Vtech InnoTab 3S Review

Vtech's InnoTab 3S is one of latest kid's learning tablets. I got this Wi-Fi capable tablet in November 2013 and some lucky kid will receive it. I gave it a test drive and am writing a personal review on my experience with it.

I’ve also created a few YouTube videos on various aspects of the tablet which you will find in the sections below. With the popularity of tablets, many manufacturers have be introducing new models every few months. Instead of letting your kids use your expensive iPad or Android tablet, getting a Vtech InnoTab 3S may be a better option.

Priced at US$99 (C$110), it's not very cheap for a kid's tablet, but I would definitely recommend it as an educational gift. Overall, I think it is good gift idea, for kids between 3 to 9 year of age, because it makes learning fun through a variety of apps. Also it has some useful features like parental control and "KidConnect" which allows parents to track the of the child's activity and instant text message from an iPhone or Android phone via an installed app. The tablet comes in two colors: blue and pink.

There are many features that I like on the InnoTab 3S. Some of the features I like are: the responsive 5-inch touch screen; the rotating camera which turns it into a front and rear camera; the several navigation options; 9-hour battery life; hundreds of educational apps including games; and of course the Wi-Fi capability. So let's explore and find out what else this tablet has to offer.

Pros and Cons: Vtech InnoTab 3S Tablet

First off, I have to mention that this is a kid's tablet, so don't expect its performance to be as robust as an iPad or other popular Android tablets which are designed for adults.

Having said so, I think kids will love this educational tablet because it makes learning fun. It has many features that I liked. To navigate, you can use your fingers or the stylus. I preferred using the stylus for overall navigation and especially when using the coloring pages and Art Studio app. For games, you can use the D-Pad (or thumb pad). Overall I was impressed with the responsiveness and fluidity of the touch screen.

To get most out of the apps and their functionality, make sure to set the tablet up for Wi-Fi in order to connect to the Learning Lodge, Vtech's app store. Some games and apps will only operate when connected to the Learning Lodge. So make sure to register your tablet and create an account. It does take about 15 minutes to set it up, so be patient, but it will be worth it.

By logging into your account, you can keep track of your child's progress, provide access to specific websites, as well set up parental controls. I also liked the KidConnect feature which allows parents to text message their kids on their Innotab using their iPhone or Android phones. Other kids who have the InnoTab 3S can also text each other once they are set up.

Some of the free apps that I enjoyed were: the Art Studio which is a creative app for freehand drawing and painting; the Twist H2O game in which you have a guide a drop of water through a maze; the Color and Pop app which has several coloring pages, and the Wonder Cam which allows you to take silly pictures to create funny faces and effects.

On Vtech's Learning Lodge website, you will find over 600 apps and cartridges in various categories like reading, math, problem-solving, learning games, just plain fun games, as well as video and music apps. There is also a free app called "Wish List Maker" that allows kids to build a wish list of apps that they wish to have and parents can approve them directly from the iPhones or Android phones.

In order to maximize the power of the rechargeable battery pack, make sure to fully charge it the first time. The User Guide indicates that it takes approximately four and a half hours to charge the battery, but my battery charged within a couple of hours. Once charged, the battery will give you approximately 9 hours of battery life.

The Vtech InnoTab 3S tablet does have some drawbacks. Like I mentioned earlier, it feels a little sluggish in terms of performance, but then again, it's a kid's tablet. When operating InnoTab 3S learning tablet you may find it a little slow when compared to adult tablets. When I first powered up the tablet, it took about 30 seconds to load. Also, when moving from app to app, it's a little slow to load. After all, it's processor is only a 360-MHz ARM 11 CPU.

We as adults are used to high powered, robust processors which kids don't really need. If you're going to be installing a lot of apps, you will require additional storage space. The tablet comes loaded with 4GB of internal memory. The good thing is that memory storage can be expanded using a microSD card (up to 32 GB).

Overall, I think it makes a great educational gift for children who will enjoy learning and keeping themselves entertained - this big kid surely did!

Vtech InnoTab 3S Video Review and Help

The video below is a review on the Vtech InnoTab 3S. You will also find other video tutorials on my YouTube channel on the unboxing of the Vtech Wi-Fi learning tablet, and a tutorial on how to install the rechargeable battery pack in the InnoTab 3S tablet.

Share your thoughts on Vtech's InnoTab 3S kid's tablet.

