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Posts Tagged ‘Sd Card’

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Green

December 24th, 2009

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Green




Put innovative creativity and fun at your kids’ fingertips — and watch them learn in the process — with the The LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System. This battery-operated handheld game system goes where your children go, and brings plenty of learning fun along. It comes with two pre-installed educational games, and many more are available: purchase an optional SD card separately for access to additional online games and to take advantage of other online features; or you can purchase game cartridges to add to your Leapster 2 repository. The included games have skill levels suitable for children ages 4 to 8.

Children will love playing the educational games. View larger.

Insert different game cartridges (sold separately) for endless fun. View larger.

What We Think

Fun Factor:

Durability:

(what this means)

The Good: Battery-powered console goes where your child goes, offers versatile, educational fun.

The Bad: An SD card, which must be purchased separately, is required to take advantage of many Leapster 2 features.

In a Nutshell: Handheld game console offers fun, educational games that accommodate your child’s learning curve.

At a Glance

Ages: 4 to 8
Requires: Four AA batteries

The console has a comfortable, curved shape, although it may be a tad large and heavy for smaller hands. It features a full-color touch screen and sound that’s a far cry better than the beeps of old-school handheld consoles. (Parents will appreciate the volume control and a jack for headphones!) Control and manipulate the console with the included stylus and with the videogame-style D pad and other buttons.

We found the initial set-up to be relatively easy: install the four required AA batteries, and navigate through the self-explanatory screens to create user profiles for up to 3 children (which come in handy for accessing online features). After this quick set-up, a menu screen will appear, where you can choose to play the pre-loaded games, go online, or insert a game cartridge.

Fun and Learning
Leapster 2 games are designed to grow with your child ages 4 through 8. The console is pre-loaded with two games: The “Dragons to the Rescue! Learning Game,” is a “video game” type activity with four different levels, the first helping kids identify letters and numbers, the most advanced giving them spelling and multiplication practice, all while navigating a dragon past monstrous storm clouds and scrambling to collect magic crystals. The “Creativity Castle Art Studio” is a rather low-tech art program. Players can select a background scene to “color” using the stylus and “decorate” with fun animated stamps. While it does foster creativity, this program is somewhat clumsy — your Paint program on your PC does a much better job. But “Dragons” was fun enough to keep even an adult tester enjoyably diverted.

Unfortunately, an SD card is required for taking advantage of much of what the Leapster 2 has to offer — which is a drawback, because it must be purchased separately. Without the SD card, which offers more memory, you cannot save artwork, download new games, or take advantage of the online “Learning Path,” which will be available August 2008. (This online program allows you to register and upload your children’s Leapster 2 profiles to show you their learning activities and their progress.)

In the meantime, without the SD card, you can still purchase game cartridges. And you still can plug your console — with the included USB cable — into your PC for your children to view and print “rewards” for completing different game levels (for Dragons to the Rescue, they’re certificates of achievement) or to print pictures to color with actual crayons (to encourage some “old-fashioned” creativity!) You must first install the Leapster 2 software on your computer, which comes on the included CD-ROM.

What’s in the Box
Leapster 2 Game System, USB cable, CD-ROM

PC Requirements

All Leapster games work with all Leapster systems.
PC Requirements

Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system
Pentium III 500 MHz processor
Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768
Available USB port
256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended)
300 MB free disk space
Internet connection
Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher
CD reader

Mac Requirements

Mac OS X 10.4+
PPC G4 or any Intel-based Apple computer
Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768
Available USB port
256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended)
300 MB free disk space
Internet connection
Safari application
CD reader

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Great stand alone game machine, but crappy otherwise
My son has fun with the cartridges sold at the retail store, but the sync on PC and SD card matching is very unstable. The software and website for your account is not so intuitive either. I basically gave up on any feature that requires the SD card or Sync to PC.

I would recommend Leapfrog to include a SD card that works, since it seems that all the SD cards I own make it hang/crash. (And I’m using ones that are less than 256MB as instructed…..)

