VTech Highlights Learning Aids At Internt'l Toy Fair
By Doug Olenick -- TWICE, 2/24/2003
New York—VTech fleshed out its early learning aid product lines at the International Toy Fair last week with the introduction of the Artificial Intelligence and Early Learning series of computer devices for young children.
The four Artificial Intelligence notebooks, which are for children five years and older, all feature VTech's Artificial Intelligence technology which guides children through the lessons and automatically adjusts the skill level based on the student's progression.
The Artificial Intelligence models have unique design, stereo sound, flat-panel displays, a plug-in mouse or a touch screen.
The first model, $49 suggested retail price, features 45 activities in English, history, math and logic skills. The next model, called the Desktop Series Pro and has a $69 suggested retail price, has 60 activities and adds science, geography and foreign language skills. Other features include a personal organizer, money manager, calendar and address book.
The Series Slimline, for kids seven and older, has a suggested retail price of $79 and adds music and art lessons. The Tablet Notebook, for those nine and older, has a detachable touch screen and is used via a stylus. It has 75 different activities and will carry a $99 suggested retail price.
VTech product line for very young children, three and older, starts with the Magic Mouse Laptop. It has a $19.99 suggested retail price and 30 interactive activities to help children practice language, math and logic skills. The Robot Learning Pal, $21.99, has 10 activities to teach letter formation, basic counting, spelling and math.
My First Desktop, $24.99, is designed as a starter computer for pre-schoolers. It has a full keyboard and 12 activities teaching letters, numbers and matching. The Learning Laptop, $29.99, offers the same but slightly more advanced tasks as My First Desktop, but in a portable format. It is for kids four and older.
The final new model is the Girl Fun PC, $29.99. It is a purse-shaped notebook computer featuring 40 educational activities that allows girls to win credit that can then be spent on virtual shopping trips. It contains a password equipped electronic diary and travel strap