Image Credit: Images on this webpage belong to the author unless otherwise mentioned or linked to.

Squashed 3D Board Game Review

Squashed or Be Squashed

Squashed is a fun Board Game that makes you think in three dimensions. I got this cool kid's board game in November 2013 and it's a game that children will enjoy playing. What I like most about it is that it's simple, yet makes you think before you move your pieces to squash your opponents while protecting your own positions on the board. The other aspect of this 3D cube game that I liked was that it doesn't take too long to finish the game once you learn how to strategically maneuver your board pieces.

So you're probably wondering, how the game is played. Well, first off, the board itself is a 3D cube. It comes with a King piece and 16 pawns (four of each color: red, purple, green, and orange). The game is designed for two to four players. Each player chooses one pawn color. That is, each player will have four pieces of the same color placed on four sides of the cube on the respective spot marked on the cube. The King piece is placed right on top, in the center of the cube.

Basically, the aim of the game is to squash your opponents pawns by either landing on them or over them. Alternatively, you can squash your opponents pawns by flipping the cube once you land on one of the four spots surrounding the King piece. The last player with their pawn standing, wins. The pawns can move only vertically and/or horizontally, that is, diagonal moves are not allowed.

To start the game, you have to first decide who goes first. This can be determined by rolling the die (yeah, I said die, not dice). The die looks like a dice and has six sides, however, it's numbered 1, 2, and 3. So essentially, you can move up to 3 spots upon rolling the die. Another interesting rule of the game is that you can split your move between any of your pawns. So for example, if you rolled the die and got to move 3 spots, you can choose to move one pawn two spots, and another pawn one spot.

What makes this game very interesting is that you are sometimes left with a choice to either squash a pawn or get to the four spots surrounding the King piece which allows you to flip the cube and squash multiple pawns in one move. You have a really play the game to enjoy it - I sure did! 

This 3D board game is designed for children ages 6 and up, but I'm sure you adults will enjoy playing with your kids too. By the way, if two players are playing Squashed, you are allowed to choose two pawn colors each. That is, you will each have 8 pawns distributed on four sides of the game cube, which makes the game even more interesting.

Until you actually play the game, you won't really experience the fun of it. Given that you can finish the game rather quickly, you may want to play the game best of 3 or 5 games. The game pawns are quite tiny, so make sure that you keep them away from younger kids and pets.

You can watch the video below to get a better understanding on how the game is played. The cube is 7-inches so it's a good size and portable enough to tag along.

Watch Squashed 3D Board Game in Action

Perplexus 3D Maze Games Review

Perplexus Original, Rookie, Epic 3D Puzzles from PlaSmart Inc. are fun and unique 3D puzzles for kids ages 4 years and up. As opposed to your regular two-dimensional, flat surface puzzles, Perplexus mazes add another dimension and take you into a 3D world.

The mazes are designed with different obstacles, paths and barriers, and are enclosed in a large transparent sphere through which you maneuver a small metal ball or marble.

The concept of the game is fairly easy to understand, however, getting through the 3D mazes is challenging enough to keep kids engrossed and entertained.

Given its unique design, the Perplexus maze games are also a great way to help improve problem-solving, hand-eye coordination as well as motor and dexterity skills in children. The Perplexus 3D maze games come in 4 different difficulty levels: the Perplexus Rookie, the Original, the Twist and the Epic. I have personally tested all the Perplexus 3D maze games from PlaSmart. On this web page you will find reviews on all of the Perplexus 3D maze games, including videos and pictures of this fun children's toy which adults will enjoy too.

Perplexus 3D Maze Game Video

Watch this short 30 second video commercial of the Perplexus 3D maze game and take a quick peek at this fun and unique educational toy for children. In the sections below, we will review each of the unique 3D puzzles in more detail.

Perplexus Rookie 3D Maze Game by PlaSmart

Perplexus 3D maze games have become popular because of their unique design and educational nature of the fun toy. The original one is designed for children above 6 years of age. Given the popularity of this innovative toy, the company decided to design the Perplexus Rookie for children ages 4 and up.

The Rookie 3-dimensional maze game is easier to maneuver for younger kids and has 70 challenging barriers. Though it’s easy to maneuver, it’s still challenging to solve. The Perplexus Rookie has different types of obstacles in the form of twisty paths, stairs, tubes, and much more to provide a fun experience for kids.

