This is essential entertainment, but it does require patience and just a little bit of engineering...

At first it appears you can do little more than ascend and descend, with random fluctuations in direction more dependant on luck than anything else. Each helicopter will fly slightly differently as a default, the trick is to learn which way yours is pulling in order to twist the tail and push the rotor blades forward to gain control. By setting the natural flight path as an arc, it is entirely possible to make just light adjustments on the sticks to fly in the direction you want, at the pace you want.

For it's size and weight, the Picoo Z is remarkably robust, impervious to just about everything save heat. You can happily crash the thing into the wall all day and it'll still keep going. It'll even right istelf on the floor most of the time so you don't even have to keep getting up.

The charging system works superbly well. I note there have been some problems with… more »

This is essential entertainment, but it does require patience and just a little bit of engineering...

At first it appears you can do little more than ascend and descend, with random fluctuations in direction more dependant on luck than anything else. Each helicopter will fly slightly differently as a default, the trick is to learn which way yours is pulling in order to twist the tail and push the rotor blades forward to gain control. By setting the natural flight path as an arc, it is entirely possible to make just light adjustments on the sticks to fly in the direction you want, at the pace you want.

For it's size and weight, the Picoo Z is remarkably robust, impervious to just about everything save heat. You can happily crash the thing into the wall all day and it'll still keep going. It'll even right istelf on the floor most of the time so you don't even have to keep getting up.

The charging system works superbly well. I note there have been some problems with connection, but again, a small amount of tinkering usually corrects this. 20-30 minutes charge allows for a good 15 minutes of flight, and I've had the same batteries in use for almost a year now despite repeated plays.

You'll need at least a modest-sized room to take full advantage of the Picoo, and don't even think about taking it outside - gentle flatulence is enough to knock it well off course. It lacks the precision of some of the larger models, but with such a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing design, replacements parts, quick and easy recharging and even a flashing blue flight-light, you owe it to yourself to ask Mr Christmas to fill your stocking accordingly.