The following review appeared in the Wall Street Journal

Brain Age by Nintendo Co.

Website: brainage.com

Price: 129.99 for Nintendo DS device; 19.95 for software

Product Description: Palm-sized device and game chip

Ease of Use: 3.5  Clarity of Directions: 3.7  Fun: 3.7

The Good: Portability is this product’s greatest asset

The Bad: Voice and writing recognition need work

Gym Metaphor: Fun walk on the beach – but is it a workout?

Brainbuilder.com by Advanced Brain Technologies LLC

Website: brainbuilder.com 

Price: 49.95 (12 month single membership)

Product Description: Website

Ease of Use:3.6  Clarity of Directions: 3.7  Fun: 2

The Good:  Users like the "brain diary" that monitors impact of sleep and diet

The Bad: The "auditory reverse digits" exercise was "like drowning."

Gym Metaphor: Jogging on the same track every day

Brain Fitness Program 2.0 by Posit Science Corp

Website: Positscience.com

Price: $395

Product Description: Cd and Headphones; requires internet

Ease of Use: 4.5  Clarity of Directions: 4.8  Fun: 2.6

The Good: Grounded in Science; testers quickly made progress

The Bad: Pressing "up" and "down" arrows can get boring.

Happy Neuron by Quixit Inc.