWPODS as the official dictionary from which words to play.  Along with the time, the rating of each person, and whether or not a game will be rated is the dictionary preference of the person seeking a game.  The TWL is the official word list used in USA, Canada, Thailand and Israel in Scrabble tournaments.  SOWPODS includes more words than the TWL and is used internationally.  There is also a TWL and SOWPODS online dictionary that is included on this online Scrabble site.  You can look up a word in question before playing it.  Unlike games.atari.com, at Scrabulous, no one calls anyone  a “cheater,” and no squabbles abound over what word is “real” since everyone is allowed the opportunity to use the two dictionaries on the site.  Furthermore, the current system at Scrabulous does not allow invalid words to be played on its Scrabble board.  The online Scrabble board will not let you submit a word that is not allowable in one of the two dictionaries that you choose.  No penalty is given; you do not lose a turn.  You must simply play a valid word. 

Another impressive feature of Scrabulous is its wonderful support and customer service.  Yes, customer service.  They actually have a 24/7 support by phone and/or e-mail for problems and emergencies.  I’m not sure what constitutes a Scrabble emergency so I have never bothered to make a phone call, but I have e-mailed Scrabulous on a Saturday morning with a request for a TWL word list.  I was e-mailed the attachment and a cheery greeting less than ten minutes later.  It is obvious that the creators of Scrabulous care about their online gamers and want to make the gamer’s experience at Scrabulous a wonderful one.  Scrabulous is all about learning what people want from their online Scrabble experience and making it happen for them.  

Other great features but not all inclusive to this incredible free online Scrabble site is the larger game board that makes it easier on the eyes and the ability to see what’s going on in the lobby when you’re inside of a game.  With Java installed, you can listen to soothing music while you play.  A bingo word, its accompanying score and the person who played it are listed in the lobby in real time.  Each day, a cool new word of the day like “opah” (a type of fish) is listed along with its definition. Scrabulous members can fill out a personal profile and include a picture, and members can sign up for online Scrabble tournaments as well.  A history of the games that you play at Scrabulous are saved.  A smart ranking system based on a statistical formula calculates the most accurate rank of each player.  If the thought of a timer make you nervous, there is the option to pause or add more time to an existing game.  However, your opponent must grant you permission in order for that to happen.  Scrabulous implements fair policies over its players.  When players mention something that they would like to see or do on this online Scrabble site, Scrabulous begins to implement the means to accomodate those requests. 

Overall, the culture of online Scrabble at Scrabulous is many times over more civil and respectful than games.atari.com at Atari Play.  It is unusual or unheard of to hear people ranting about quitters, sitters or cheaters in the chat room or lobby of Scrabulous.  People simply behave better on this online Scrabble site because of the judicious system imposed by the site owner and its creators.  Will I never play at games.atari.com again?  On one sad day, the techies at Scrabulous may need to pull the site and do maintenance on it.  Games.atari.com will do.  However, if you have not yet registered for free at Scrabulous.com, do it now, and see what you’ve been missing. 

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When Microsoft first came out with its Xbox hopes were high that the new console system would be a good competition to the Sony Play Station 2 console, but the reality turned to disappointment for many. The graphics on the Xbox were admittedly better and the loading time, thanks to the internal hard drive, was cut at least in half in comparison to the PS2. But the variety of games offered was never quite up to par.

Xbox picked up where Sega Genesis left off, taking on a lot of projects from the old console that revolved around sports. Some first person shooters, such as Halo and Medal of Honor series, were a tremendous success. But it lacked on the larger scales, where RPG's and action games were concerned.

When the platform first came out the selection of games was a miniscule portion of the games available for PS2. The genres were limited and many games were not in stock in the gaming stores. The sales of Xbox systems outside of the United States never came close to compete with the Sony console and many gaming fans were disappointed in the fact that some games, such as Final Fantasy series, were never available for the Xbox.

Even the obvious advantages of the system, such as the internal hard drive, which allowed to save the game without the use of the memory cards and the internet capabilities of it did not compensate for poorly managed repertoire of games it offered. It did not manage to turn many faithful ps2 fans on its side.

In the attempt to counter the Sony enterprises yet again, Microsoft developed a system, which in their opinion will have better chances of competing with Sony's newest project, the PS3.

The new system offers many more options, starting with a way to build up your own network of friends within the Xbox Live community. It allows you to play HD DVD's, use the console as an audio player and recorder, load your latest pictures on your TV set, create movies and much more. Two different versions of the console are available to choose from depending on how much money you are willing to spend in one time.

But the real questions remains – will this system be more successful at what it is designed to do primarily. Will it give gamers the satisfaction they seek?

Right now the hopes are high. Finally Final Fantasy is making its appearance on the box. With online capabilities that game promises to be a dream for the fans of the series. Xbox360 upcoming Gears of War is already sold out on reserve in many gaming stores and the reviews are promising that it will outshine Halo. A few new RPG's such as Phantasy Star series, are about to make an appearance and many arcade and family games are also about to join the Xbox family. And finally for the undying Halo fans the 3rd game in the series is to make its appearance sometime in the nearest future.

The picture looks more hopeful now, when it appears that this project was much better thought through. Gamers will just have to wait and see what happens when the PS3 finally hits the shelves in November of this year. Good luck to both and hopefully we will see much more excitement on the Xbox part this time.