3 Stars Video Game Lite
The Leapster2 is a nice alternative to those who do not want to purchase a real video game system. It’s look and feel is close enough to a Nintendo DS so that pre-K and early elementary school users will feel like they are interacting with a big kid toy. A child who has access to a DS, Game Cube, or Wii will likely be bored.

The games are fairly simplistic. Skills include identifying numbers, identifying letters, and finding the next step in a sequence. While games have a number of levels, children are neither rewarded nor penalized for their answers. The educational questions are embedded in other activities; therefore, children may ignore the questions and still have a satisfying gaming experience. This negates the value of the parental website which purports to measure the child’s success. Without watching the child’s interaction, it is impossible to know whether s/he is trying to answer correctly or engaging in alternative play. The parent’s web site is most valuable for its feedback on the amount of hours played over the number of sessions per week. This is not an alternative to tutoring for a struggling academic.

Games cost between $25 and $30 a piece, which is not an insignificant investment. The instruction manual encourages parents to purchase an SD card to store games downloaded from the web site. However, according to LeapFrog’s customer service representative, there are only two games available for download (both free) and no plans to add more. Given this scenario, the SD card is an unnecessary investment.

LeapFrog has created an acceptable, entry-level gaming system for the youngest audiences. Future versions would be improved by the ability to play music, download additional games, save and share art projects, and a more sophisticated educational approach. Before purchasing the system, parents should consider their goals and the amount of money that they will deem an acceptable investment to achieve them.

5 Stars Daughter LOVES this….
Mya daughter is 5, and she loves this! My son is also 2 and he enjoys stealing this from “sissy” so he can color. I think it’s educational. It provides me with a little quiet time in the evening… Looking fwd to buying more games.

5 Stars Great New Leapster!
My son had two of the old leapsters and they kept shutting down so I bought this one hoping that that would do the trick. It did and is much better. He loves it! He is 4.

4 Stars My kids like it
It is a nice gift for my son, who just turned to four. He likes it very much.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys [Learning & Education] , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Pink

December 22nd, 2009

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Pink




With this smart handheld system, children learn valuable school skills through a variety of animated games and activities. Kids use the interactive touch screen and stylus throughout 30 educational games featuring characters they love. The Leapster2 System also offers several options for creative play. Little learners can easily connect online for extra activities and rewards. And best of all, parents can use the Leapster2 to connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path, an online, interactive tool in which parents can get updates and see firsthand what their children are learning.

Leapster2 System comes with built-in starter games; additional software sold separately. Requires 2 “AA” batteries, not included. Measures 13″W x 10.5″H.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great New Leapster!
My son had two of the old leapsters and they kept shutting down so I bought this one hoping that that would do the trick. It did and is much better. He loves it! He is 4.

2 Stars Great stand alone game machine, but crappy otherwise
My son has fun with the cartridges sold at the retail store, but the sync on PC and SD card matching is very unstable. The software and website for your account is not so intuitive either. I basically gave up on any feature that requires the SD card or Sync to PC.

I would recommend Leapfrog to include a SD card that works, since it seems that all the SD cards I own make it hang/crash. (And I’m using ones that are less than 256MB as instructed…..)

4 Stars My kids like it
It is a nice gift for my son, who just turned to four. He likes it very much.

3 Stars Video Game Lite
The Leapster2 is a nice alternative to those who do not want to purchase a real video game system. It’s look and feel is close enough to a Nintendo DS so that pre-K and early elementary school users will feel like they are interacting with a big kid toy. A child who has access to a DS, Game Cube, or Wii will likely be bored.

The games are fairly simplistic. Skills include identifying numbers, identifying letters, and finding the next step in a sequence. While games have a number of levels, children are neither rewarded nor penalized for their answers. The educational questions are embedded in other activities; therefore, children may ignore the questions and still have a satisfying gaming experience. This negates the value of the parental website which purports to measure the child’s success. Without watching the child’s interaction, it is impossible to know whether s/he is trying to answer correctly or engaging in alternative play. The parent’s web site is most valuable for its feedback on the amount of hours played over the number of sessions per week. This is not an alternative to tutoring for a struggling academic.

