A scientific fact

Since you can't keep kids away from computers and computer games, why not give them their own electronic learning laptop? Oregon Scientific, Inc., Tualatin, Ore., has an extensive line of affordable, educational products that employ cutting-edge technology and still make learning fun and challenging.

The Accelerator Vision ($119.99, ages nine and up) is the world's thinnest learning notebook at just over 1" thick. It boasts an extensive 76 activities, including vocabulary, trivia, games, and advanced math. Youngsters can learn how to read music and compose tunes with various instruments, learn useful phrases in different languages, and view an interactive world atlas with more than 190 countries. What's more, it comes with a cable for easy USB connection to a PC, gives your child a free e-mail account, and has an easy-to-use Web page design er for creating his or her own website which they will host for free.

The Barbie B-Book Learning Laptop ($69.99, ages five and up) has 60 games, tutorials, and activities to test your skills at math, memory, spelling, logic, and more. It contains 10 beginner level Spanish activities and tools to learn keyboard skills and create music. Barbie Expansion Cards are available for even more fun and learning possibilities.

Also with 60 activities is the Hot Wheels Accelerator ($69.99, ages five and up), which comes with a Hot Wheels mouse pad and mouse. Activities include vocabulary and spelling games, math, memory, music, and Spanish. Expansion cards are available for this laptop as well.

Oregon Scientific products are available at toy stores and mass merchandisers. For more information, visit www.oregonscientific.com.

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