Review Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

I spy with my EyeClops eye, December 24, 2007
By Amanda Richards "Modest to the extreme" (Georgetown, Guyana)
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Things you should know about the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye

1. Even though set-up is relatively easy, kids may need some help in putting it together, connecting it to the TV and bringing the bionic eye into focus.
a. The lens attachment has to be placed over the bionic eye, and twisted until the red groove is aligned with the arrows.
b. This toy needs five AA batteries for the "brain case"
c. It needs to be connected to the TV video input
d. It has to be focused using the focusing disc (included) before use

2. It's not for smaller children who may shine the LED light in their eyes

3. It comes with a viewing tube (for looking at bugs and other small objects); a viewing dish (for stuff that needs a little more room to spread out for examination); and a base for hands free viewing. These items are made of transparent plastic, and if you're not careful you may throw them away with the packaging.

4. It comes with an easy to understand, illustrated instruction booklet, that's actually written in proper English, and includes a treasure hunt section.

Good things about the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye
1. Kids will be fascinated by the 200X magnification, and are likely to spend lots of time looking for objects to view
2. This is a good learning tool for showing kids what everyday objects look like up close. Hair, skin, salt, coins and banknotes, magazines, cloth and carpets are good examples, as are ants, fruit flies, shells and leaves. You can actually see fibers in cloth, and hair and follicles in skin.
3. Great gross out fun when disgusting objects appear on your TV screen

Bad things about the Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye
1. The object for examination needs to be very close to the bionic eye, touching the lens attachment
2. You can only view objects in the proximity of the TV, up to the length of the cord.
3. Sometimes the image appears fuzzy and adjustments have to be made to get it into focus
4. Some colors view better than others
5. Once the batteries start running down you get lines through the image and discoloration
6. If you're using this with your kids - DON'T LET THEM SEE A CLOSE-UP OF YOUR SKIN. This device clearly illustrates the aging process, and the difference between young skin and ummm older skin is very apparent. Unless you want them laughing at you for years to come, don't show your epidermis without a fight.
A cool educational toy for kids with a little parental guidance required.
Amanda Richards, December 24, 2007