V.Reader
© 2010 VTech Electronics North America
A kindle for the kindergartners? V.Tech (www.vtechkids.com) hopes so, with this week's release of V.Reader (formerly called FLiP), a $60 ebook player targeting early readers with a clear touch screen and a membrane QWERTY keyboard. Unfortunately, the overall experience isn't nearly enough to keep up with a child's active imagination, at least with the two books I tried (Shrek's Vacation and What's That Noise?). Each was presented with sluggish page turns and choppy animation, and the activities are packed with instructions. This makes it hard to justify a $60 investment, which doesn't include an SD card (required to download content online) the four AA batteries, plus the $20 you'll need for each additional title. To read a book, you snap in a cartridge, or, if you've downloaded content from a Mac or Windows computer, you can touch the backpack icon. You can listen as the story is narrated in slide show fashion, or touch any page to discover hidden hot spots. Perhaps the best feature is the ability to touch a word to hear it read aloud, in a clear voice. When plugged into a Mac or Windows computer by way of the USB port, it will be possible to download additional stories from www.vtechkids.com, a feature not available until August. Stories in the library will include The Little Engine that Could, Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Shrek, Dora the Explorer, Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3, Disney Fairies, Mr. Men and Little Miss, Scooby-Doo and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Other features include an earphone jack, volume controls, and the ability to toggle on/off the music. A USB cable is included; the AC adapter is not.
$60, Smart Toy
Teaches: reading, phonics
CTR Rating: 54%