Computer Times
Editors' Choice Toy
I-Dog amp'd
Reviewed by Angie Kibiloski
Many of us, myself included, love the idea of having a pet.....in theory. What we really want is something to play with occasionally, and look at and go "Awwwww, aren't you cute?!" The rest of the pet ownership stuff, like vet bills, smelly dog food dishes, and walks in the yard in sub zero temperatures, don't necessarily thrill us. So what can we do to satisfy our need for cute playful companionship every once in a while? Well, Tiger Electronics thinks that we should all get an I-Dog amp'd!
An I-Dog amp'd (Retail $34.99) is an adorable little electronic pooch that can fit in the palm of your hand, plays music out of his stereo speakers, and dances to the beat. He even comes with his own batteries! All you need to provide to keep him happy is some of your favorite music and the occasional pet on the head. When music is turned on, your pup will wag his tail, flap his ears, bop his head, and tap his foot. He'll also flash his multi colored LED lights hidden inside his face, that light in sequences to go along with the rhythm of the songs. These lights are also how you can gauge his mood.
There are different ways that you can play with your I-Dog amp'd. You can connect him to a music source, like a CD player, an MP3 Player, or your computer sound card, and he will blast your tunes through the speakers on his back and belly. He can also hear music, so if you don't want to have to plug him in, you can simply sit him close to a speaker and he will dance to what he hears. Either way, the more music you feed him, the happier and more loved your I-Dog will feel. If there is no music playing, you can still play with your puppy. You can stroke his head above the LED lights, where there are also sensors to pick up your touch, or press the button on his nose to show him attention and affection. He needs this kind of input as well as the music, to keep him happy and healthy. You can also check his mood when he isn't listening to music. By pressing his nose twice, I-Dog will play a tune and display an LED light sequence that lets you know if he is excited, happy, bored, lonely, etc.
I-Dog amp'd is really a great pet! He requires very little to keep him happy. He'll gladly share your taste in music. He is small enough to fit on any desk or shelf space. And when you get bored, you can turn him off and put him back in his box until the next time you feel like listening to some beats with a cute little companion. Even when he is turned off, I-Dog looks so happy and eager, you won't be able to resist loving him!
Click here for further information about I-Dog amp'd.