3dGameMan …to the point news and reviews !

In the movie, “Mr. Holland’s Opus”, the inspirational music teacher played by Richard Dreyfus says, “You can’t teach (the students) English and math…if you don’t teach them music…”

Some studies claim that learning music for children stimulates spatial intelligence (math and science) and influences IQ tests. Will your child’s SAT scores be affected if your he or she learns to play music? Although I’ve seen a link between music and my daughter’s math and science aptitude, my thoughts are that all kids are different and not all kids are musically inclined even if exposed to music at an early age. Stefanie, age 12, plays the violin and piano and is a straight A’s student in a middle school. Coincidence or not, here are some of my favorite music software programs for the whole family!

Say goodbye to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome when you meet up with Wacom’s 4″ x 5″ electronic graphics tablet. Drawing, shading, tracing and coloring have never been easier on your wrists. The ArtPad  also mimics a traditional mouse and mousepad, so if you haven’t parted company with your mouse, here’s your chance!

The ArtPad  has a feather-light Erasing UltraPen which weighs in at a mere 0.36 ounce! Since the cordless UltraPen requires no batteries, the pressure sensitive pen is lighter than its competitors’ pens. The erasing action works like the eraser on a pencil — just turn the pen upside down (with compatible software) and you’re ready to erase. Even the eraser is pressure-sensitive!! (continue reading…)

Aimed at young cowboys and cowgirls ages 5 through 9, this multi-level educational CD-ROM scores big stars for quality, educational content. With over 1,000 randomly generated questions, it also rates high in my book for replayability.

When it comes to teaching kids practical sense in how to easily identify coins, this software is unique! Excellent animation and sharp, clear images help kindergarteners recognize coins by sizes, colors, edges and by their pictures. There are entertaining matching and counting games, as well. (continue reading…)

You’re in another time bind. Your client wants your expert opinion on a poorly designed web site. It’s not enough to tell your client that the pages simply suck. You’re expected to offer design expertise, help choose proper Web development tools and solve information management problems within the site. Where do you turn to?

Web by Design: The Complete Guide by design veteran Molly E. Holzchlag. This book is a whopper of a comprehensive reference–900 pages full of practical advice on what every web designer “must” know.

The 25 chapters include web designer basics; designing “musts”; web page layout methods, applications and technology; how to achieve ultimate high-end color and graphics without being overwhelmed; web typography and design; and multimedia and web programming interactivity.Each of the 25 chapters is divided into seven parts. All pay close attention to specific design elements–whether conceptual elements or practical applications. You’ll find quizzes, tasks, summaries in the review chapters which serve as quick-references when you’re in one of those time binds. (continue reading…)

Getting your child ready for preschool is a picnic with these fun-filled educational CD-ROMs aimed at young learners.

Is your child ready for preschool? It’s summer and time to check out my favorite preschool CD-ROMs which teach kids that preschool learning is loads of fun!

Teach your kids (ages 3 through 6 years) the letters of the alphabet with award-winning software, “Alphabet Express”. This zany software, with its high-quality animation and exciting activities, reminds me of the PBS show,”Sesame Street”, with an interactive twist! Kids board the “Alphabet Express” train and find that each letter of the alphabet has its very own destination of activities to explore. (continue reading…)

My all-time favorite is Reader Rabbit’s Interactive Reading Journey 3 , a new reading exploration for kids ages 5 through 8 years. This comprehensive reading program includes a CD-ROM filled with 100 phonics, words, and lessons; 30 printed stories (bound in five books); and a sing-along cassette of Reader Rabbit’s favorite songs. This software teaches first-grade reading skills but may be appropriate for younger or older kids, depending on their abilities.

Familiar characters Reader Rabbit, Sam the Lion, and Mat the Mouse search for Sam’s imagination on this vacation sensation through 15 fun-filled reading lands. The activities are multi-leveled and sequenced which seem to challenge and entertain kids. (continue reading…)

Although my professional video editing career ended over a decade ago, I’ve continued to lust over just about every computer-based video editing system that I never got to use.But when Apple introduced FireWire, I saw the future of affordable desktop editing and realized I’d still have my chance. I replaced my broken VHS camcorder with a new digital 8mm model and started collecting footage that I would someday edit on a Mac.

Then, when Apple offered The Review Zone the use of an iMac DV Special Edition, we decided to focus our review on its video editing capabilities. After all, aside from its cool graphite color, increased processor speed, RAM and hard drive size, it functions just like the other iMacs of its generation (see our previous iMac review).If you’ve ever wanted to edit all your hours of unwatched camcorder video into truly viewable movies, you will love Apple’s iMac DV SE. (continue reading…)

Decorating T-shirts can be a great summer art activity for you and your kids. All you need is a computer, an inkjet printer and PrintPaks’ Super Iron-Ons Kit software (Win/Mac CD-ROM). This software helps kids create an original art project, print it and gives detailed instructions on how to complete the activity away from the computer. Included with the CD-ROM is one kids’ size large T-shirt, iron-on transfer sheets for your inkjet printer( 4 full-size 8 1/2″x 11″ sheets) and glow in the dark paint and a brush for special effects. (continue reading…)