Top tech toys

Bored executives used to watch balls swing but now office sorts are getting their kicks from sticks -  that's stick people in boxes. Cube World (below right) has been named the top tech toy for working folks by Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

This list of top tech toys for Christmas 2007 was developed by three Tuck MBA students -  Adam Bulakowski, Shilpa Karnik and Kate Reiling under the direction of Professor M. Eric Johnson, director of the school's Center for Digital Strategies. Johnson is a toy industry expert who has consulted with and written case studies on Mattel and Hasbro.

The full list of top tech toys for big kids and their offspring are:

Cube World (Radica Games) "This toy isn't for everyone. In fact, it didn't make our list last year. But after a year on our desks, and the addition of another pair, we could see how these cubes could provide some workplace fun." Recommended for working adults.

Tooth Tunes (Tiger Electronics) "Brush with a little force and music streams out of the bristles, vibrating your teeth, and turning your mouth into a music chamber." Recommended for everyone over age 7.

Tamagotchi Connection (Bandai) "An update on the ultimate virtual pet. Not only do you get to raise a Tamagotchi, you can now interact with others who have Tamagotchis." Recommended for 8 to 14 year olds.

Cosmic Catch (Hasbro) "A great way to encourage kids to get outside and play." Recommended for 7 to 11 year olds and their unfit parents.

EyeClops (JAKKS Pacific) "Fun for the exploring (or gross out) types." Recommended for 6 to 11 year olds and anyone considering a career change into lab work. 

Hot Wheels Maniacs (Mattel) "This $30 toy won't make your kids any smarter, but it will make them laugh." Recommended for 5 to 9 year olds.

Rescue Pets (MGA Entertainment) "This toy pet grants access to an online world through a secret access code around the pet's neck." Recommended for 3 to 7 year olds.

Easy Link (Fisher-Price) "Interfaces with a parent’s computer to provide controlled online play and learning." Recommended for 3 to 6 years and office luddites.

GBaby Magnetic Play System (Geomag) "The delightfully attractive blocks are the right colors and size to catch an infant’s fancy." Recommended for children aged 9 to 24 months old

Have the business boffs have got it right. Will we really all want these for Christmas?