Review: Vtech InnoTab

A couple of weeks ago I was invited by VTech to the launch of their latest product – the InnoTab. Basically it’s a mulitmedia handheld tablet designed for children, combining education games, creative activities and ebooks on a 5″ touch screen. Some of the features include:

• develop core skills in reading, spelling,  maths, logic and creativity
• gravity sensor for motion based gaming
• can purchase additional cartridges featuring favourite characters
• download extra apps and learning games
• progress tracker for parents
• compatible with the Kidizoom camera and videocam

Edward trying out the InnoTab

Edward is as happy and confident with our gadgets as he is with his own toys which is why I knew he would love the InnoTab. He is slightly under the age limit they are marketed at (age 4-9) but I’m happy for him to have his own tablet. With a geeky daddy it’s only natural that he is growing up surrounded by gadgets. He’s completely au fait with the idea of a touch screen and I know that this is one toy we won’t be putting away for his younger sibling!

Edward enjoying the Innotab over breakfast!

As you can see Edward has been having lots of fun with his new InnoTab (and daddy is happy he gets his iPad back to himself!). This is a toy which really grows with your child. It comes with a basic colouring application, a drawing app, an e-book, an interactive calendar and the ability to store and play videos, photos and music but you can also download more apps from the VTech website.

The handy touch-screen can be used with or without a stylus. It has 128MB of built-in storage but additional apps can be dowloaded onto an SD card which slots in the back and it also supports plug-in cartridges.

The console retails at £80 and the software at £25.  It is available now from Amazon, Hamleys, John Lewis, Selfridges and other toy retailers.