Christmas is coming and many of us will be shopping for tablets for our children. Â When VTech contacted me about reviewing their new InnoTab3, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to write about tips for choosing a tablet for your child and what to look for when comparing tablets.
I’m a huge fan of learning toys for kids. Â Technology is a must-have for everyone from moms to presidents and I wanted my daughter using a tech device to learn. Â There’s a place in a child’s life for different kinds of play and anything that can integrate learning and play is on my wish list.
Question for you…. when was the last time your child borrowed your phone or tablet to play a game?  It can be annoying, but more importantly, there is age-INappropriate access on your device.  “Nearly 40% of parents have said they are likely to use their tablet or smartphone to entertain their kids,†said Dr. Helen Boehm, VTech Toy Development Consultant. “The better option is a child-friendly tablet created just for them.”
Okay, so you are convinced that a child-friendly electronic device with access to learning games is the way to go. Â Now, which one?
Here are some tips on choosing a tablet for your child and the key features of the VTech InnoTab3 (recommended for ages 3-9):
Tip: Â Touch screens and voiced commands are a MUST for little ones. Â It is much more intuitive and easy-to-use than button controls.
- The VTech InnoTab3 has a compact and lightweight design with 4.3†touch screen, new directional pad, and tilt sensor.
Katherine’s brother, Jacob, actually helped me open the package and set up the screen. Â We were both impressed with how easy it was to use and love, love, love the touch screen. Â It had the responsiveness and navigation of tablets for adults. Â I didn’t find the Quick Start Guide until well into our setup, so I can say that it is very intuitive and easy to start using right out of the box! Â The tilt sensor is also fun for kids. Â There are many games that use the tilt to “fill a shape” or other fun effects. Â The VTech InnoTab3 is especially good for children that can’t read yet – it speaks all the commands and navigation choices.
TIP: Â Cameras are huge fun for kids. Â They love taking pictures and videos of themselves, their friends and pets. Â The tablet format with the large screen is easier and more fun than a traditional camera-sized view.
- The VTech InnoTab3 has a 2.0 megapixel, 180° rotating camera with more than 55 photo features and special effects.
The camera was a HUGE draw for Katherine. Â She loved taking pictures and video of herself and everyone around her. Â This alone will provide hours and hours of fun. Â The large screen and easy-to-use controls made it perfect for a young child.
Tip: Â When you are shopping for a tech learning device, in addition to the device itself, look at the availability and price of applications. Â The long-term interest and ability to grow with your child will depend on what games, books, etc. you can add.
- Four different media players: e-book reader, MP3 music player, photo viewer and video player
- 2 GB onboard memory
- Expandable memory to 32 GB with micro SD card slot
- 15 exciting onboard apps, plus one free download, redeemable on the Learning Lodge
VTech’s Learning Lodge features more than 600Â educational games, e-books, music and videos developed specifically for each child’s unique stage of development. Â I was worried that the prices would be high, but there are many, many offerings for as low as $2.99. Â Subjects include reading, math, social studies, science, creativity, problem solving and more!
Tip: Â Children are going to drop toys. Â It’s a fact of being a kid. Â If you are successful in buying the right tablet, they are going to be carrying it everywhere they can. Â Make sure that it is durable.
None of the three children we had trying the device dropped the VTech InnoTab3, but the adults each dropped it once! Â Thankfully it has a sturdy frame/case and feels very rugged. Â It’s especially designed for smaller hands, and Katherine found it very comfortable to hold. Â After-a-week update: Â It has survived even more drops and “beatings” and Katherine has been taking it everywhere.
When was the last time you saw this much concentration and interest in a toy after your child played with it for 30 minutes?
Tip: Â Remember your budget. Â When you’re choosing a tablet for your child, be aware of the price points for various options.
The VTech InnoTab3 has an extremely reasonable price for a tablet including so many features.  “We are excited to continue to grow our successful InnoTab range to now include the InnoTab 3 Learning App Tablet,†said William To, President, VTech Electronics North America. “This new learning tablet is packed with loads of onboard innovative technology and a significantly expanded library of fun, educational content that parents and kids have come to expect from VTech. And, at $69.99, it’s an unbelievably great entry point for a children’s learning tablet.â€
To enter to win a VTech InnoTab3,
go to the Rafflecopter form below.
Good luck!
To connect with VTech, use these links:
·         VTech website – http://bit.ly/tHKlfD
·         VTech Twitter -  http://bit.ly/Q7J7vM
·         VTech Facebook - http://on.fb.me/iIPfUE
Disclosure of Material Connection: Â I was provided with a VTech InnoTab3 for review. Â The VTech product, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech. Â All opinions are my own.
I love the touch screen, since most kids are more familiar with that than anything else these days. I also like that it has video, music and eBooks all in one.
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My fave feature is that it plays back music, videos, pictures and ebook reader! :)
Commented – http://kellysluckyyou.com/why-run-no-one-is-chasing-me/#comment-174185
I love that it has a kid-safe internet browser with pre-selected and parent-approved websites!
