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.

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.

Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat Set Review

The Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat Set is a great Christmas or birthday gift for kids 3 years and above. It's a fun and creative way for children to enjoy the thrill of racing.

With the Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat set, kids can get creative by constructing their very own customized racetracks and put their Nanos bugs (micro robotic creatures) to the ultimate speed test. This Raceway set comes with 28 easy-to-connect pieces as well as two rare Hexbug Nanos bugs. This children's toy set is durable, tough and easy to assemble.

This unique toy set was awarded the Specialty Toy of the Year in 2011 by the Toy Industry Association. Hexbug was first introduced in 2007 by Innovation First International, a privately-held company and a leader in educational robotics products. These toys sets are compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, that is, their toys are CPSI approved. I've personally tested the Hexbug Nano Raceway Set and provide my review below including pictures and videos of this innovative and fun toy for kids.

What are Hexbug Nanos?

Before we review the Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat Set let me introduce you to the Nanos Bugs, the battery-operated micro robotic creatures that make this toy set unique. They are bug-like creatures, the type of bugs your kids will love to play with. These collectible Nano bugs come in different colors and are designed to behave like actual bugs.

They flip over if they fall on their backs and know how to get around when they encounter obstacles on their way. The Hexbug Nanos do tricks with their fast and random movements with each color having its unique personality in terms of how they move. Check out the short video below to see some of the various robotic micro-bugs in action. The Hexbug Nanos can be purchased separately with batteries included. Below you will find the different types, like the Newton Motion Series 5 Pack, the Orbit Series 5 Pack, the Gravity Series 5 Pack, the Newton Calculus Series, and the Glow-in-the-Dark Series.

Video: Hexbug Nanos in Action

Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat Set

The Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat Set is an innovative toy set which includes 28 durable and easy-to-connect pieces. This toy set has 18 track pieces, 2 magnetic started tracks, 2 hexpods, 2 stop and go signs, and 2 checkered flags with which to build the track that can be customized based on your child’s creativity.

Also, included in the set are 2 Hexbug Nano bugs which your child can put to the ultimate speed test and start having fun. Once the customized track has been built, the micro-robotic bugs are switched on and placed in the magnetic starter track. They will not move, due to the magnets, until you push the black starter buttons. This allows to release both the Hexbug Nanos at the same time.

The innovatively designed battery-operated micro robotic creatures race away through the tracks and the fun begins. Given the random movements of the mirco-bugs, the final outcome is unpredictable as they make their way to the finish gate automatically raising the checkered flag, being declared as the winner.

Check the video below to see the Hexbug Nano bugs in action on the raceway habitat.

Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat Set Video Review

How to Build Hexbug Nano Raceway Tracks?

The Hexbug Nano Raceway Habitat Set includes 28 easy-to-connect pieces with which to creatively customize your own raceway tracks. Piecing the tracks is quite simple, but children will require assistance from an adult, depending on how old they are. Given that there are 28 different pieces, one can get real creative in building different types of tracks.

The video below will walk you through how to build two different raceway tracks step-by-step. You can feel free to pause the video. Once you get the hang of building the Hexbug Nano Raceway tracks, you will be able to easily design your own tracks. When dismantling the raceway track be careful to do so slowly using both hands, if not, it may snap or break at the joint.

Lazer Stunt Chaser RC Car Review

Lazer Stunt Chaser RC Cars are unique and cool dual-sided, high speed remote controlled stunt cars distributed by Thinkway Toys.

These hot wheels are controlled by a patented infrared remote control with which kids can try amazing car stunts. The variable speed remote control has seven different functions and is easy to use, but will initially require some practice in order to master control over the RC car.

The Lazer Stunt Chaser is recommended for children 4 years and over, and comes in two different car models: the Flameout RC car and the Dragonfire RC car. In order to make this car game even more fun, you can expand your stunt zone using various stunt obstacles like jump ramps, Doom's gate ring, cyclone force, and others. On this web page, we will review the Lazer Stunt Chaser RC Cars in detail along with demonstration videos.

Video Preview of Lazer Stunt Chaser

This short video below will provide you a quick overview of the Lazer Stunt Chaser remote controlled car. A complete review of this unique RC car is provided in the sections below including pictures and more videos. Enjoy the virtual tour.

Lazer Stunt Chaser RC Car Review

I have personally tried the Lazer Stunt Chaser RC car (Flameout model) which you see featured in the pictures and video above. This cool remote-controlled car is recommended for children ages 4 and up. However, initially it will require some adult help and supervision because it does take some practice to master the remote control to effectively maneuver the Lazer Stunt Chaser.

