I was wondering what experience any of you might have with all of the learning systems available out there? My guys are 3'1/2 and we are looking at purchasing something for Christmas. Any recommendations? The little I have reviewed so far is that most systems that connect to the tv do not work well. People seem to like the Fisher-Price Computer cool school, but it requires connecting to a computer which I don't want to do. Other popular items were the Leapfrog Tag Reading System and the Leapfrog Leapster Learning System. Any input good or otherwise would be appreciated. I am wanting to keep it educational but finally allow them access to "computer" type games. I worry about items that must be shared like the Fisher-Price Computer... you know how that is!

Thank you!


3 Is A Magic Number!
Mother of 3 bbb born 3/05

My 4yo dd has the clickstart my first computer that hooks to the TV. We've had it for a year and it still works great. She loves it too. It's really helping her basic computer knowledge and helping her to recognize numbers and letters. She only has 2 games now but is getting 4 new ones for Christmas.

Sarah

Mom to:
Rylee 7-28-04

36 weekers

Kenzi Adilyn 2-19-08 (6lbs 6oz)
Devyn Elizabeth 2-19-08 (4lbs 12oz)
Caden Jackson 2-19-08 (5lbs 9oz)

a great online learn-to-read program: www.headsprout.com
I think they recommend starting at 4 yo.

My five year old twin boys and their 3 year old sis have the Leapster hand held game and I LOVE it. I only bought them the educational games and all three really enjoy the system (which is how we ended up with three!) I haven't had any problems with it, except I would recommend getting the rechargable battery pack that they offer if it is a hit. Otherwise you will spend oodles in battery cost. But I did wait a few weeks to see if they were going to like it before I spent the extra money. Also, they offer a version that is $20 or $30 more that can be hooked up to the TV so they can play it on a big screen, which is nice because obviously it is the same cartridge. Another great thing with that is you only have to buy one of the more expensive ones if you are looking to get them each an individual one. You just don't need all three to be TV capable because they will be playing together.
I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. I did try two other systems before we settled on the Leapster. I honestly can't remember the first one, we took it back within a week because it was a nightmare. The second was the V-Tech which I thought was going to be great... It really wasn't. The kids loved it but it kept breaking, I returned it 4 times before I gave up. To be fair, I heard this year that they have completely revamped their 'system' and the new one might be great. Maybe they got all the glitches out and you won't have the problems I had.
Good luck!
-Alicia

I feel like a techno-idiot.

I got the Leapster L-Max for my kids last year. I also got some of the games that said they worked with all Leapsters. Confusing? You bet.

So, I'm thinking about getting the standard Leapster since it seems to me that the L-Max isn't the same and doesn't really use the same games. What am I missing here??

Oh, and what games really go with which version??

Oh, btw, the Starfall.com program online is free and is an excellent reading program. My children are really enjoying this!

Any help with the Leapster would be much appreciated.

Cat w/3 Kittens
Caidan, Carina and Caeleigh
Born at 31 weeks, 1/8/04.
It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. In memory of Carina, who was greatly loved.

http://b3.lilypie.com/bDA