Hobbies And Interests
Leap Frog Leapster2, Ages 4 to 8
Improving upon the original Leapster, Leap Frog has stepped it up a notch, allowing you to track your child's learning progress. This tracking program is a new online assessment for parents to view their child's learning through Leapster2 cartridges. This tracking feature comes preloaded in the game console.
Leapster2 has built-in tutorials that adjusts to your child's pace and assists if he finds a question too challenging, allowing him to progress at his own speed. Connecting online, the child is able to download one of four starter games to keep on his console, preview new games and see the rewards he can earn as a bonus for playing games. With a creative studio you can upload your child's art from the paint program that comes preloaded on all Leapster2 consoles. Once the art is uploaded your child has the ability to make embellishments and print it.
An interactive touch screen and an attached stylus enables your child to learn on the go. It uses four AA batteries or a battery charging station sold separately.
The more than 30 Leapster cartridges emphasizes learning mathematics, language arts, reading skills and basic science. Leapster2 continues to use the original Leapster game cartridges making upgrades less costly.
VTech V. Smile Cyber Pocket, Ages 4 to 7
The V Smile Cyber Pocket is a versatile gaming console that can be plugged into the PC, television, or you can use on the console's flip up screen. The console can be operated by either touch, using the attached stylus, pushing the large buttons, or by joy stick. The V.Smile is compatible with the more than 30 V.Tech smartcartridge games.
The online play option starts when the included V. Link is connected to the V. Smile console and properly connected to the home PC via USB connection. V.Link will autolaunch to the secure website and all of the parent tracking information from the V.link will log the gamer's progress giving the child rewards for her hard work. Each V.Link is only able to track progress for one child. Additional children should have their own V. Link. The V.Llink can also track progress on V. Smile PC Pal and V. Smile Motion. Each time you plug in the USB to the PC it automatically launches your child to a parent-approved secure website. Smartcartridges unlock up to four online bonus games and each are earned as she meets reward requirements.
Using your television set as a screen is simple and no extra cords are required; all you need comes with the V. Smile Pocket.
Head to Head: Differences V. Smile or Leapster2
V. Smile Cyber Pocket is more versatile than Leapfrog Leapster2. Both have online and hand held capabilities but the Cyber Pocket can connect to your television for a full-screen experience.
V. Smile and Leapster2 have battery packs and charger stations, but the V. Smile line has a car charge adapter to keep it mobile.
Both have the online progress tracking program and touch screen and stylus capability, but the Cyber Pocket also has a joy stick option that is easy for left- or right- handed children. Cyber Pocket buttons are larger than those of the Leapster2 making it more friendly for little hands. Both consoles have more than 30 game cartridges and PBS, Disney, Nickelodeon and original characters.
Prices for both consoles range from $50 to $70 depending on what you get with the console.
Bottom Line
Either Leapster2 or Cyber Pocket will enhance your child's ability to learn subjects such as math, science, language arts and even Spanish. It comes down to what is right for your family's needs. Do you need to have the console connect to the TV? Do you need to have the joy stick, the car charger adapter, or a certain game only available on one console? Which one does your child prefer? It all comes down to what works for you. Either game system is going to bring hours of learning fun to your child, there is nothing wrong with that choice.
Where to Purchase
Go to a local toy store or variety store to see the gaming consoles up close. It may even be a good idea to bring your child along to see which gaming console catches his eye. With the consoles having different colors and carrying packs available, the child may gravitate to one of the consoles simply for the way it looks. With both consoles boasting more than 30 games, selecting a favorite game also could be a deciding factor. Once you have decided do some price comparisons at local and online stores.