Oregon Scientific is taking Speak & Spell into the next galaxy. They just announced two new learning laptops that will help the kiddies with their math, grammar, music and spelling.

Music? Not sure I need to spend $25 to $50 for “Christmas in the Stars” part two.

That said, there are two laptops are available: The R2-D2 ($24.99) is for kids 3 and up, and for 5-year-olds looking to explore their dark side, there’s a Darth Vader ($59.99).

Gearlog says that each one has interactive activities, with the Darth Vader inviting kids to “pick up the interactive light saber and join the iconic villain on a mission”—a mission to learn.

Both are probably a good introduction to computers, which is sort of neat. However, I’m guessing that parents will want to push the buttons more than the kids. Most were probably really wanting something that looks like SpongeBob.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.