It is advisable to have a relatively large space in order to set up your car stunt zone to make the best of this RC car toy. To start off, make sure to remove the “Try Me” tab at the side of the car and turn the switch on (channel A for the Dragonfire model and channel B for the Flameout model).

The 7-function remote control uses an infrared transmitter to control and maneuver the RC car. In order to control the car, you simply point the remote control to the floor and press the trigger making sure that the red light spot is placed in front of the RC car (about 6 to 18 inches from the car). Accordingly, move the infrared beam of light and the RC car will follow the beam.

For longer range distances (up to 40 feet), you can use the left, right and reverse buttons on the remote control. For extra speed, use the Turbo button. For detailed instructions, refer to the section, How to Use the Lazer Stunt Chaser Remote Control?

Once you have mastered the basics, you can take it to the next level and perform some cool stunts. The Lazer Stunt Chaser RC car sets (Flameout or Dragonfire models) come with a bonus stunt ramp. You can use the stunt ramp to flip the car over as well as make the car jump high to achieve cool stunts. Check the section below on Stunt Ramps for Lazer Stunt Chaser.

This remote-controlled car set is designed for indoor use only, so make sure that you don’t use it outdoors, in dirt and sand, which could damage the RC car. You can create your own obstacle courses using household objects as well as other special stunt ramps, gates, cyclone force available for purchase. With this Lazer Stunt Chaser, you can have a lot of fun racing alone or competing with other drivers. Refer to the instruction guide on how to change channels for multiple players.

Video Review: Lazer Stunt Chaser RC Car

Lazer Stunt Chaser: Flameout & Dragonfire

Lazer Stunt Chaser RC cars come in two different models namely: the Flameout RC car and the Dragonfire RC car, as featured below. As mentioned earlier, these remote controlled cars are dual-sided, meaning, when they flip over they change colors and design. Technically, both the toy car models are similar in terms of speed, stunt ability, and performance. The only difference are their colors, as you will notice below.

These RC racing cars come with a built-in rechargeable battery which holds the charge for approximately 20 minutes depending on use. Recharging the batteries takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to fully charge (battery charger included). The charger runs on batteries, though, and requires 6 AA alkaline batteries.

Lazer Stunt Chaser Remote Control

 

The Lazer Stunt Chaser sets (Flameout or Dragonfire models) come with an infrared remote control with which to control the dual-sided RC car. Make sure to turn on the switch on the RC car first. To guide the RC car, you need to point the remote control to the floor and pull the trigger, marked no. 5 in the above picture.

Pulling the trigger and placing the infrared light in front of the RC car activates the remote control and sets the Lazer Stunt Chaser car in motion. To turn the car to the left, guide the infrared light to the left. Similarly, move the light spot to the right to turn the RC car to the right. If the infrared light spot is placed behind the car, the car will reverse. Releasing the trigger slows down the car.

The infrared light is for controlling the car for short distances. For longer ranges, up to 40 feet away, use the left, right and reverse buttons (see figure above) to control the Lazer Stunt Chaser RC car. To avoid high-speed crashes, use the reverse button and the trigger in order to slow down the RC car. You can use the reverse, left or right control buttons if the RC car is stuck against the wall, to regain control.

The infrared remote control also has high and low transmitter settings (marked no. 4 in the above figure). Use the High setting for non-reflective floors, and the Low setting for shiny floors. The remote control requires 2 AA alkaline batteries (not included). The remote control also has a Turbo button (marked no. 6 in the above figure) which is to be used for extra power and to achieve maximum speed.

Stunt Ramps for Lazer Stunt Chaser

Included with the regular Lazer Stunt Chaser sets (Flameout or Dragonfire) is a bonus jump ramp which requires some assembly. The jump ramp has two brackets with slots, and a plastic ramp sheet with tabs. The stunt ramp can be assembled in different ways for car flips, high jumps, and bumps to add to the fun and car stunts.

Featured in the image above, you will find four jump ramp constructions which are easy to assemble. There is an instruction sheet which comes along with the Lazer Stunt Chaser RC car set which will provide more detailed instructions.

To keep the ramps sturdy, you can use wooden blocks or relatively heavy books at the side of the ramps. When performing stunts with the RC car, make use of the Turbo button to achieve maximum power through the stunt ramps. Additional ramps and accessories can be purchased separately.

Image Credits: Product pictures 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!