My Pal Scout, My Pal Violet
© 2009 LeapFrog
Plug this stuffed animal into your computer's USB port to customize it for your child. You insert three AA batteries, plug the toy into your computer's USB port with the included cable, and download the 8 MB file that installs Leapfrog Connect. This is Leapfrog's equivalent to iTunes, and is required to manage content in other Leapfrog toys such as the Tag Reading System, Leapster 2 and Didj. Using a control panel, you can then choose your child's name, favorite food, favorite color, favorite songs, and favorite animals. If something is missing -- for example, if your child just happens to have an unusual name -- you can send a request by email. I tried "Brad" which was readily available -- along with four suggestions, such as Bradley. You can also choose a generic nickname like "Buddy" or "Peanut." After the information is downloaded, you unhook your pet and turn him/her on by pressing one of the paw switches. A blue LED lights up, and one of the customized songs or phrases can be heard. There are two volume settings. To toggle through the songs, you press one of the front paws. For example, you might hear "Matt, lets' sing a song about you." While this idea is not unique, this is the first time it has been implemented so smoothly. There are two colors and names -- Violet (the new 'pink') and Scout, who is green.
$20, Windows, Mac OSX, Internet Site, Smart Toy
Teaches: language experience, letter recognition
CTR Rating: 96%