This is a brilliant little gizmo and great fun for anyone who sees you with it. You just can't resist picking it up and zapping the nearest lock! Not only that, it's refreshing to have a TV show toy that isn't a gun of weapon of some sort. So if you're a parent trying to raise your kids with the right moral values, this is the perfect gadget!

My only criticism of it would be that the main shaft/handle does feel a little flimsy, especially when you extend the screwdriver head. But the interchangeable UV/black nibs, cool zapping sound effects, free Doctor Who post-it note booklet and sheer enjoyment of owning one of these make any imperfections pale into insignificance.

Oh, and here's a cool little tip. UV light can charge any glow-in-the dark phosphorescent material much quicker than a conventional light. So if you have a glow-in-the-dark mobile phone cover, room decorations or any other glowing objects, use your screwdriver to charge it up in a matter of seconds!!!!


Fun but with hidden costs   October 1, 2005
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

My daughter waited patiently for this and was pleased when it arrived. Only trouble was, as the description says, it comes without batteries. Be prepared to pay as much again for the AG13 set - 2.99 each in retail stores. We couldn't find them immediately - but that came down to the name - in some places they are listed as 13AG, N-13AG etc!

Once installed it was fun to use even if the ultraviolet light is much weaker (as you might expect) than the promotional images suggest. I don't hold out much for the longevity of the UV marker pen either, but, by the time it expires, I'm sure our children will have moved on to something else.

It's not as tough as it looks - so care is needed. Educational? Not really but I suppose children learn how UV light works!


THE BEST DOCTOR WHO TOY EVER?!   September 28, 2005
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is probably the best Doctor Who toy I've ever had, and believe me, I've had a few! They are recommended for children aged 6 and upwards. Well, I'm 37 and I am over the moon with mine. I've only been waiting, oh, since 1972 for somebody to make one! As a kid wanting to be the Doctor I always wanted two things: a full size replica of the TARDIS (inside and out!) and a Sonic Screwdriver. We're unlikely ever to see the former, but the latter has arrived at last! Yippee! I just can't believe it has taken so long for the BBC to realise the sales potential of these things...I've bought 3 since Saturday - two for friends - and we all love them. Just one word of caution - one of them wasn't glued together with the greatest of care. That aside, this is superb. All we need now is one that will actually open doors and see off aliens!!