The mazes are enclosed in a transparent plastic sphere 6 1/2 inches in diameter. In order to solve the 3D puzzle, you have to maneuver a small metallic marble through the various twisty, bendy barriers from start to finish. Arrows and numbers marked on the paths direct you from the starting point to the finish point.

When you first look at the Perplexus Rookie, it may take you a little while to get used to maneuvering through the paths and barriers, however, once you get the hang of it, you will find it very interesting and it may even get addictive. Younger children may need help initially when they start off solving the 3D maze, but they’ll soon get the hang of it. As Perplexus puts it, “Easy to play, hard to master”.

Video Review of Perplexus Rookie

Perplexus Original 3D Maze Game by PlaSmart

The Perplexus Original was among the first 3D maze games introduced by PlaSmart Inc. This innovative children’s educational toy includes 100 challenging barriers designed in a colorful, three-dimensional obstacle course.

The 3D maze includes adventurous and gravity-defying obstacles with twists, turns, bends, a swing arm, a super spiral, a tight rope and much more. Believe it or not, there are 23 feet of track inside the Perplexus Original to provide a super-thrilling puzzle-solving experience. The concept of this 3D maze game is similar to the Perplexus Rookie in which you maneuver a small steel marble through the 3D obstacle course from start to finish.

The Perplexus Original is designed for children ages 6 years and up. You can race yourself, the clock or your friends with these puzzles. The Original one has a slightly bigger transparent sphere and requires no batteries to operate. Just take it wherever you go and have unlimited fun with this 3-dimensional maze.

Video Review of Perplexus Original

Perplexus Epic 3D Maze Game by PlaSmart

The Perplexus Epic is among the newest in the line of these 3D maze games and is designed for kids ages 8 and up, and for those who have mastered the Rookie and Original. The Perplexus Epic comes with 125 challenging barriers which include twists, turns, tubes, serpentines, a gondola, launch ramp, Escher’s stairs and many more exciting gravity-defying obstacles.

The concept of this innovative three-dimensional maze game is similar to the Perplexus Rookie and Original. However, the obstacle course is much more challenging and requires a higher level of skill and patience to complete.

The plastic transparent sphere is larger in diameter (8 1/2 inches) compared to the Rookie and Original, and makes it easier to handle for older kids. The Perplexus Epic comes with a plastic stand to rest the game when not playing with it and requires no batteries to operate which makes it great for travel.

Video Review of Perplexus Epic

Perplexus Twist 4D Maze Game by PlaSmart

The Perplexus Twist is the latest in 3D puzzle games introduced by PlaSmart. Designed for children 6 years and up, they will be enjoy solving this 3D maze game which has a twist in it. If they have enjoyed the Perplexus Rookie, Original, and Epic, they are sure to love the new Twist. With 30 different types of obstacles to maneuver through, it packs in a lot of fun with twists and turns, traps, dead ends and cliffhangers, and much more.

I’ve tried all of the earlier Perplexus puzzles, including the new Twist, and really enjoy these puzzles. Similar to the other 3D maze games, the Twist is enclosed in a plastic transparent sphere, 7.5-inch in diameter. In order to solve the Perplexus Twist, you have to through the obstacle course filled with challenging turns, and different types of tracks, however unlike the earlier puzzles, the Twist adds a new dimension in which you have to twist the handles in order to align the paths and navigate to the finish line. The Twist adds a new challenge to test your skills and patience.

Apart from fun and challenges, these Perplexus puzzles are great for developing and enhancing hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning and dexterity as kids try to guide the marble to the finish. For beginner’s, it’s best to start with the first track and then work your way up. The Perplexus Twist comes with a plastic stand for easy storage, it requires no batteries to operate the puzzle, and is a great travel companion.

Video Review of Perplexus Twist

Share your thoughts on Perplexus 3D Maze Games and Puzzles.

Image Credits: Pictures on this webpage belong to the author unless otherwise mentioned or  linked to.

Wreck-It-Ralph Talking Action Figure Review

Wreck-It-Ralph toys, talking action figures, figurines, plush toys, books, coloring pages, video games, party supplies, featured on this web page are based on the Disney 3D animated comedy movie titled Wreck-It-Ralph. This popular 3D animated comedy film, directed by Rich Moore, was released in October 2012 and received positive reviews.

