Louise Bremner wrote:

> Is there some secret to knowing when and where they will be available,
> or should I start looking through the more dubious-looking stores in
> Akiba?

I traipsed all around Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Akihabara back in March trying 
to get one, with no luck. About a month later, my wife got one at our local 
Ito Yokado by entering a lucky draw, so it could well be that smaller places 
are a better bet than the big discount stores.
We got the "ice blue" one as it sounded rather cool, but it turned out to be 
more of a powder blue colour, which looks pretty naff. I would pick the 
white one if I got a second chance.
Can't comment on the kanji game, I'm afraid...

-- 
Dave Fossett
Saitama, Japan
http://jtrains.fotopic.net/