Asus and Disney Announce Disney Netpal – Netbook for Kids
Written on Jun 16, 2009 by Brian and filed under Disney, Featured, News
Asus more or less invented the current category of lightweight, low-cost portable computers called Netbooks. Disney and Asus have partnered to make the Disney Netpal, a kid-friendly portable computer. The Disney Netpal features more than 40 parental control options, an 8.9″ display, WiFi, Windows XP Home, and kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters. The Netpal will hit retail in July and will start at $349.99.
LeapFrog Issues Voluntary Recall on My Pal Scout
Written on Jun 18, 2009 by Brian and filed under LeapFrog, News
Just out on the market a short while, MyPal Scout has been recalled due to a problem with the paw decals. Apparently in two cases have been reported of children peeling off the decals, though no injuries have occurred. LeapFrog will be updating Scout to include embroidered paws and through the recall will replace existing Scout units with a new one.
Review: Star Wars: The Clone Wars for Leapfrog Didj
Written on Jun 13, 2009 by Thomas S. and filed under LeapFrog, Reviews
Help Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker stop the Separatists and practice your math concepts at the same time! Star War: The Clone Wars for the LeapFrog Didj Learning System is targeted at 1st – 3rd graders who are ready to learn geometric shapes, fractions of a whole, fractions of a set, place value, and more than/less than relationships. This game is fast-moving, with challenging gameplay and plenty of opportunities to train yourself in the “ways of the Math”.
LeapFrog Tag Junior Now Available
Written on Jun 10, 2009 by Brian and filed under LeapFrog, News
The LeapFrog Tag Junior Reading System that was announced back in January is now shipping for $34.99. The Tag Junior does what the bigger brother Tag Reading System does, just for the younger set who are learning to interact with words. Tag Junior is a chunky unit that is designed for ages 2-4.
Review: LeapFrog My Pal Scout & Violet
Written on Jun 9, 2009 by Brian and filed under LeapFrog, Reviews
In early February LeapFrog annoucned plans to release a plush puppy named Scout, or Violet if you prefer purple dogs, to help kids 6 months to 3 years learn first words, early numbers and so on. Talking plush isn’t entirely new, but thus far, we haven’t been terribly impressed by the options in the market. My Pal Scout goes on pre-sale this week and should be widely available soon. We’ve been playing with the pooch for a few weeks now though and are pretty impressed with Scout and love his family-friendly price tag.
6-in-1 Solar Robot Kit
Written on May 29, 2009 by Brian and filed under News
Building kits are fun. Building kits that can make different objects are even better. Best yet are kits that can motor about, especially if the power source is the sun (or bright light bulb). This 6-in-1 kit from Red5 in the UK is not only cool, but actually quite affordable.
VTech 20% Off Everything
Written on May 27, 2009 by Brian and filed under News, VTech
VTech is currently offering a coupon worth 20% off your entire purchase from their web store. The promotion makes it a good time to pick up a V-Motion system or games, their new two-player games are very solid. With 20% off, games are $20 instead of $25.
Mattel’s Holiday Lineup Getting Ready for Release
Written on May 26, 2009 by Brian and filed under Fisher Price, Matchbox, Mattel, News
Mattel used CES to announce and show off a bunch of new kid’s tech toys for the 2009 Holiday shopping season. Then at Toy Fair their other brands like Fisher Price and Matchbox got in on the action. Their toys look so good that the Mattel family of brands took over half the spots in our “Best of Toy Fair 2008″ roundup. As summer gets into full swing, it’s about time to start seeing some of these products slip into the market as we prepare for Holiday 2009 shopping.
Review: Star Wars Jedi Reading (LeapFrog Leapster2)
Written on May 18, 2009 by Brian and filed under LeapFrog, Reviews
LeapFrog has done a good job integrating well known brands with educational content to make learning enjoyable for kids. With Star Wars Jedi Reading, they’ve actually done something else, made it a little fun for parents as well. Jedi Reading is built on the classic Star Wars franchise (not to be confused with the Clone Wars cartoon) and helps kids age 5-8 work on core reading skills.
LeapFrog Announces Up! for Leapster2 (video demo)
Written on May 7, 2009 by Brian and filed under LeapFrog, News
LeapFrog has continued with their planned release of Leapster2 games that was announced in February. The latest release is based on the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie Up! Up! is designed for kids age 5-8 and teaches mathematics and other skills. As with all Leapster2 games, parents can track progress online and kids can earn rewards and connect to the PC for extra games and interaction.