It’s holiday shopping time, and there are some really neat kids’ products that are new on the market this year. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review one of these products, the VTech InnoTab Max, and to be able to share my thoughts with you.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of VTech. I was given a VTech InnoTab Max and $20 of downloadable software in order to review the product. All opinions are 100% my own.
We are a very low-tech family. As I’ve mentioned before, to save money as a SAHM we don’t have cable/satellite. I had my old flip phone for over 6 years before it accidentally got tossed in the wash earlier this year and I wound up with my current phone. And, unlike most of America, we don’t have a Kindle, tablet, I-pod, or any other mobile devices, either.
With all that said, I know that technology is important for kids to learn and be able to use as they get older. I don’t want my kids to be unprepared for whatever technology they may face as they get older. So, when I was offered the chance to review the VTech InnoTab Max, I jumped at the chance.
VTech’s InnoTab MAX:
I like the durable construction of the InnoTab Max. A tablet that is geared towards kids 3-9 needs to be able to take a little bit of a beating. (Especially in the hands of an excited child trying to tap those answers as fast as they can!)
I also love that the cover is attached — no need to purchase some separate carrying case for taking it on the go! And check out that handle! It’s perfect for little hands to carry.
That cover also allows the user to stand up the device, which is perfect for viewing videos or working with the VTech tablet at a table.
Some more facts about the VTech(r) InnoTab MAX (Ages 3-9 years, MSRP: $109.99):
- VTech’s 4th generation kids’ learning tablet features its fastest processor yet with up to six times the processing power of previous genration and a 7″ high-resolution multi-touch screen display.
- InnoTab MAX features an enhanced version of Premium VTech Kid Connect(tm), at no additional charge, allowing children and parents to exchange voice and text messages, photos, drawings and fun stickers in real time between the tablet and a smartphone.
- The tablet offers the best of both learning worlds with access to more than 650 educator-endorsed, age and stage appropriate learning titles as well as carefully cultivated educational Android apps that can be purchased and downloaded through VTech’s Learning Lodge(r) app store.
- The kids’ tablet comes with 15 onboard apps, including Premium VTech(r) Kid Connect, My Magic Beanstalk, Movie Maker, Art Studio, Wonder Cam Max, E-Reader with Story Dictionary and more.
- InnoTab MAX also comes with one free Toca Boca app and two additional free apps that can be downloaded from the Leaning Lodge.
- Other features include a built-in rechargeable Lithium battery and kid-safe Wi-Fi so kids can explore appropriate online games, videos and websites that have been pre-selected by VTech.
- Parental controls allow parents to manage their child’s apps, web access and tablet time, as well as view the progress log.
It seems people always want to know what the image quality is like on devices like this. I’ve already told you that I really don’t have much experience with mobile devices, but to me, the quality is fine. In fact, the online games and videos had a quality very similar to my laptop.
Back to those videos, though…
I discovered that most of the pre-selected videos are on YouTube. The problem is that once the video is over, up pop the pictures for related videos, just as they normally do on YouTube. A child can easily click on any of these videos to watch.
More disturbing is the fact that I was able to click on the YouTube icon on the bottom and get to the YouTube search window. And, yes, some very non kid-friendly sites WILL pop up on the device if you search for them. (Just to see what would happen, I typed in a 3-letter word starting with “S” and ending in “X.” Wow! Talk about being shocked! I had thought there might be a block built in for that, but apparently that is not the case.
Now, as stated above, there are parental controls where you can choose to block the VTech pre-selected games, websites, and videos. And, so right now I have all the videos blocked. YouTube is NOT somewhere I want my kids wandering about freely.
As a parent, I think it’s important for other parents to understand that the “kid-friendly Wi-Fi” doesn’t actually block out sites you may not want your children to see. And, as always, there is no substitute for parental monitoring of the device while in use.
Now that I got that off my chest, I have to say there are literally tons and tons of apps available for the tablet for a wide range of ages. Many of the apps start at just $2.39.
I particularly like the apps that allow both my kids to use the device at the same time, like solving math problems head-to-head in the game Cosmic Reactor Math. And, if you are looking for some extra practice in Common Core math, there are apps available for that as well!
Thinking of buying a kids’ tablet as a gift?
You can get the Vtech Innotab Max on Amazon (affiliate link provided).
