They’re not just for Moms.

---

I have to admit, in living the small town life, technology is often something that we get terribly behind on. So, a flash drive is something I was definitely excited to try! However, I was a little scared that it would be something I would have a hard time figuring out. Not so, with the SanDisk Cruzer Gator. From the time it arrived, I loved it! The stylish mock alligator skin gave it a real look of sophistication. I received the black, which would be perfect for the guys on your shopping list (Hint, Hint….Father’s Day is right around the corner!), but the Cruzer Gator also comes in great red and pink colors for us girlie girls.

The functional features of the Cruzer Gator were equally as impressive as its looks. They come in 2MB, 4MB, and 8MB capacities to fit a variety of needs and uses. I was able to save virtually anything to it, and securely I might add. With the Security-One click password protected access control I was able to save my files without worrying that any outsiders could access them. That really gives me a piece of mind, especially when it comes to family pictures and any documents with sensitive information such as Account Numbers, ID Information, etc. Another neat feature is that it allows you to take your files plus your U3™ compatible programs wherever you go. There is no PC installation required to run the applications, so using this gadget is a breeze! Using the U3 technology you can make virtually any computer your personal computer. Pretty awesome, huh? And when you unplug it, none of your information is left behind, which I found even more impressive!

The Cruzer Gator came at a pretty neat time for us. My husband was about to leave for a business trip. I did some research and made him a spreadsheet of important contact information, local restaurants with phone numbers, and hotel information. I added in some family pictures and a couple love letters, then sneaked it into his bag. He absolutely loved the surprise! All the info turned out to be very helpful, the pictures gave him a little feeling of home, and the love letters were just the perfect extra touch. (Wink, wink!)

SanDisk really hit the nail on the head with this one! The Cruzer Gator is stylish, super-easy to use, and very secure. There are virtually endless possibilities when it comes to uses, so they are great anyone….From traveling businessmen to stay-at-home moms! I was just amazed at the day to day uses I found for this awesome gadget…How did we ever get along without it? I was very impressed with using the Cruzer Gator and plan on buying some for gifts very soon…Starting with some special men on my list for Father’s Day! - Sara

---

My husband is the hardest person to buy for. With Father’s Day quickly approaching, I wanted to honour all the amazing things he does for us with something special.

The SanDisk Cruzer Gator is the perfect solution! Not only is it fast, with its USB 2.0 Flash Drive, it is cute and compact. I have already quickly set up a folder and filled it with pictures of the kids and a couple of songs that I thought he might enjoy. I am not going to tell him about the folder, so it is a nice surprise when he uses the SanDisk Cruzer Gator for the first time.

Maybe this will help the greatest Dad ever get home in time for dinner! -Chelle

---

As the lone father-figure contributor at T.O.P. and a tech guru in the real world, Shayne gives you the “real man’s’ perspective on the SanDisk Cruzer Gator..the software that’s included is really good. If you install a web browser on it you can take your favourites and bookmarks with you and run it on any computer as you would at home. You can also install a virus scanner on it and scan any computer you’d like to use it on which takes away the risk of taking home someone else’s problems. There’s also a website full of applications that you can install on it that are specialized for this drive.

The compact size is nice and it fits great in a pants pocket or a small briefcase pocket. My only complaint is that there’s no option to attach it to a keychain which, for me, means it’s likely going to be left somewhere it shouldn’t be. -Shayne

From the time they wean, our babies start to grow further away from us in good ways and in some not so good ways. One of the biggest concerns for many parents comes when their child starts to venture out in the world and isn’t always within arms reach.

Whether it be daycare, field trips, a trip to Grandma’s or just a swimming lesson sans parents, there’s always a risk that something may happen when you’re not there and your child won’t be able to communicate. If your child is taken to emergency and is too young or is otherwise unable to tell the doctors his or her medical history, valuable time may be lost while they try to identify your child and then contact you.

Identity Pal is an all in one USB data storage device that speaks for your child when you can’t be there. It comes pre-loaded with completely customizable software. All you need to do is plug it in to the USB port of any computer and plug in any information you’d like your child to have in the event of an emergency? Contact information and allergies come to mind, but this software is so comprehensive that nothing will be left out. There’s space for legal documents, travel information and more. You can delete and add as necessary and the program is incredibly easy to use.

When a medical professional plugs it in to their computer, it will simply ask them if they own it or if they want to access the information and if they can click a mouse they can access what they need to help your child. The unit is waterproof and shockproof and retails for $50. If you’d rather use your own jumpdrive, you can download the full version of the software for $30 or a very bare bones version for free. I’d suggest hanging one of these on every school aged child’s backpack. Let the
Identity Pal speak when your child cannot.

Win it! We’re giving away an Identity Pal to one lucky TOP reader. To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with identity pal in the subject line before midnight MST on March 21, 2008.

Get up to two additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with identity pal in the subject line and the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate email from your other entry).

AND/OR

Subscribe to our RSS feed. Send an additional email to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your new subscription.

Maximum three entries total per person.

Contest Closed

By Angela, Contributing Writer

---

My kids, ages 3 and 5, have more toys now than they will ever need. More than they ever play with. So what did I ask for them for Christmas this year?

Books and software. Things that will help them learn (and things that won’t clutter my living room floor!).

But the problem with “learning” toys? The fact that most children would rather play than learn. How can you overcome that hurdle?

The JumpStart Learning System™ gives you the best of both worlds. Your kids are having fun while learning - how cool is that?

JumpStart World has been described as “educational software game based on national and state curriculum and research regarding how play can help children learn. Colorful and fun, JumpStart World is filled with hundreds of games with 3-D adventures that build reading, math, and critical thinking skills while instilling a love of learning and confidence, two of the key ingredients in academic success.”

How does it work? A series of 12 Adventure Packs for each grade level teaches your kids critical thinking, reading and math skills. The adventures take place in a 3D world that grabs your child’s attention and each Adventure Pack can be personalized with artwork, photos and custom rewards. The packs include over 30 learning games and missions with over 15 skills, progress report e-mails for parents (so you can keep track of how your child is doing), “Parent Tips,” access to the Member’s Website and online access to educational experts, and access to the Super Gems Reward Center (you customize the rewards your kids receive - ice cream anyone?).

Ed: Every child I know who has played these games has loved them and had no idea that they were learning!

---

Use the code JSW5TR for $5 off every game! (That brings them down to $12.99. Totally worth it.)

You can also try it free for 5 days.

We’ve got a 3 pack to give away to one lucky T.O.P. reader - Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade! To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with JSW in the subject line and tell us one of the awards that this great program has won. Contest closes at midnight MST on 1/4/08. Congratulations Leah!