Games cost between $25 and $30 a piece, which is not an insignificant investment. The instruction manual encourages parents to purchase an SD card to store games downloaded from the web site. However, according to LeapFrog’s customer service representative, there are only two games available for download (both free) and no plans to add more. Given this scenario, the SD card is an unnecessary investment.

LeapFrog has created an acceptable, entry-level gaming system for the youngest audiences. Future versions would be improved by the ability to play music, download additional games, save and share art projects, and a more sophisticated educational approach. Before purchasing the system, parents should consider their goals and the amount of money that they will deem an acceptable investment to achieve them.

5 Stars Daughter LOVES this….
Mya daughter is 5, and she loves this! My son is also 2 and he enjoys stealing this from “sissy” so he can color. I think it’s educational. It provides me with a little quiet time in the evening… Looking fwd to buying more games.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys [Learning & Education] , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Green

November 30th, 2009

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Green




Put innovative creativity and fun at your kids’ fingertips — and watch them learn in the process — with the The LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System. This battery-operated handheld game system goes where your children go, and brings plenty of learning fun along. It comes with two pre-installed educational games, and many more are available: purchase an optional SD card separately for access to additional online games and to take advantage of other online features; or you can purchase game cartridges to add to your Leapster 2 repository. The included games have skill levels suitable for children ages 4 to 8.

Children will love playing the educational games. View larger.

Insert different game cartridges (sold separately) for endless fun. View larger.

What We Think

Fun Factor:

Durability:

(what this means)

The Good: Battery-powered console goes where your child goes, offers versatile, educational fun.

The Bad: An SD card, which must be purchased separately, is required to take advantage of many Leapster 2 features.

In a Nutshell: Handheld game console offers fun, educational games that accommodate your child’s learning curve.

At a Glance

Ages: 4 to 8
Requires: Four AA batteries

The console has a comfortable, curved shape, although it may be a tad large and heavy for smaller hands. It features a full-color touch screen and sound that’s a far cry better than the beeps of old-school handheld consoles. (Parents will appreciate the volume control and a jack for headphones!) Control and manipulate the console with the included stylus and with the videogame-style D pad and other buttons.

We found the initial set-up to be relatively easy: install the four required AA batteries, and navigate through the self-explanatory screens to create user profiles for up to 3 children (which come in handy for accessing online features). After this quick set-up, a menu screen will appear, where you can choose to play the pre-loaded games, go online, or insert a game cartridge.

Fun and Learning
Leapster 2 games are designed to grow with your child ages 4 through 8. The console is pre-loaded with two games: The “Dragons to the Rescue! Learning Game,” is a “video game” type activity with four different levels, the first helping kids identify letters and numbers, the most advanced giving them spelling and multiplication practice, all while navigating a dragon past monstrous storm clouds and scrambling to collect magic crystals. The “Creativity Castle Art Studio” is a rather low-tech art program. Players can select a background scene to “color” using the stylus and “decorate” with fun animated stamps. While it does foster creativity, this program is somewhat clumsy — your Paint program on your PC does a much better job. But “Dragons” was fun enough to keep even an adult tester enjoyably diverted.

Unfortunately, an SD card is required for taking advantage of much of what the Leapster 2 has to offer — which is a drawback, because it must be purchased separately. Without the SD card, which offers more memory, you cannot save artwork, download new games, or take advantage of the online “Learning Path,” which will be available August 2008. (This online program allows you to register and upload your children’s Leapster 2 profiles to show you their learning activities and their progress.)

In the meantime, without the SD card, you can still purchase game cartridges. And you still can plug your console — with the included USB cable — into your PC for your children to view and print “rewards” for completing different game levels (for Dragons to the Rescue, they’re certificates of achievement) or to print pictures to color with actual crayons (to encourage some “old-fashioned” creativity!) You must first install the Leapster 2 software on your computer, which comes on the included CD-ROM.