I love the camera with all the special effects along with the rechargable kit but the children will love the music and easy touch
I love the video player
I love the programs available to keep kids interested. But I think my favorite thing about this is not one single feature, but that it gets real technology into the hands of kids.
i like that you can take pictures- my kids love using my camera and im always so afraid they are going to hit the delete button
tcogbill at live dot com
I love that this is jam packed with so many things to do and is tough against kids!
I like that it has a e-reader, my little one loves to read!
My favorite feature is definitely 2.0 megapixel, 180° rotating camera with more than 55 photo features and special effects.
I like that it is sturdy an made for little hands that will drop it for sure
I love the amount of programs that are for your child’s specific age.
I like that it is a touch screen
http://kellysluckyyou.com/new-green-giant-roasted-veggie-tortilla-chip-and-green-giant-multigrain-sweet-potato-chip/
The camera
I think the Camera will be my daughter’s favorite feature
I like that it’s an eBook reader.
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http://kellysluckyyou.com/24-lunch-box-ideas/#comment-174239
That it has a reader, this is neat
Favorite feature; Expandable memory to 32 GB with micro SD card slot
I left a comment on your post “Revealing the 2013 Barbie Dream House! 1960′s Versus 2013 – Must See!”.
favorite would be the camera
I like that you can use a memory card! My daughter would love the camera feature, she is always trying to take pictures with my phone
Four different media players: e-book reader, MP3 music player, photo viewer and video player is my favorite
I LOVE how it has the ability to GROW with your child!
I like the e-book reader.
I like that it can take pictures.
I like that it has expandable memory
I like the the InnoTab® video recorder and megapixel camera
Announcing-the-2013-barbie-dream-house/#comment-174301
The touch screen is what I love to use makes it so easy for me to get around on. I also like that it is an e-book reader too I really need one.
I love the camera and I believe my kids would also.
Oh I LOVE that you can do e-books on it!! This would be so great for Carter! He LOVES books!
I love that it has four different media players!
The camera. My kids love taking pictures!
http://kellysluckyyou.com/disney-on-ice-celebrates-100-years-of-magic-coming-to-chicago/#comment-174423
I like the kid safe wifi
I like that it has built in apps, sturdy and made by vtech so I know everything is age approptiate and safe.
I love the camera, my kids would have so much fun taking pictures!
the ereader – my granddaughter is like me – loves to read – I would love to have this at my house for all the grandkids
The camera will surely be a hit!
I like the rotating camera
I like that the 2 GB onboard memory can be expanded to 32 GB with micro SD card slot
I love that it’s not going to break like my Nook did when my son threw it.
I commented here http://kellysluckyyou.com/announcing-the-2013-barbie-dream-house/
My favorite feature is 2.0 megapixel, 180° rotating camera with more than 55 photo features and special effects
http://kellysluckyyou.com/twitter-party-alert-fiskars4kids-918-1pm-et-prizes-500-in-walmart-gcs-rsvp-here/#comment-174836
I like the touch screen which makes it easier for my youngest to use.
My favorite feature is the camera.
The touch screen looks cool
It has e-reader!
My grandson would love the camera.
I love that it is durable
The camera. My son loves taking pics! This would be perfect for him!
Favorite feature: 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.
My son would love the camera.
Its also an ereader
My favorite feature is the kid safe internet browser. Puts me at ease letting my child play with it.
One of my favorite features is that it’s safe for kids with the internet browser. I also love that you can have games, music, books and videos on there! The expandable memory option is a great feature as well.
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I commented on the Disney Planes fun day post.
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My grandkids would love that it can take photos. They would like a camera.
I commented here:
http://kellysluckyyou.com/why-run-no-one-is-chasing-me/#comment-175391
Love the WIFI!
My favorite feature is the 2 GB onboard memory
Ladyblueeyez1960 (at)(aol)(dot)(com)
love that it has a kid-safe internet browser
I like that it has “Expandable memory up to 32 GB with micro SD card slot”
I like all the different educational games you can play!
I love that it’s educational and durable.
Commented on–24 Lunch Box Ideas. Kimberly M.
I really love how durable it is but also love the camera!
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I love that it is a sturdy version of a tablet . My girls would love this so much! I also love that the memory is expandable. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
I like the touch screen and also the fact it is so durable.
I love how durable it is. Kids are rough on stuff!
The entire thing is incredible but I think the best feature my daughter would love is the camera!
expandable memory!
touch screen and vreader
I love that it has a camera.
My sons would love the camera feature.
I like the 2.0 megapixel, 180° rotating camera feature
the camera
commented on http://kellysluckyyou.com/recipe-fast-fun-family-movie-party/#comment-176163
extra entry
I love the rotating camera! My son would have so much fun with this!
The camera is my favorite part! I am sure my daughter will like the apps best.
https://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/382490156344688641
I love all the different apps you can download
My (son’s) favorite feature of the VTech InnoTab3 is the Rotating Camera and Video Recorder.
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The ruggedness would be the most important factor in my household!
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Its made for little hands
I like the Camera.