V.Tech has just released a new E-Reader aimed at Kids! Formally known as the Flip and now known as the V-Reader, this e-reader joins the Fisherprice IXL and the Aiptek Story in the race to replace traditional books for little kids.
The E-Reader features a full color touch screen and software driven QWERTY Keyboard. The device comes with a bunch of built in eBooks such as The Little Engine that Could, Dora the Explorer, Toy Story 3 and many more. It retails for around $59.99 and each book will cost around $20.00. The Device comes with a USB cable, but not an AC Adapter. It has dedicated volume controls and a head phone jack so you do not have to hear the same book 1000 times, as your little one plays with it.
Although this new E-Reader’s price is right, it does have a few downfalls. The page turns feel sluggish and the animation is accompanied with lots of screen lag. It also does not come with a SD Card, which means in order to download eBooks you will have to purchase one. It is also battery powered, so be prepared to invest in a solid set of rechargeable batteries.
On the flip side, some of the eBooks have audio and video, which means you, can see animations and hear your favourite Disney Character speak to the children. There are some Visual and Audio word association ebooks in development. On all of the ebooks the V. Reader has the feature to touch on a word and hear it out loud. The device looks to be in a solid plastic chassis, which should have some durability. Finally, V. Tech has a long track record in dealing with kid’s toys, accessories and other items such as Backpacks.
You can order the V Reader and eBooks, directly from the V. Tech Website http://www.vtechkids.com/v.reader/
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
