Two toys created jointly by Mattel and Intel use digital video to bring the fun of real life to the computer screen. The Me2Cam ($99) is a digital camera with game software. Plug the camera into the computer, set it up on the monitor and kids can watch themselves onscreen swishing down a ski slope or interacting with virtual char acters. The X3 Microscope ($99) is just as engaging. It's a detachable microscope that children can use to look at bugs, dog hair or anything else that will gross out Mom. Attach it to the computer to alter the image, save it as a still photo or time-laps e movie, or to print posters and stickers.

Another way to take high-tech play beyond the keyboard is with a Zowie PlayZone ($50-$60). These plastic play sets work and look like traditional toys, until you plug them into your computer and load a cd-rom. Now move a figurine on one of the play sets, like the pirate ship, and the character zips around in its vivid virtua l world.

Lego is offering the Robotics Discovery Set ($149), little brother to last year's Lego Mindstorms, which includes Lego bricks, sensors and a microcomputer. Kids don't need a PC to play because the toy's processor allows the robot to do some simple tricks, like finding the brightest lig ht in the room. Another Lego toy will appeal to the Jedi knight in every child: the Droid Developer Kit ($99) lets players build their own chirping, moving Star Wars droids.

The Web lends realism to toys made for fans of the unreal world of pro wrestling in the form of some interactive action figures. When they go on sale in the fall, the 12-inch toys from Jakks Pacific ($50) will be able to receive downloads of the voices of WWF superstars from www.wwf.com, comp lete with in- your-face catchphrases and sound effects. Building blocks, a time-tested low-tech toy, get a new edge with the help of digital sound. For its Music Blocks ($69.95) Neurosmith put computer chips in blocks with symbols on the sides representing different instruments. The colors of the blocks signify two-measure phrases of a melody. Wh en children put them together, they create their own songs.

The child's digital organizer gets more sophisticated, adding a digital camera so that kids can keep friends' pictures along with their names and phone numbers. Tiger makes a Dear Diary SnapShot Organizer for girls and Clone Zone for boys ($59.99). Both can capture and store black and white photos, and alter them with simple morphing techniques.

If a rainy day thwarts outdoor play, kids can work up a sweat using Tiger's Sports Feel Games ($15-$25). Swing the real tennis racquet, which has a chip inside, and a virtual coach barks out commands, like when to switch for a backhand shot. Now if only recess could last all day...