The ICoaster is a complicated looking gizmo indeed. However, it is great fun to set the whole thing up, not to mention that it makes a very challenging construction toy. The ICoaster promotes creativity and cognitive development in kids of ages 6 and higher by allowing them to assemble the various tracks and towers. Furthermore, the toy also comes with sensors and stunt features.
The best part of the ICoaster is the magnetic elevator that takes the 10mm marbles to the top of the track. From there onwards the marbles move through the track on their own. There is some flexibility in designing the coaster, however, care must be taken to get all the angles right for the linking pieces, otherwise the magnetic ball may just fly off the tracks.
The icing on the cake is the ability to plug an iPod or MP3 player into the set. Then you can listen to music or use the included sound mixer to create your own music. The iCoaster really rocks, and you can customize it to play certain tracks when the ball moves through the gates.
It is priced at $79.99 and strictly should be kept away from kids younger then 6 years due to the possibility of them swallowing the marbles that move through the track. Overall, this is an excellent product from Mega Brands, and should make for a hit holiday toy for 2007.