The Dose of Reality says
It sounds like a really great tablet. I like the build in case that acts as a stand. Cool!
I’m so glad you pointed out that internet access isn’t as blocked as you’d think/assume. Good to know! Parental supervision is always the gold standard!! Really helpful review!! Thank you!! –Lisa
OneMommy says
You just can’t beat parental supervision!
James Robert says
I’d like to win for my youngest daughter who just turned 6
OneMommy says
Great age for it! Good luck!
MrsSibona says
My boys would love you & me forever! Thank you for the opportunity to make them unbelievably happy.
amy pugmire says
My kids are 7, 4 and almost 3
OneMommy says
Sounds like it would be put to good use! Good luck!
amy pugmire says
Thanks so much! yes it would be put to great use!
Emilie Grube says
Would love to win it! : )
Emilie Grube says
Jacob would think this is awesome.
OneMommy says
Good luck!
Sonya Morris says
My little girl is four years old.
OneMommy says
Good luck!
d schmidt says
They are aged 3 and 5
Nichole Dunn says
I would like to win for my daughter who just turned 4 and for the future use by my son. My daughter loves technology.
OneMommy says
4 is a great age to start! 🙂
kim says
Both my kids would love this
OneMommy says
Good luck!
Cassandra Eastman says
Mine are 3 & 5!!!
Melissa M says
My 4 and 6 year old boys would love this.
Beth R says
This would be for my sons would are 6 and 3
Kimberly says
This would be for my 3 year old daughter, although her 7 month old brother would try to get his hands on it too. 🙂
OneMommy says
🙂 Oh, I am sure he would!
Shakeia Rieux says
My nieces are 3 and 5
OneMommy says
Good ages for it! Good luck!
Shakeia Rieux says
Thank you!
Shakeia Rieux says
I follow on pinterest as bbybrwneyez34
Jonathan Baker says
My three year old son would use it.
Beth R says
I would love to win this for my two boys 6 and 3. They would love it
OneMommy says
Good luck! 🙂
Joan Kubes says
I’d like to win for my niece who is six.
OneMommy says
What a great gift it would make!
Jessica says
This would be for my daughter who is about to turn 3.
Michelle B says
My 5 year old daughter would use it, especially on long road trips.
OneMommy says
Good luck!
Mami2jcn says
My daughter is 5 and she would love this.
Emma says
I love that it stands up – that makes it much more comfortable to watch videos on, hands-free. My 5 year old would love this!
OneMommy says
That is a pretty nifty feature for kids!
Katie says
My daughter is 1 and would love this
Amanda Sakovitz says
Age 5!
Bethany Boring says
My kids are 1, 4 and 6…this tablet would be such a great learning took for my soon-to-be 7 year-old! I love the protection this offers and the software options!
Sonya Morris says
Following you on pinterest as Sonya Morris.
Thomas Murphy says
My son would use it and he is 6.
Tara says
My nephew is 3.
steven weber says
My nephew is 7
My niece is 4
Robert Killen says
My 2 1/2 yr old twins would love this. And I wouldn’t have to worry about them messing up one of our devices.
Deb Jackson says
My nieces and nephew are 2,4 and 6.
OneMommy says
It would make them a great gift!
Heather Dawn says
My four year old son will be the main user. Im pretty sure my six year old will want to play it as well.
Heather Hayes Panjon says
I’d Give This To My Niece Who Is 5.
Betsy says
my kids are 4 and 1
Laura says
Looks like a great product! My kids are 5 and 7 and would love this.
amy stonger says
It would be for my 3 year old daughter and 5 year old son.
Carly says
We are looking at the tablet for our 4 yr old and 6 yr old daughter for Christmas!! I would love it if we won one!
OneMommy says
Good luck! 🙂
OneMommy says
Good luck!!
Jessica Smith says
This sounds amazing!! I am also a SAHM and would love the opportunity to be able to give this to my son as a Christmas gift. I would gladly write a review on the product after my son uses it. Good luck to everyone. I’m sure any child that receives this will be very happy. Happy holidays everyone!!
Kaitlin says
My niece is 3 years old!
Brandy Y. says
I have a niece that is 6 that could use this!
Tabathia B says
My daughter is 5 years old and would be the one using form.
Heather Dawn says
I follow on Pinterest as Heather Dawn
Laura J says
Carter is 4….I Think this would be wonderful to get him ready for kindergarten next year.