Cool Yule Rating: 4 stars

Price: $399.95

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Description: The Beamz is a W-shaped device that you connect via USB cable to your PC. Six laser beams are then formed in the two open spaces (three beams on each side), and when you start up the program you load up one of the many default songs (through the included PC software), ranging from kids songs to classical to jazz. When the song begins playing, waving your hands over the laser beam (basically breaking the connection) plays an associated instrument or beat. This lets you create musical compositions by waving your arms around the different areas of the Beamz player. In addition to the many songs that come with the player, you can go online to download more songs (for about $2 to $3 each), including popular hit songs.

The player is easy to set up and get started, and learning to play only takes a few minutes. Kids will definitely enjoy "playing the light" and making music appear (my 3-year-old kept wanting to play "Old MacDonald", as breaking the beams would create different animal sounds.

I'd also recommend using this device in a dimly lit area, so you can see the laser beams – not only does this make the experience easier to play with your hands, but the effect is a lot more fun to watch, too.

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