The annual Toy Fair, held by the Toy Industry Association, ran from February 17 through February 20. Whenever I read about it, I’m overcome with a strong desire to own a toy shop, partly because I’ve always dreamed of having a toy store, but also just so I could go and check out all the latest cool new toys. But, alas, I’m toy shop-less, so, instead, I zip around the web, looking for posts about the hottest tech toys. Engadget, one of my favorite tech sites, came through with a couple of posts about new devices made by the folks at LeapFrog.
The first one, designed for 3rd through 8th grade students, is called the Crammer. As in cramming for tests? Hmm…not a habit I want my kids to pick up (at least not so soon…). It’s being touted as a study device that lets kids create flashcards, download quizzes for their own textbooks and even play music, too. It looks way cool and would no doubt make the kids feel a little like Dad or Mom holding their blackberries or iPhones (or whatever) because it looks like this:
Expected to be released in the fall, it will be priced at $60 (with 1GB of memory).
It’s much sleeker looking than the old iQuest, which the company no longer makes.
iQuest
We tried the iQuest, but it was a real dud. You can get these for a bargain now, but I don’t recommend it. My daughter picked it up only a handful of times and didn’t even try some of the add-on cartridges they have for subjects like math and science.
For the younger kids, LeapFrog previewed another version of its Fly computer pen. They call it “Tag” and it looks like this:
It’s sort of the junior version of LeapFrog’s Fly Fusion Pentop Computer (available for $79.99):
My kids have one and just never really took to it. When they opened it, they wrote some math problems with it and played games with it, but after the first month or so they just did not use it. I thought it was amazing that they could draw a piano keyboard and then play it. Wow! To me, it seemed really cool and fun to use, but for them, it was a pain (you have to hold it just right, you can’t put your finger in front of the tiny camera which has to be able to see the paper you’re writing on). It’s targeted for kids over eight, but I think it would be better for high schoolers.
When I think about it, my kids have never been crazy about the LeapFrog products. They had the LeapPad several years ago and used it a handful of times, but they would much prefer reading a book themselves or having me read stories to them. Not as cozy as a lap, I suppose…
Early LeapPad Book with Attached Pen
I guess I have a bit of a conflict with the LeapFrog products. They seem so great in theory. I mean, I think if I were a kid, I’d like them. But my kids just have little or no interest. So, while I’ll be keeping my eye on that Crammer (and probably try it out in a store or something), I doubt we’ll buy one.
What do you think? Do your kids like these toys/tools?
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Images from engadget, Amazon and LeapFrog.
Yeah, my kids tossed the leap pad aside, they loved the leapster though, it eats batteries something fierce though. I think it is hit or miss and worth a dable here and there. Cool new site!
My oldest loves the leapster.. The crammer looks pretty cool though.. thankfully will not be needing one of those any time soon..
I bought the Leap Pad for our trip, and it was not warmly received. In fact, one of the posts I’m working on is about all the toys and snacks I bought for the trip and which ones were popular and which weren’t. (Right after I do your meme’s.)
My kids really liked the Leapster and the LeapPad. Chris especially loved the Leap Pad. I remember when he was nearly three I got him these cute little black pajamas from the Gap that he could use for a Halloween costume. They had glow in the dark bones on them for the arms, legs and torso. He had been obsessed with the LeapPad for a while and this became oh so obvious when he came up to me, all concerned, and said “Mom!! I can’t wear these pajamas! It doesn’t have any phalanges!” (finger bones) LOL
Kate got a Fly Pen but never took to it.
Leeann
To Joe:
Hey there, Joep! Nice to see you back!
To Kim:
Yeah, I think it looks cool, too! Not sure how much the kids will like it, though…
To Deb:
Your bathroom antics were far more interesting to the little guy! And, c’mon, I’d rather look at the Temples of Philae and fossilized crocs (or Ash’s phone!), too. Bright little guy you have there!
To Leeann:
Too funny!!
Cool. Now my kids can have their heads down typing during dinner along with me!
What? No iPhone for kids?
I’ve never gotten my money’s worth with those things. I finally got smart myself by just not buying them anymore!
Blog Hoppin’,
Balancing Hops
My daughter loved the Leapster…she’s much too old and sophisticated for it, now, though. Good thing, cuz my little guy has claimed it as his own. Too bad it’s pink and purple….
I think you nailed it–most of these toys are good in theory, and they look fun to adults, but kids just don’t like them too much. My sons probably played with their LeapPad a total of 5 times–maybe. Definitely not worth it.