The movie setting is an arcade game when closed at night, the game characters are allowed explore other games within the arcade. Ralph, a titular arcade game villain, wants to be reverse roles and be the good guy. In the process, Ralph is faced with a challenging situation to deal with a disastrous threat which could impact the whole arcade game.

Wreck-It-Ralph toys showcased here make great gifts for kids. You will also find the link to the Wreck-It-Ralph 3D animated movie Blu-Ray DVD and the movie soundtrack that can be downloaded from iTunes.

How Does the Wreck-It-Ralph Talking Action Figure Work?

This Wreck-It-Ralph toy featured here is a talking action figure resembling the main character, Ralph, in the Disney WIR 3D animated movie. This popular Disney action figure is manufactured by Thinkway Toys and requires two AA alkaline batteries to operate. The Action figure is made from plastic and stands 11 inches tall with poseable fingers, arms, legs and feet. There is a "Talk" button on his chest which when pressed, activates 34 original sayings from the movie. It has two modes: Angry Mode and Nice Guy Mode.

To activate the Angry Mode, you can move both of Ralph's arms simultaneously. Alternatively, you can press both his back pockets simultaneously. In the Angry mode, he will say phrases like "I'm gonna wreck it!". You can then immediately move his arms or press his back pockets again for his smashing arm action which are accompanied with wrecking sounds. Also, pressing either one of his back pockets, will cause his head to turn.

To activate the Nice Guy Mode you can press the "Talk" button or move his left or right arm and you will hear his "Nice Guy" sayings like "My name's Ralph, Wreck-It-Ralph". Alternatively, you can press either his left or right pocket (at the back) to move his left or right arm which will be accompanied with his voice and head motion. Also, if left idle for a while, he resets to "Nice Guy" mode.

At the back of the action figure, you will find an on/off switch. To help conserve battery life, Ralph will go to sleep if left idle for a while. You can wake him up by pressing the "Talk" button, moving his arm, or pressing his back pocket. You can watch the video below to see Wreck-It-Ralph in action.

Video Review of Wreck-It-Ralph Talking Action Figure

In the video below you can see Wreck-It-Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz in action.

Trailer for Wreck-It Ralph 3D Animated Movie

Wreck-It Ralph is a 3D animated comedy film released in October 2012 and produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Overall, this animated comedy movie received positive reviews. The film features voices of John C. Reilly (as Ralph), Sarah Silverman (Vanellope), Jack McBrayer (Fix-It Felix, Jr.), and Jane Lynch (as Sergeant Tamora Jean Calhoun).

Featured above is the trailer for the Wreck-It Ralph 3D Animated movie released in October 2012. The movie is produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by Rich Moore.

The setting is an arcade game when closed at night, the game characters are allowed explore other games within the arcade. Ralph a titular arcade game villain wants to be reverse roles and be the good guy.

In the process, he is faced with a challenging situation to deal with a disastrous threat which could impact the whole arcade game.

Wreck-It Ralph Video Game

Wreck-It Ralph video game is based on the fictional 3D animated Disney movie. In this arcade-styled video game, you can use Ralph's muscle power to smash through obstacles, or Fix-It-Felix's magical hammer to fix the damage.

As you move throguh the various levels, you will find collectibles which can be accumulated like Hero Medals and Easter Eggs which can be displayed in your trophy collection.

This game is basic and is meant for kids and is available for Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS.

Wreck-It-Ralph Coloring Books

Featured below are coloring books for kids. These are reasonably priced art books for children. You can click the banner above to buy these coloring books directly from Amazon. You will also find a free Wreck-It-Ralph Activity Book which can be downloaded below and includes activities like matching pictures, fun maze, word search and a coloring page.

Wreck-It-Ralph Push Toys

Featured below are Wreck-It-Ralph Push Toys which include some of the main movie characters Ralph, Felix, and Vanellope. In the section below you will find many more Push Toys of other characters from this 3D Disney movie.

Share your thoughts on Wreck-It-Ralph toys, movie and activities.

Image Credits: Images on this webpage belong to the author unless otherwise mentioned or linked to.

Vtech Switch & Go Dinos Review

Vtech has introduced these cool voice recognition toys called Switch & Go Dinos. They come in various models, this specific model that I'm reviewing here is called "Jagger the T-Rex Dinosaur". Given that dinosaurs are popular among kids, I think children will appreciate receiving this interactive toy as a gift. It's designed for kids between the ages of 3 to 8 years.

