Eee PC 1000HE
Netbooks were the gadget to have in 2009, and they're great for kids because they're relatively cheaper than other laptops, and they're smaller and lighter. Choosing one is a nightmare. We did the hard work for you by testing more than 30 netbooks over the course of the year. One of the standouts was this model, the Eee PC 1000HE. It's not a stunner, nor the flashiest in terms of features, but you're getting good value for money. We found the build a bit more solid than other brands, and the battery life is superb. A good all-rounder for school or around the house. Rating: 5/6 - Price $645
ASUS K50IN
Sending your kids back to school with the most appropriate technology can be a daunting prospect. While netbooks are cheap and small, if your kids are a bit older, and will probably be spending a lot of time on their laptop, then a full size system might be a better long term option. This ASUS K Series laptop is a good step up, giving you a high quality 15.6in LED screen, an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 CPU, and a 6 cell battery, for $1299. Pair this with an Eee PC, and the family should be covered for the back to school season. Rating: 4/6 - Price $1599
Flip Mino HD
Here's a great idea - a personal video camcorder that's tiny enough for little hands (it fits in a jeans pocket), and is a fraction of the price of a full size prosumer Full HD model. In our tests we found the quality of the Flip Mino HD was excellent. Give it the kids to record family events, parties, or even their own birthday, while you sit back and enjoy the day. A built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery should keep the budding cinematographers out of mischief for long enough. Rating: 6/6 - Price $390
Wii Fit Plus
We're not saying you should put your kids on a fitness regime, but this could be a lot of fun, and you might get a workout as a bonus. Nintendo's upgrade to Wii Fit now lets you customise and design your own workout, and tells you how many calories you've burned. The entire package comes with the Balance Board, but if you've already been jogging to your Wii Fit, you can buy a software only option for $29.95. Curiously, Nintendo also points out that you can use the Wii Balance Board to weigh your baby, or your cat or dog. Rating: 5/6 - Price $159 (with board)
PSPgo
For the truly game-obsessed, the PSP Go is the last word in portable entertainment. Coming in an even more portable size than its predecessor due to its lack of UMD drive, the PSP Go comes packing an expandable 16GB flash memory and built-in Bluetooth. New MediaGo software will make it easier to transfer your movies and music from your PC to the PSP Go, and it will also benefit from the recently announced digital reader, that will launch in December with Digital Comics. The 3.8in widescreed LCD is beautiful for games and movies, though you don't get the old-school two screen feel of the DSi. Rating: 5/6 - Price $450
Tony Hawk: RIDE
Scheduled for launch in mid December, this is possibly the most dangerous and hilarious gaming accessory we've seen since the Wii first arrived. Likened by some to a Wiimote in skateboard form, the Tony Hawk: RIDE deck will let you pull off moves for the upcoming PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii game Tony Hawk: RIDE - or, possibly have your kids show you how truly uncoordinated years of PC gaming has made you become. At the time of writing the scheduled release date was mid December, so keep your eyes peeled. Rating: tba - Price tba
EyePet
Tipped as the future of interactive gaming, this camera/game combo is a good example of what augmented reality technology can do. In a nutshell, you setup the included Eye camera, facing a big flat surface. You stand behind the surface, facing the camera, watching the TV screen. From here you can interact with a virtual EyePet, playing games with it, even getting your pet to play with virtual objects. It's a bit tricky to explain, but we've played with the EyePet in person, and can report it's unlike many games we've encountered before. Rating: 5/6 - Price: tba
Scribblenauts
There's something about the cartoon graphics of this Nintendo DS game that just work in a curiously simple way. You play Maxwell, a little guy with a funny hat, and your goal is to complete 220 levels using very unconventional methods - involving summoning axes, lumberjacks, flamethrowers and other items. There's time teleportation, ninjas, and special challenge modes, so more accomplished players can enjoy the game. There's even a level editor. This game looks deceptively cute, but it breaks the mould and offers hours of fun for kids and game-addicted parents alike. Rating: Price $60
Nintendo DSi
Just like your parents couldn't rip that Donkey Kong game out of your hands when you were little, you'll be hard pressed to pry the Nintendo DSi out of your kids' hands. Now available in matte white and matte black, as well as pink and metallic blue, the pint-sized games machine also includes DSi Camera, DSi Sound, DSi Shop, and even Facebook - though the prospect of the littlies doing a spot of social networking has us a little perturbed. Better yet, the games are a real mix of cute (Charm girls Club) to geek (Star Wars: the Clone Wars - Republic Heroes) so everyone gets entertained. Rating: 5/6 - Price $300
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The Beatles: Rock Band
Here it is - your own opportunity to twist and shout to 45 classic Beatles songs in your living room, and introduce the little ones to some real music. Price $90 (for Xbox 360/PS3)
Xbox 360 Wireless Wheel/Forza Motorsport 3 bundle
Racing just isn't the same without an actual steering wheel, and this rumble-equipped wheel lets you feel the sensation of drifting and sliding around the track. Price $200 (pre-order)
FLIPS
Purists (and librarians) may shudder, but your kids can read these interactive books on the Nintendo DS handheld game device. Featured authors include Enid Blyton and Cathy Cassidy. Price $50 (includes 6-8 books)
LittleBigPlanet
Not so new anymore, but still unique, and still one of the weirdest ways to have fun on your PlayStation 3. One for the older gamers of your clan. Price $100
