Technology has certainly come on leaps and bounds from when I was a kid. If I remember rightly there were a number of learning-based games around, the most memorable one being the Simon game from MB Games. Moving forward to 2011 and VTech have announced the InnoTab Interactive Learning Tablet for kids. This my VTech InnoTab review so read on for full details on this fantastic kids learning tablet.
If you own a grown-up tablet device and you have kids then you probably have to work hard to keep their sticky fingers off your brand new technology, but those days could now be over with this great new gadget aimed at children aged between four and nine.
The VTech Touch Screen for Kids
The VTech InnoTab Interactive Learning Tablet for children use a 5” color touch screen which includes a tilt sensor and is aimed at pure educational game play. It operates in a very similar fashion to how an adult’s touch screen tablet device does – in so far that your kids can touch, flick, and drag the on-screen content using the same interface technology as you would find on an Apple iPad.
The available content and software on the VTech learning system includes items such as educational games, reading, learning, and creative programs. VTech’s press release on the InnoTab Learning Tablet for kids has a statement from Dr. Eric Klopfer who is the director of the MIT Scheller Teacher Education Program. He says:
Tablet technology is immensely appealing and appropriate for young kids. It provides an ideal platform for this age. The InnoPad capitalizes on the features and applications of tablets, but adapts them in a way that makes it safe and appropriate for kids, while maintaining their fun and educational value.
VTech’s InnoPad is said to bring a cutting-edge, multi-function tablet to kids which will provide children with abundant and rich media opportunities for development and fun.
Video Overview of the VTech Innotab
Durable and Rugged Kids Learning System
As a kid’s learning system you can see that it’s been designed to be durable. The rubberized corners and one year manufacturer’s warranty should give you the peace of mind that this kid’s learning system should withstand some serious interaction. It’s designed to take a kicking and the casing should take the strain of even the most boisterous of children and any over-excited screen bashing.
The content and games are loaded on via cartridges that slot into the VTech InnoTab, but it will also accept digital downloadable content. This should hopefully allow for third party developers to create content for the InnoPad, but if nothing more means that buying additional educational content in the future should remain low.
Interactive eBooks on the VTech InnoPad
If you want to improve your child’s reading ability then you will be very impressed by the InnoTab’s interactive eBooks which come with voice narration, colorful graphics, and sounds and music designed to not only make your kids learn, but also interact with the animated characters included.
It won’t be long before you see fantastic improvements in their reading comprehension, pronunciation, and vocabulary – the words in the eBooks are highlighted as the child reads and can be touched to offer more in-depth information and details.
A great feature to the eBooks is the story dictionary that each one comes with. These dictionaries include definitions of the terms and words used so that your children can better understand the context and wordings used in the eBook’s story.
VTech Learning System Games and Software
If you buy the basic VTech InnoTab package then you will have a number of educational items pre-bundled with the touch screen for kids. The applications pre-installed include:
- MP3 Player
- Video Player
- Art Studio
- Interactive Globe
- Friends List
- Calculator
- Clock
InnoTab Art Studio Application and Calendar Function
The InnoTab Art Studio is particularly impressive as this lets the child draw with their fingers on the touch screen or by using the plastic stylus that comes packaged with the Learning Tablet. There’s also a virtual coloring-in book which should keep them occupied for hours – and very cleverly the pictures that they color in can be brought to life and animated by simply tilting and moving the InnoTab from side to side.
It even comes with a calendar meaning your kids can play their busy days out with ease whilst keeping track of their friends and family using the address book. If like me you’re a stickler for time management then this could be the ideal way to instill that discipline in your kids at a very young age!
Buy Additional Cartridges for the VTech Innotab
You can purchase additional cartridges which include licensed characters and teach basic educational essentials such as reading, mathematics, and logical thinking. Some of the characters available to help your child learn include Mickey Mouse, Scooby Doo, Disney Princess, Toy Story characters, SpongeBob Squarepants, and Dora the Explorer.
Additional cartridges will retail at around $24.99 US Dollars The on-board memory is 64MB plus comes with an SD card slot for memory expansion should you need it.
Monitor Your Child’s Learning Progress with Learning Lodge Navigator
Using the USB cable that comes with the InnoTab it’s possible to upload new content such as eBooks and games via the VTech Learning Lodge Navigator – which is a great application where parent’s can view their child’s progress and scoring which include milestones and the lessons that they have completed.
For me that’s one of the most valuable educational aspects to the VTech InnoTab as you can truly start to see the value of the lessons and see real progress in your child’s learning – but importantly you can do this in your own time on your PC or Mac by simply syncing the two devices up together via USB.
Buy Cheap VTech InnoTab Learning Tablets Online
You can currently pre-order the VTech Innotab on the Amazon website, and it can be found in either blue or pink depending on your child’s preferences. Prices will start at under $80 US Dollars – which in my mind is a great price to pay if you really want to keep your kid’s sticky fingers off your Apple iPod this year – and help them to learn at the same time!
Release Date of September 15 2011
Click here to pre-order the VTech Innotab on Amazon. It is not released until the 15th of September so make sure that you are one of the first parents to take advantage of this great learning gadget for kids.
Buy the VTech Innotab Online from Amazon
Check out the range of Amazon VTech Innotab devices shown below. You can get the latest and cheapest online prices as Amazon will be the cheapest online retailer for this kids learning tablet.
PS: Since I have reviewed the VTech Innotab I have also published a newer article where I review the rival product that my younger daughter uses. Click here to read my LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet review.
