Greetings, Learning Expressions Readers!
This week, I am delighted to introduce you to Amanda Marshall—owner of Learning Express Toys of Pearland, Texas. Today, Amanda will be reviewing the Boogie Board Paperless LCD Writing Tablet and letting you know why she thinks it’s one of the best new toys around!
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When you hear "boogie board" what do you think of? I immediately think of the ocean and one of those little foam boards you use to ride waves. And while that is definitely a "boogie board," it is not the Boogie Board Paperless LCD Writing Tablet! This is one of the neatest things I have had a chance to play around with in quite some time. It is basically a replacement for pen and paper to take notes, jot down ideas, draw pictures, or play games with your kids.
The Boogie Board is an 8.75" x 5.5" x 1/8" thin durable plastic board that weighs just 4 ounces! Because of its size, you can take the Boogie Board with you wherever you go...including the beach. Just don't try to ride a wave with it! The LCD screen is pressure sensitive, so the harder you press down the thicker the line will be on the board. You can use the included stainless steel stylus or use any other suitable instrument, even your finger.
When I got my hands on this, the first thing I thought of was one of those Magic Slates that we grew up with where you draw with the little plastic stylus on a piece of clear plastic that covered a waxy black board. Then when you were ready to "erase" your drawing, you would simply lift the clear plastic paper and then start all over again. I also thought the popular magnetic doodle toy that uses magnets to display images and then "erases" with a swipe of the slider. Improv Electronics have taken these to the next level and modernized them into the Boogie Board!
Going Green
You'll save trees and keep the backs of envelopes and the corners of napkins clean! Use the included stylus to make your notes, and when you no longer need them, simply press the "erase" button to clear the screen. Reduce paper consumption!
What Can I Do With It?
Parents - grocery lists, chores list, family game night score keeper, message board
Artists - quick sketches before starting a project, doodles
Kids - play games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Hangman, doodles, writing
Travel - long car rides, airplane/airport travel, play games
Students - homework, math problems, drawing
Preschool - handwriting practice, sight words, draw funny pictures, durable and easy to use
Engineer - drawing diagrams, schematics, floor plans, calculations
Answering Your FAQs:
How do you erase your work? Erase your image with the touch of a button - and a friendly flash of the liquid crystal display - Very Cool!
What size batteries does the Boogie Board need?
The sealed 3V watch battery never needs replacing. The Boogie Board comes with a 3V watch battery that is good for 50,000 erase cycles which comes out to about 20 erases a day lasting for more than six years!
Is it easily transportable?
Boogie Board tablet is an ultra 1/8" thin and is easy to take with you in a purse, scheduler, briefcase or backpack.
Is it delicate?
The case and LCD are made from durable plastic materials. Safe for school use and all around the house, office and car.
Is a case available?
Boogie Boards have a Neoprene Sleeve specifically designed for the Boogie Board tablet that protects the
board and includes a space for the stylus without adding a bunch of size or weight, (case sold separately).
Can I save my work?
You cannot save your work on a Boogie Board. This is more for jotting down quick notes and less about writing papers. Some have suggested to use your phone or camera to take a quick picture if it is something you want to hold on to.
What Others Have Said:
"Easy to jot down my thoughts or shopping lists!"
"It would make a cool little toy for kids!"
"I need more - my wife and kids all want to steal mine!"
"Useful to communicate between deaf and hearing."
"Great paper saver!"
"I use the Boogie Board to make a daily chore list."
Bottom Line
This is a great device. While there may be some minor drawbacks, these are minimal compared to the flexibility and the number of uses the Boogie Board offers. I've been using the Neon Green 8.5" Boogie Board for the past few days and keep finding new uses. The primary use I have is taking down quick notes, voice mail messages, various thoughts and doodles! I didn't realize how much I liked to doodle while on the phone, but now I don't have to waste paper when all I do is throw them away anyway. My 5-year-old daughter used to love her magnetic doodler and now she prefers to play with this instead. The accuracy of the drawings is much better and she loves pushing the only button on the board to erase everything and start over again.
Thanks for reading!