What’s in the Box
Leapster 2 Game System, USB cable, CD-ROM

PC Requirements

All Leapster games work with all Leapster systems.
PC Requirements

Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system
Pentium III 500 MHz processor
Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768
Available USB port
256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended)
300 MB free disk space
Internet connection
Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher
CD reader

Mac Requirements

Mac OS X 10.4+
PPC G4 or any Intel-based Apple computer
Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768
Available USB port
256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended)
300 MB free disk space
Internet connection
Safari application
CD reader

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars My kids like it
It is a nice gift for my son, who just turned to four. He likes it very much.

2 Stars Great stand alone game machine, but crappy otherwise
My son has fun with the cartridges sold at the retail store, but the sync on PC and SD card matching is very unstable. The software and website for your account is not so intuitive either. I basically gave up on any feature that requires the SD card or Sync to PC.

I would recommend Leapfrog to include a SD card that works, since it seems that all the SD cards I own make it hang/crash. (And I’m using ones that are less than 256MB as instructed…..)

5 Stars Daughter LOVES this….
Mya daughter is 5, and she loves this! My son is also 2 and he enjoys stealing this from “sissy” so he can color. I think it’s educational. It provides me with a little quiet time in the evening… Looking fwd to buying more games.

5 Stars Great New Leapster!
My son had two of the old leapsters and they kept shutting down so I bought this one hoping that that would do the trick. It did and is much better. He loves it! He is 4.

3 Stars Video Game Lite
The Leapster2 is a nice alternative to those who do not want to purchase a real video game system. It’s look and feel is close enough to a Nintendo DS so that pre-K and early elementary school users will feel like they are interacting with a big kid toy. A child who has access to a DS, Game Cube, or Wii will likely be bored.

The games are fairly simplistic. Skills include identifying numbers, identifying letters, and finding the next step in a sequence. While games have a number of levels, children are neither rewarded nor penalized for their answers. The educational questions are embedded in other activities; therefore, children may ignore the questions and still have a satisfying gaming experience. This negates the value of the parental website which purports to measure the child’s success. Without watching the child’s interaction, it is impossible to know whether s/he is trying to answer correctly or engaging in alternative play. The parent’s web site is most valuable for its feedback on the amount of hours played over the number of sessions per week. This is not an alternative to tutoring for a struggling academic.

Games cost between $25 and $30 a piece, which is not an insignificant investment. The instruction manual encourages parents to purchase an SD card to store games downloaded from the web site. However, according to LeapFrog’s customer service representative, there are only two games available for download (both free) and no plans to add more. Given this scenario, the SD card is an unnecessary investment.

LeapFrog has created an acceptable, entry-level gaming system for the youngest audiences. Future versions would be improved by the ability to play music, download additional games, save and share art projects, and a more sophisticated educational approach. Before purchasing the system, parents should consider their goals and the amount of money that they will deem an acceptable investment to achieve them.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys Games , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium

November 20th, 2009

Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium



User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars This gadget got me back into astronomy
The SkyScout is a remarkable device and works surprisingly well. The accuracy is amazing, i’m able to get most of the objects using the locate function within the 2 rings of the sights. However, this device is really sensitive to any large metals or magnets which can easily skew the accuracy by a few degrees. Some reviews complain about the lack of a built-in speaker, but that would affect its accuracy. The GPS lock is usually within a minute and I can even get a lock in the 2nd floor of my house. The controls are intuitive and the audio descriptions are great.

I order this through Adorama and they shipped me a IYA 2009 limited edition instead. Basically it includes the IYA2009 SD card for additional audio and descriptions.

The best part of it all is that it got me back into astronomy. Trying to locate the constellations with a sky map in light polluted skies has always been frustrating, but the skyscout makes it easy. I now mount it on my telescope to transform it into a “push-to” scope. Highly recommend and a must to would-be and experienced astronomers.

