As for the volume of the effects, I was expecting it to be barely audible and was quite surprised. In my opinion, it's exactly where it should be.
In fact, when I'd be using it at work, pointing it at my P.O.S. computer or daft co-workers, others in the office would be looking over, smiling because they could hear it.
I have only one minor complaint with the sound effects. There are two, one for the retracted mode, one for the extended mode, the difference being a slight "warbling" added to one effect. With my model however, the "warbling" sound randomly comes in both modes.
Regarding the "wipe clean" psychic paper wallet that's included, it's meant for writing secret messages with the UV nib that can only be read with the UV light from the sonic screwdriver.
I expected it to be laminated paper or something to that affect. It's actually some sort of fabric and I found that you have to write very, very lightly. Applying the same pressure one would use when writing normally "engraves" the writing into the fabric.
The sonic screwdriver itself is excellent, with the new version being miles above the first as far as looks. The "cracked porcelain/ivory" finish on the new one is much better looking than the original, which, though described as beige, looks more like salmon pink to me.
My one "true" complaint is with the UV nib. While it works wonderfully, it doesn't last long at all.
The toy in and of itself is great but the UV nib is definately part of it's "cool" factor and I was very disappointed at how quickly it wore down.
After maybe a dozen uses, just writing short phrases about Daleks, Cybermen, those daft co-workers etc, the UV nib had worn done to nothing.
I emailed Character Options, the manufacturer, and was initially pleased. They answered within 24 hours and said replacement nibs were readily available through them.
A quick search of their site however says they ONLY ship to UK customers so I emailed back, commenting on this and asking if they had any plans
to make replacement nibs available through their overseas distributors. I'm still waiting for a reply and it's been well past 24 hours.
Overall though, the sonic screwdriver is tres cool and a must have for Timelords, Whovians and geeks everywhere. Mine works wonderfully on elevator buttons for example... I just have to use the extended mode.
So, kudos to Sunrise Records and ThinkGeek for carrying some great items and having great staff.
And both a kudos and a boo hiss to Character Options. Great job on the toys but really, it's a shame that they only ship to the UK and ignore you once you say you don't live there.
Which brings me to my last point, for the BBC, CBC and Character Options:
Sidney Newman, a Canadian, was instrumental in the creation of Doctor Who. The new series, and Torchwood, are produced with assistance from CBC so... Why do we have to wait six months for each new series?
And I want my replacement UV nibs!