VTech InnoTab 3s Review: Tablet For Kids

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VTech has recently released the InnoTab 3s for kids ages 3-9. The new InnoTab 3s features Wi-Fi for more interactive fun, or so they say. The InnoTab 3s comes with the InnoTab 3 Learning Tablet, two styluses, “Read, Play and Create” cartridge, 7.5 AC/DC adapter, rechargeable battery pack , USB Cable, and a Learning Lodge installation CD.

The InnoTab 3s features:

Kid Connect

Kid Connect is the VTech version of texting. You can download the app called, VTech Kid Connect, for the iPhone or Android so you can text with your child on the InnoTab 3s. If you upgrade to the Kid Connect Premium you can send and receive up to a 10-second voice message and send photos and drawings. This is a neat feature of the 3s, and you can also take a photo of yourself and child to use as the contact person (see the third picture below).

Wi-Fi

This new version of the InnoTab offers Wi-Fi. Browse kid-safe and parent approved websites to find even more learning fun right from the InnoTab 3S. Using the InnoTab 3S, kids can securely explore age-appropriate websites approved by VTech’s educational experts like Wacky Web Tales and Sports Illustrated Kids (see middle picture). This we found to be extremely slow. Trying to connect to the websites took a long time and if your child is used to playing with an iPhone or iPad then they will not wait for this to load. My son gave up on using the browser. When I tested it out, the pre-approved sites were not only grainy and hard to read and contained ads that the kids could click on. I tried several times to check out the sites, but it took over 10 minutes for a site to load on several occasions.

Games and More

The InnoTab 3s features several apps that include: Art Studio, Magical Bean Stalk game, calculator, clock, calendar, friends list, notes, wonder cam, video recorder, web browser, music, videos and photos that can be used right away. The e-reader and games apps, you need to purchase games or books to be able to play. Included is the “Read, Play and Create” cartridge that offers 3 games: What’s that Noise, H2O Go, and Color & Pop.

Rechargeable Battery Pack

Some InnoTab 3S include a rechargeable battery pack with AC adapter (a $34.99 value) so you can get to 9 hours of battery life!

Learning Lodge

The Learning Lodge is the VTech store. VTech’s Learning Lodge features more than 600 educational games, e-books, music, and videos developed specifically for each child’s unique stage of development, as well as their age and interests. The broad library of subjects includes reading, math, social studies, science, creativity, problem-solving and so much more! Starting with activities suitable for toddlers and expanding to grade schoolers.

Camera
The VTech InnoTab 3s comes with a 2-MP camera which rotates so you are able to take forward and backward photos/movies. While the pictures came out grainy, the Wonder Cam allows kids to add decorations and effects to the pictures.

Parental Controls

To access the Parental Controls, you do need your Learning Loge email address and password. Once in you can manage the pre-approved VTech sites and create a list of child-approved sites. You are able to enter the URL of a site and add to the approved list. A feature I like is one that allows you to set the time limit on how long your kids can play. You can even check certain times of the day that you do not want your kids playing. There is also a history tab so you can see what your kids have been looking at.

While my six-year-old had fun playing some of the fun activities, the biggest disappointment was how slow it ran. Not only did he give up several times because the web browser seemed to take forever to load but also the lag time after pressing on an app.

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Disclosure:  I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to InnoTab or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.