This groundbreaking gizmo might look like a posh miniature calculator but it's actually designed to train your noodle via four simple mathematical drills. Ideal for anyone who's battered their brain via beer and allsorts. Already huge in Japan, buying this all-new mini version is a no-brainer.
Brain Trainer Mini
But don't despair because experts agree that you can help prevent this decline with a bit of daily brain exercise. And we're not talking about working out whodunit whilst watching Scooby Doo re-runs or attempting to beat your high score on Ape Escape.
No, what you need to do is regularly activate your pre-frontal cortex - you know, the part of the brain that controls creativity, memory, communication and self-control. And you need to do it by buying the Brain Trainer.
Small practical size!
Already huge in Japan, this scientifically proven gizmo has been designed to train your noodle via a series of simple mathematical drills. Created by acknowledged brain expert, Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, the Brain Trainer features several modes that will stimulate and enhance your mental power by giving your noggin a daily workout.
Basic Training Mode involves solving 100 easy sums. Once you've got to grips with that you can move on to Advanced Training Mode. This consists of a timed counting out loud test, a focus test in which you must add random numbers that briefly appear on screen, and a memory test where you have to recall sequences of numbers. You can even monitor your brain's progress over 30 days or a whole year via a series of nifty graphs.
Brain Trainer Advanced
If you're looking to give your brain the ultimate mental workout, Brain Trainer Advanced will have your poor old noodle sweating, panting and begging for mercy. This deluxe gizmo features a touch-screen with stylus and a whole host of modes, including a function that measures the stress your brain is under.
Brain Trainer Advanced
There's also a training mode where you must skip between various mental exercises (circuit-training styley), a shape recognition test, plus a card counting test. Add to this a maths test and a brilliant feature in which you must memorise numerous phone numbers and you've got, erm...well, we can't quite remember at the mo but we know it's hideously addictive and highly effective.
Flexing your intellectual muscles each day with the Brain Trainer is surprisingly entertaining and addictive, even for maths-haters. And you'll be amazed how much sharper your mind feels after a bit of regular exercise. So don't degenerate into a divvy; buy this ingenious gizmo pronto. It's a complete no-brainer!
Winner: Gift of the Year 2006
Brain Trainer won the award for best Wellbeing Gift at the 2006 Gift of the Year Awards (www.ga-uk.org).
Dimensions:
Approximately 8cm (W) x 4cm (H) x 1cm (D)
Features:
4 games to exercise your memory, reflexes and concentration
Game 1 - Flash: Memorise the 4 numbers that appear on the screen quickly.
Game 2 - Sequence: Memories the numbers that move across the screen quickly.
Game 3 - Catch: Catch the block as it moves from left, right, top or bottom.
Game 4 - Blocks: Memories the block shape that appears for an instant.
An ingenious and addictive bit of kit. I've managed to get my time down from 3 minutes 30 seconds to 3 minutes in less than 4 days! You just can't help having another go. Haven't mastered the memory test yet, and the focus test is the most addictive one of the lot. Loads of fun, but could do with having seperate names so the missus doesn't mess up your score. Firebox service was excellent as usual. Thanks for the sweets!! Chris Edwards, Plymouth, Devon - 25th August 2006
This is a fun and highly addictive gadget even if you don't like maths very much. I improved in the Basic Exercise by 2 mins in the first week ! Its a great game but as it also shows your improvements it has a serious side to it as well. I definitley recommend it to anyone who likes puzzles or any kind of brain teaser games. Christian Radeloff, London - 7th August 2006
I, like most people, thought I was OK at mental arithmetic but was graded as "poor" on the first day I tried! It took just 2 weeks to more than halve my time and reach 100% accuracy... so now it takes just a minute or two a day for the basic training which anyone can find time for.
<br><br>
Pros: The unit is functionally very good, with a large clear LCD panel and good sized buttons. It has low battery usage, is simple to use, and has an inspired silent mode to free those around you of its noises and beeps. Useful graphs chart your improvement and keep you interested. (However these are limited to your basic training results. ) Basic as well as advanced modes are present, (but distinct, ) and whilst basic training uses multiplication beyond the 12 times tables…
<br><br>
Cons: Basic training really is too basic too quickly; 1 x 15 was never going to be very challenging, and too often the key is how quickly you can assimilate the question not the answer. More complex sums that equate to a figure less than 0 or above 19 would be a real improvement. The same basic test format would be great in a medium and advanced settings, and would add to the longevity of the Brain trainers’ interest. In addition, as your brain gets quicker, the buttons become too slow to respond giving incorrect answers which is unnecessarily frustrating. The unit is has a bulky, hollow feel, and has a cheap plastic case that would really benefit from some quality rubberised buttons and loosing the “book” design in favour of something much more sleek.
<br><br>
Summary: This is a strangely addictive gadget that would suit a little person or adult alike looking to fine tune their basic mathematical and cognitive skills. The poorer design elements are a pity, but ARE overcome by the gismos addictive qualities; everyone who has had a go has got hooked! I would definitely buy this again, but would rather buy the next version... Si, Birmingham - 9th July 2006
The Brain Trainer is excellent, also thanks Firebox - very quick delivery. I can already feel my brain growing its intellectuallness! (if that is a word...). Maddy, Southwold, Suffolk - 18th May 2006
EST. 1998
Winner: Gift of the Year 2006
