The top educational toy for the year according to the Toy Industry Association goes to the Fly Pentop Computer from none else than Leap Frog. Leapfrog and VTech had the other nominees for best educational toy, which only included electronic learning toys instead of other conventional educational toys. Read on for reviews of the products.
Fly Pentop Computer
Cost: $100
Manufacturer: Leap Frog
This mini computer in a pen sounds amazing. The computer allows the child to interact with what they write using the pen. You can use it solve math problems that are written in by the child. You can also draw drums or a keyboard and play music with your drawing. You do have to use the special dot matrix paper in order for the computer to detect what has been drawn and costs $10 a pack for 35 pages. You can also purchase additional game cartridges for $30 a piece. The pen does need to be held correctly and the computer only responds to neat capital letters.
Leapster L-Max Learning Game System
Cost: $80
Manufacturer: Leap Frog
This is an upgraded version of the Leapster Learning Game System. You can use most of the old software with the system as well as the new software. The biggest difference is that the new Leapster L-Max allows you to connect the system to the TV and view their results on the big screen. Games are sold separately and cost about $30 a piece. The software is for kids’ ages 4-10.
Nitro Notebook
Cost: $50
Manufacturer: VTech Electronics North America
This is a kid’s laptop computer that actually looks like a real laptop. It has a mouse that fully functions and comes with 80 educational games and activities. You can purchase additional cartridges with more games and plug them into the computer. The graphics in the games are quite simplistic, especially compared to current video games. There is also no backlit screen and the screen requires plenty of light to be seen.
V.Smile Pocket Learning System
Cost: $60-90
Manufacturer: VTech Electronics North America
This is a pocket-sized version of the original V.Smile TV Learning System. The system allows you to still interact with the big screen, but you can also put it in your pocket and take it with you in the car or anywhere. It works with all of the original V.Smile games.
Stay tuned for upcoming blogs featuring:
Best Games
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