The SmartGlobe looks like the average globe of the world which is attached to a sturdy base. The base and the globe contain all the electronics needed to make this globe really knowledgeable, including a speaking voice that is used to give information. 

There is an electronic pen-type pointing device called a SmartPen attached to the base. You use it to touch the item on the base that you wish to choose. Then you touch the country or area of the world that you want information about. For instance, choose “Population”. Then tap the pen on China and the globe will tell you the current population of China. Choose “Currency” then tap the United States and Europe and the globe will tell you the exchange rate between dollars and Euros. The globe contains of plethora of global information including capitals, history, major cities, population, languages, history, and current events. 

The US states are not outlined on the globe itself, but if you want to learn about the United States, you can simply pull out the hidden drawer in the base of the globe to find a detailed map of the US. The SmartPen can also be used to touch the US map for information such as capitals, state flowers, and history. 

Besides being informative, this SmartGlobe is also entertaining. Touch a country and it will play a piece of music representative of that country. It has 36 different activities including quiz games about geographic information. 

While the globe that you played with as a child is now highly outdated, the SmartGlobe keeps itself up to date by downloading current information from the Internet via the included USB cable and your own computer. So if a country is renamed or the population grows, the globe always has the most current statistics. The first two years of updates are free. After that there is a small charge. 

The SmartPen can be programmed for age-appropriate content. You can download customized information for three age groups (Ages: 5-8, 9-14 or 15 years and older). If the child is playing alone, he can attach a set of headphones. However, every adult should consider being a part of the activities. The SmartGlobe is a wonderful toy for adults to use along with their children or grandchildren. You can all learn together and have fun at the same time!

Date of Review: 01-06-2007

Manufacturer: Oregon Scientific

Retail: $129.99