I didn't realize how big this toy was, until I unboxed it. It's approximately 16-inches tall and 29-inches long, so it's a good size to play with. Younger kids, around 3 to 5 years, will require some help in transforming the toy from a truck to a dinosaur, but once they do it a few times, they will get the hang of it.

Basically, when the toy is in Truck mode or T-Rex mode, you can give over 20 pre-set commands and the toy will accordingly respond to the commands. The Switch & Go Dinos package includes a voice command list card for both modes. When I tried the commands, the voice-recognition technology worked really well, but make sure to say the commands clearly for it to work effectively. See the section below for my favourite commands and how to make the most of this interactive toy.

I personally, preferred the dinosaur mode because dinosaurs are cool and I enjoyed the specific commands for the dino. However, the Truck mode is fun too and kids will enjoy transforming this toy to both, dino and truck. The package also comes with a mini T-Rex that transforms into a bulldozer.

To learn how to have fun with this cool toy and how to transform the truck to the dinosaur, check out the video section below for demonstrations.

How-To Have Fun with Jagger The T-Rex?

If your kids love dinosaurs and interactive toys that transform from various types of vehicles to dinosaurs, then they will definitely enjoy playing with the variety of Switch & Go Dinos from Vtech. So I got this interactive toy from Vtech in December 2013 and decided to test it out before giving it away.

Overall, I found this toy a lot of fun mainly because it's a good size to play with and most of all, it's interactive. The voice-recognition technology was quite accurate in following the commands, however, I was giving clear commands sitting about two feet away.

For the commands to be more effective, make sure to always get the attention of the T-Rex. In order to do so, when in Truck Mode use the words "Hello Truck Driver" and in T-Rex Mode use the words "Hello T-Rex", then give the command. I found that it works better when used on a hard floor rather than a carpet, especially when moving the toy forward and back.

Some of my favourite commands in T-Rex mode were "Make me laugh", "Change you voice", and "Teach me something". And in Truck Mode, "Talk to me", "Wrecking machine", and "It's quitting time". Be careful of the projectile (the drill-bit with the red head) which is made of hard plastic when you give the commands like "Fire the Drill", "Go Wild", "Wrecking Machine". It shoots out at a relatively high speed, so make sure your kid is not placed right in front of the dinosaur or truck.

As indicated earlier, there are various models of these voice-recognition toys as you will find in the section below. These Vtech toys can be purchased directly from the secure Amazon website. Should you have any questions or want to leave any comments, feel free to use the Guestbook below.

How-To "Switch & Go Dinos" Videos

The video below will give provide you a demonstration on how to use the "Switch & Go Dinos - Jagger The T-Rex" interactive toy. I have several videos: the first video below will show you how to transform the Truck to the T-Rex. The second video will show you how to command Jagger The T-Rex, and the third video will show you how to command this voice-recognition toy in Truck mode. You can check the second and third videos on your YouTube Channel. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the Comments section below.

Switch & Go Dinos Collectables

As indicated earlier, there are various models of these voice-recognition toys as you will find in the section below. These Vtech toys can be purchased directly from the secure Amazon website. Should you have any questions or want to leave any comments, feel free to use the comments section below.

Brok the Brachiosaurus Dinosaur, SkySlicer The Allocaurus Dinosaur, Stompsalot The Armargasaurus Dinosaur, Horns the Triceratops Dinosaur, Akuna The Velociraptor Dinosaur, Tonn the Stegosaurus Dinosaur, and several others. In total, there are around 15 different models. You can check the whole List of Switch & Go Dinos Collectables.

Image Credits: Images on this webpage belong to the author unless otherwise mentioned or linked to.

Gift Ideas and Toy Reviews Blog

Welcome to this Gift Ideas and Toy Reviews blog. Buying gifts for any occasion can be a challenge. Whether you're looking to buy presents for children, teens, for men, or women, the market is flooded with thousands of products. Putting thought into finding the right present can be time-consuming.

On this blog, you will find popular gift ideas for that have been researched. You will also find toy reviews on top toys for kids. The products featured on this gift guide site are from top manufacturers and can be purchased from reputable retailers like Amazon and Target. If you have any questions regarding the information posted on this blog, you can feel free to contact me. Happy Shopping!