Please buy your kid a drone. They’re so fun! And there are zero screens involved. Still not convinced? The cost of entry is surprisingly low, especially today.
For a limited time, and while supplies last, Amazon seller DS-I has the Tomzon A31 mini drone for $29 when you clip the on-page $5-off coupon and then apply promo code DRONEA31 at checkout. Regular price: $40.
I’ll get to the features in a moment. First let me show you the delightful surprise inside the box:
Flying Pig. The instruction manual says Flying Pig. Day made.
Rick Broida/CNET
Why does the instruction manual prominently refer to this as the Flying Pig? I have no earthly idea. It’s not pig-shaped. It’s not pig-colored. It doesn’t bring to mind anything piggish while you’re flying it.
Nevertheless, I’m thoroughly tickled.
If that wasn’t enough, the Flying Pig — er, A31 — comes with two batteries, and they charge via USB-C! That’s a first for me; every drone battery I’ve seen till now used either Micro-USB or some proprietary PIA cable.
Meanwhile, the drone itself features color-changing LEDs just below the propellers (which are protected by blade guards), resulting in a cool effect while flying. The child-friendly remote has a single takeoff/landing button, which is great, though the remaining controls (like headless mode and midair flips) aren’t super intuitive. An adult will need to provide some initial guidance there.
I did some test flights and found the A31 easy to fly and a lot of fun. Each battery is good for seven or eight minutes, so it’s nice to have a spare. And they’re easy to pop in and out; no little wires to connect.
So, yeah, buy your kids a drone. Doesn’t have to be this one, though it’s a solid deal and it’s called the Flying Pig. My kid burst out laughing when he saw that, and he’s 18.
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