5 Stars works as stated, and if you get a bad one, send it back
everyone loves amazon for the prices, i more like it for the return policy, 30day no questions, i would have never got in a car, drove to a shopping center and gambled 200$ on a device such as the skyscout, thats whats so great about amazon for me, on this device, once i agian i was lucky, it worked right out of the box, i get the magnetic field reading sometimes, but it quickly goes away, using the skyscout for a few months led to research motorized telescpopes, took another gamble and got the celestron nexstar 130, tripod was stripped, so i sent it back and got another one(no charge for return or shipping of course), it works great. with these items, there is a risk of getting bad procuct, but there is no risk of getting cheated, just understand the very real possibility of having to send high value electronics back, if you can deal with that, this is a really cool device, and the price is just right, and i am below average with electronics, manuels, the works, this thing could not be easier, look at a star, hit the target button and it tells you the name, scientific data, and many have audio or text descriptions, that simple, and just plain fun, idea for families, kids of all ages, couples, everyone, it commands ones attention much like a tv, xept this device has you outside, observing nature itself. if you can afford it, and are interested in the stars, do not be afraid to purchase this device, many of the bad reviews are 2-3 years old, and the others i can only assume were just bad product.

def get sum rechargeable batteries, people seem to like eneloop, by sanyo

update, last week i left my skyscout outside all night in the rain, fearing the worst i turned it on a few hours later, and with the rain clouds still above me, it found the satelites and is working like a charm, they only way the skyscout could be better if it was cheaper.

2 Stars SkyScout Satellite Linkage
This is a well thought out design and valuable tool for star identification. However, I could not get mine to link up with the satellites and went through batteries trying. The unit wouldn’t even link up with the satellites over an almost clear sky horizon. Garmin technology for satellite linkage would make this product so much more valuable. Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium

5 Stars Just what I’d hoped!
I had initially intended to purchase a MySky, but after reading so many negative online reviews I was pointed to the SkyScout – & we love it! Not only did it make the perfect birthday gift for hubby (who had no idea such a cool toy existed) but we’ve had fun as a whole family. Easy to use and set up – we haven’t experienced one hitch.

5 Stars Great Device No Problem Updating Firmware
I like many people had no interest in the night sky until my daughter had to do a school project on the moon. I discovered this device on Amazon and was using it with no difficulties and with amazement from the first night I received it. Since receiving it in March I now have my neighbors looking at the night sky and learning the names of stars and looking at planets and constellations that I had ignored in the past. It even can locate deep sky objects which I was able to see on a recent trip where the sky was dark. I have recently updated my firmware that took me around 10 minutes on Windows XP with no problems whatsoever. This device has awakened the scientist in me and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the universe.

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys Electronics , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Pink

November 20th, 2009

LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Pink




Put innovative creativity and fun at your kids’ fingertips — and watch them learn in the process — with the The LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System. This battery-operated handheld game system goes where your children go, and brings plenty of learning fun along. It comes with two pre-installed educational games, and many more are available: purchase an optional SD card separately for access to additional online games and to take advantage of other online features; or you can purchase game cartridges to add to your Leapster 2 repository. The included games have skill levels suitable for children ages 4 to 8.

Children will love playing the educational games. View larger.


Leapster 2 games are designed to grow with your child ages 4 through 8, and the console comes pre-loaded with two games
What We Think

Fun Factor:

Durability:

(what this means)

The Good: Battery-powered console goes where your child goes, offers versatile, educational fun.

The Bad: An SD card, which must be purchased separately, is required to take advantage of many Leapster 2 features.

In a Nutshell: Handheld game console offers fun, educational games that accommodate your child’s learning curve.

At a Glance

Ages: 4 to 8
Requires: Four AA batteries

The console has a comfortable, curved shape, although it may be a tad large and heavy for smaller hands. It features a full-color touch screen and sound that’s a far cry better than the beeps of old-school handheld consoles. (Parents will appreciate the volume control and a jack for headphones!) Control and manipulate the console with the included stylus and with the videogame-style D pad and other buttons.

We found the initial set-up to be relatively easy: install the four required AA batteries, and navigate through the self-explanatory screens to create user profiles for up to 3 children (which come in handy for accessing online features). After this quick set-up, a menu screen will appear, where you can choose to play the pre-loaded games, go online, or insert a game cartridge.

