Touch & Learn Super Duper Computer
© 2009 Learning Curve Brands, Inc.
This toy laptop comes with a small, extremely low resolution color touch screen, a membrane alphabetical keyboard and 35 reading and matching games. Content is based on PBS Kids Super Why characters (Super Why, Wonder Red, Princess Presto, and Alpha Pig). Each character comes with a set of noisy activities that vary in quality. For example, in Why Flyer you are asked to find the word "soup" (presented verbally) and then are asked to touch the screen when that word is shown. In the Emperor's New Clothes, you spell out short words on the alphabetical keyboard, one letter at a time. Children used to the keys in QWERTY order will be confused, because the keys are presented in alphabetical keyboard style. In addition, there are some buttons on the side of the screen that have no function, which confused our testers at first. Other features include built-in speakers, two levels of volume control and a tethered question-mark stylus for the touch screen. The device is powered by 3AA batteries and there is an auto sleep function if the toy isn't used for a few minutes. Despite a few quirks (e.g., no headphone jack), the touch screen and variety of activities could make a long car ride seem shorter.
$35, Smart Toy
Teaches: reading, letter recognition, classification
CTR Rating: 74%