InnoTab Interactive Learning App Tablet {Review}

As Big Sister E has gotten older, it's no surprise that she wants to take part in more and more things that Mommy and Daddy do. While I'm sure to say yes to some of the things she asks (Can I sweep the floor for you, Mommy? and I'll go run and get that for you, Mommy) there are others that receive an unfortunate no (Sorry Kiddo, I'm going to fill the fragile glass vases myself).

In her quest to be grown up, one of her common requests centers on technology. As she doesn't go a day without seeing my husband or I using our computers, phones and more, it's not really a wonder that she would be so interested in them. But even as responsible as she is, I have a hard time passing over the iPad without wanting to hover over her to moderate that every move isn'g going to result in anything dropped or broken.

Fortunately, VTech has come up with a way to adapt our beloved touchpad devices into something that is safe, educational, entertaining, easy to use, and just for kids: the VTech InnoTab Learning App Tablet.

Helping your child take learning to the next level, the VTech InnoTab combines interactive reading, learning games, creative activities, and tools into a sleek, durable and educational toy. With a 5" color touch screen and tilt sensor for gameplay, kids ages four to nine can touch, flick, and drag their way to learning fun.

With E-books, educational games, creative activities, learning apps and more available on additional cartridges or as downloads from VTech, this is one toy that does it all!

Immediately upon being introduced to the InnoTab, there was no doubt in my mind that Big Sister E would be absolutely thrilled with having a device just for her. And when it arrived? I have to admit that I've had a pretty great time playing with it myself.

Measuring in at 9 x 1 x 10" and weighing only 2.5 pounds, right away I marveled at how truly similar VTech had come to creating an iPad for kids. The 5" screen is plenty large enough that it can be easily seen for reading or playing games and being able to touch the screen to make selections is simple and quick.

With all of the InnoTab's applications accessible right from the colorful home screen, just choosing where to start can be difficult... there are so many fun options! Along with the integrated mp3 player and video player (allowing children the ability to listen to their favorite songs or watch videos to their heart's content), they can choose from other practical choices like the calculator, calendar, notebook, clock, address book and photo viewer.

I also appreciate that VTech included a 64MB onboard memory and SD card slot for memory expansion so that your child can save their games, artistic creations, and more and that connecting it to the a PC/Mac is easy with the included USB cable. Whether the young user is tech savvy or just a beginner, they simply have to turn on the power, pop up the stand in the back and they're set to go.

Interactive Animated E-Reader
InnoTab's entertaining e-books (it comes with one installed) offer narration, character voices, music, sounds, and graphics to hold the attention of children of all ages. Simply by interacting with the animated characters in the stories, kids can practice reading comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics.

Even better, as the story is narrated kids can touch the words on the screen (each one is highlighted as it is spoken) and hear the proper pronunciation. For further understanding, each e-book comes with a story dictionary to give word definitions to place them in the context of the story.

Fun and Educational Games & Activities
The InnoTab offers a variety of games and activities that keep your child happy, learning, occupied and expressing their creativity - it comes with two games installed, so after downloading more your child will be all set for hours of play.

The multimedia players let children listen to music and view video, while the ArtStudio allows them to draw, paint and color with their fingers or the included stylus. Kids can edit photos, add special effects or even color in the InnoTab's virtual coloring book and bring these pictures to life by tilting the tablet from side to side. I love the way that this provides a new experience each and every time!

You're impressed with my art skills, aren't you?

Similar to an adult's touchpad, the VTech InnoTab can be easily updated and customized by using the provided USB cable to connect it right to your computer. From there, you can easily download games, e-books, apps, and other activities from VTech's Learning Lodge. Navigating is easy and you can browse by a specific age group to find just the ones that will work for your child.

Each app retails for $2.99 or a V.Coin (VTech gives you four free V.Coins when you register your product), so I appreciate that we can get started right away in adding to our InnoTab. By adding an SD card (not provided, so be sure to purchase one separately to have on hand), you'll be ready to build your library of fun easily.

Alternatively, VTech offers a variety of changeable software cartridges (sold separately for approximately $24.99), providing interactive e-books, learning games, and creative activities. Kids can play and learn with some of their favorite characters, including Dora the Explorer, Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses, and the gang from Toy Story.

Retailing for $79.99 from VTech or Amazon, the VTech InnoTab Interactive Learning App Tablet really will help your child taking learning to the next level and stay up-to-date on the latest in technology. By allowing the combination of interactive reading, learning games, creative activities and more into a modern, versatile, high quality toy, it has the appeal that kids want with the durability that parents insist on.

I'm thrilled that Big Sister E will be able to use this for years to come (by the end of the year more than 100 downloadable titles will be available!) and that VTech has found a way to easily mix learning with entertainment. For one holiday gift that is sure to be raved about for endless fun, visit VTechKids for more information and consider adding the InnoTab under your tree this year!

(Other than the VTech InnoTab Interactive Learning App Tablet that I was sent from VTechKids, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this high quality product.)