With some help from Hammacher Schlemmer

Sep 10, 2007 14:16 GMT  ·  By

Credit cards (namely, plastic money) are becoming increasingly popular around the world, as they make transactions a lot simpler and also allow users to feel much safer by not carrying large amounts of cash with them at all times. And taking into consideration this trend, it's only natural for parents to want to teach their kids how to use credit cards from an early age, but up until now, this thing was rather difficult. However, in order to provide an answer to this increasingly serious demand, the people over at Hammacher Schlemmer have launched the Children's Touchscreen ATM Bank, a device that allows kids to learn the basics of using an ATM machine in their own home, while doubling as a very high-tech and modern piggy bank.

Thus, this electronic touchscreen bank teller machine can prove to be quite a useful tool in teaching kids how to manage their money (typically, their allowance and gifts). Thus, the device accepts real coin and bill deposits (up to a total amount of 999.99 US dollars) and gives up-to-date account information on its screen regarding the user's "balance".

The kids who use this thing can do so by touching the display directly with their fingers or with a stylus and are offered their own ATM card and PIN code. Moreover, they're capable of carrying out quite a few important transactions, including here checking their account balance, making deposits or even withdrawing funds.

The device works with only 3 AA batteries and is far from the dimensions of a real ATM machine, as it measures just around 23.49 cm x 15.24 cm x 34.29 cm, at a weight of around 4.53 kilograms. Even if it's meant to be used by kids, it's recommended only for ages 8 and up, when the toddlers are beginning to come to grasp with the concept of money.

And speaking of money, it's worth mentioning the fact that this thing retails for around 70 US dollars, which is quite an OK price to pay for such a helpful and educative toy.

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