Overview
Today we are going to look at a learning toy from Vtech called the Whiz Kid. This system is intended to let kids feel like they are playing a video game while they are learning as the same time. Educational toys don?t have to be dull and boring, and the Vtech Whiz Kid system shows that. Read the full Vtech Whiz Kid review for all the details.

Hands-On Review

Features & Specifications
The Vtech Whiz Kid is sized well for little hands to be able to grasp and grip it easily. The device is perfect for smaller kids? laps. The system works with cartridges that slip into the top of the device containing software that goes along with game pages that slip under the frame of the Whiz Kid. Each software title that is available comes with over 120 activities and games on 40 learning pages.

The pages themselves are thick and coated in a laminated plastic material that makes them durable and able to stand up to rough treatment by young kids. The pages are easy to change so kids can play independently. Power for the system comes from four AA batteries and there is a slot in the back o the device to store the activity pages for transport.

The AA batteries allow the Vtech Whiz Kid system to be used on the go, making it a great way to entertain kids in the car. A CD ROM and a cable to connect the Vtech Whiz Kid to your PC are included as well. Once connected to the PC the games and activity pages are animated on the computer screen for more interactivity. You can also download other games and activity pages for the system as well.

If one of the activity pages is damaged you can also print new ones so your child?s favorites are never lost. One interested feature of the system when connected to your PC is that progress reports are made allowing you to see how your child is progressing without needing to stand over their shoulder as the play.

The games for the system cover different age groups and subject with title specifically for younger kids to titles for school age children. Topics covered include reading, letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and logic skills. Many of the software titles are branded with characters your kids will recognize from their favorite shows including Dora the Explorer, Scooby Doo, Spiderman & friends, Thomas & Friends, and Bob the Builder.

In Use
The system is rated for kid?s age 3 to 6. I let my 3-year-old daughter and my 6-year-old son play with the system. The game titles are appropriate for the age groups they are rated for. My son had no problem with titles aimed at kindergarteners and first graders. My daughter had fun with the titles for older kids, but didn?t understand what she was doing other that poking things with the pen and hearing the sounds. The pre-K games were more her speed, though still at three some of the topic covered were a bit over her head. She still had fun playing though and as time goes on the software will be a great help to her learning process. My kids liked the online portions of the games, but preferred to play with just the board itself not connected to the PC. Both my kids were able to change pages on their own for independent play.

Verdict

Pros

• Well built
• Easy to use
• Lots of software titles with multiple activities

Cons

• Some pre-K subjects to complex for young kids

Verdict
My kids had a blast playing with the Vtech Whiz Kid system. While my daughter didn?t understand some of the pre-K subjects, my son was right at home with the topics aimed at K and first graders. The system is well built and easy to operate with good online features. If you are looking for an educational toy that feels like a video game, the Vtech Whiz Kid is a great product.

I4U Rating: 8.0/10