snow cone machine

[mom3boys]

My 4-year old wants a snow cone/slushee/slurpee -type machine for Christmas. I was going to get this one but the reviews are terrible:

http://www.amazon.com/Umagine-20051005-Slurpee-Maker/dp/B007X9DRWO/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1354590509&sr=1-1&keywords=Slurpee

I don't really want to get the Snoopy or Spongebob models as they seem kind of flimsy and I had Snoopy when I was a kid and I don't remember using it very often.
Anyone have experience with a better model? I am not opposed to something electric/with batteries. The issue with some of the kid ones is how long it actually takes to shave the ice and an electric model would solve that--I don't know if there is a "kid" type of electric one though--I mean really I might as well get another blender.

[infomama]

Google shaved ice machines. Lots on Amazon under $40
Get the good machine, add fun stuff like cones and flavoring...it will be just fine.

[ECMom]

I'd go with a real machine with some staying power. My DS wanted one a few years ago & I ended up buying this Victorio VKP1100 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S0G0RW/ref=ox_ya_os_product. It has been great & we use it year round. DS & his friends set-up a snow cone stand at DD's bday party this summer, put it through the ringer, & had no problems.

ETA, according to my Amazon purchase histore, I bought in 12/10 & paid $33.76. Also, this Hawaiian Shaved Ice machine is a good deal - http://www.amazon.com/Hawaiian-Shaved-Ice-Machine-Package/dp/B0011MXFBC/ref=pd_sbs_k_7. It gets good reviews and I love their syrups.