Fun and Learning
Leapster 2 games are designed to grow with your child ages 4 through 8. The console is pre-loaded with two games: The “Dragons to the Rescue! Learning Game,” is a “video game” type activity with four different levels, the first helping kids identify letters and numbers, the most advanced giving them spelling and multiplication practice, all while navigating a dragon past monstrous storm clouds and scrambling to collect magic crystals. The “Creativity Castle Art Studio” is a rather low-tech art program. Players can select a background scene to “color” using the stylus and “decorate” with fun animated stamps. While it does foster creativity, this program is somewhat clumsy — your Paint program on your PC does a much better job. But “Dragons” was fun enough to keep even an adult tester enjoyably diverted.

Unfortunately, an SD card is required for taking advantage of much of what the Leapster 2 has to offer — which is a drawback, because it must be purchased separately. Without the SD card, which offers more memory, you cannot save artwork, download new games, or take advantage of the online “Learning Path,” which will be available August 2008. (This online program allows you to register and upload your children’s Leapster 2 profiles to show you their learning activities and their progress.)

In the meantime, without the SD card, you can still purchase game cartridges. And you still can plug your console — with the included USB cable — into your PC for your children to view and print “rewards” for completing different game levels (for Dragons to the Rescue, they’re certificates of achievement) or to print pictures to color with actual crayons (to encourage some “old-fashioned” creativity!) You must first install the Leapster 2 software on your computer, which comes on the included CD-ROM.

What’s in the Box
Leapster 2 Game System, USB cable, CD-ROM

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars My kids like it
It is a nice gift for my son, who just turned to four. He likes it very much.

5 Stars Great New Leapster!
My son had two of the old leapsters and they kept shutting down so I bought this one hoping that that would do the trick. It did and is much better. He loves it! He is 4.

5 Stars Daughter LOVES this….
Mya daughter is 5, and she loves this! My son is also 2 and he enjoys stealing this from “sissy” so he can color. I think it’s educational. It provides me with a little quiet time in the evening… Looking fwd to buying more games.

3 Stars Video Game Lite
The Leapster2 is a nice alternative to those who do not want to purchase a real video game system. It’s look and feel is close enough to a Nintendo DS so that pre-K and early elementary school users will feel like they are interacting with a big kid toy. A child who has access to a DS, Game Cube, or Wii will likely be bored.

The games are fairly simplistic. Skills include identifying numbers, identifying letters, and finding the next step in a sequence. While games have a number of levels, children are neither rewarded nor penalized for their answers. The educational questions are embedded in other activities; therefore, children may ignore the questions and still have a satisfying gaming experience. This negates the value of the parental website which purports to measure the child’s success. Without watching the child’s interaction, it is impossible to know whether s/he is trying to answer correctly or engaging in alternative play. The parent’s web site is most valuable for its feedback on the amount of hours played over the number of sessions per week. This is not an alternative to tutoring for a struggling academic.

Games cost between $25 and $30 a piece, which is not an insignificant investment. The instruction manual encourages parents to purchase an SD card to store games downloaded from the web site. However, according to LeapFrog’s customer service representative, there are only two games available for download (both free) and no plans to add more. Given this scenario, the SD card is an unnecessary investment.

LeapFrog has created an acceptable, entry-level gaming system for the youngest audiences. Future versions would be improved by the ability to play music, download additional games, save and share art projects, and a more sophisticated educational approach. Before purchasing the system, parents should consider their goals and the amount of money that they will deem an acceptable investment to achieve them.

2 Stars Great stand alone game machine, but crappy otherwise
My son has fun with the cartridges sold at the retail store, but the sync on PC and SD card matching is very unstable. The software and website for your account is not so intuitive either. I basically gave up on any feature that requires the SD card or Sync to PC.

I would recommend Leapfrog to include a SD card that works, since it seems that all the SD cards I own make it hang/crash. (And I’m using ones that are less than 256MB as instructed…..)

Buy/More Info

Kid Toys Electronics , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,