V-Tech InnoTab 3S Review and GIVEAWAY!!

Last month was 'birthday' month at our house, and it just so happened a very neat review product arrived at our door just in time for the celebrations.  We received an InnoTab 3S from V-Tech.  As soon as the wrapping paper was pealed back, they were all begging to be the first reviewer :).

The InnoTab 3S is a tablet, geared towards children ages 3-9.  It comes packed with 20 different apps (like the My Magic Beanstalk like you can see in the photo), plus thanks to the VTech Learning Lodge, you can download tons of additional apps (they cost extra).  It also takes cartridges, so there is a ton of opportunity for expansion.

The InnoTab 3S allowed us to make a profile for each child so that they could progress through game apps without 'messing up' each other's games.  As we made a profile, each child chose an avatar or took a picture of themselves using the on-board camera.  That camera has become a favorite, taking pictures of all sorts of things and people (yes that includes me).  It is ALSO a video camera!!

Once your child is logged on, they can choose from apps that are 'on' the InnoTab 3S, or choose to play a cartridge game.  We received the Read, Play, Create cartridge that had games for the kids to play.  VTech sells other cartridges which you can switch out and add to the options.

The VTech Learning Lodge allows you to purchase apps, e-books, and even movies to use on the go.  You connect the InnoTab 3S via an USB port, and register for an account.  The InnoTab 3S comes with one free app download.  My goodness, finding ONE that everyone could agree on....  well actually it didn't happen, but I finally made an executive decision and downloaded a fire fighting game.  They all enjoyed it.  It was geared up to age 7, clearly too easy for my just turned 8 DD, and on the easy side for my 5 year old, but they did still enjoy it.  The apps can be purchased for 2.99 and up, which is very reasonable in the app world.  One feature I will be taking advantage of is the wish list maker.  That way, in the future I can buy apps that the kids ask for in advance.  They make a list and send it to me, and then I can chose from their list and buy apps.  Love it!

Another feature that we are still exploring are the Wi-Fi capabilities.  It came in very handy when I went to download our free app.  I chose the app on our Learning Lodge account, but when I turned on the tablet I realized the download hadn't completed.  I was thrilled when I realized that I could just connect to the Wii-Fi, download the game and let the kids go.  I have not allowed the kids to use the kid safe web-browsing capabilities yet.  Mainly because they haven't tired of the current features and I prefer to introduce things one at a time so they focus on one at a time :).

Of course, with any product that is electronic, it simply means it probably does tons more things that I haven't figured out...but, my kids probably have, lol!!

The InnoTab 3S runs on 2 rechargeable battery packs-and it's good they are rechargeable because it takes only about 2 hours for the battery to be recharged.  I know some kids would not use it that long, but with 4 kids, each getting a 1/2 hour play time...it only takes one play session before it's dead.  Now, that IS a blessing for us, because no one can beg for more playtime!

This great video shares some of the features in better detail, and explains a few that I am not yet an expert on:

Now, if you can't tell, we are really enjoying the V-Tech InnoTab 3S.  We already own a number of tablets that are geared at adults, but the kids hardly ever get to use them.  It is hard to turn your pricey electronic over to your four year old and say-here go have fun!!  And, even the one that we DID let the kids use, they managed to download all kinds of pricey apps and movies!!  So they quickly lost that privilege, too.

The InnoTab 3S is costs just $99.00, which is competitively priced for this market.  It is kid safe-all wrapped up in plastic.  It is easy for the kids to use-they can use their fingers or a stylus if that works better for them.  They can't order apps or movies-an adult has to do that. Best part, they have a ton of educational apps and games, so we are able to use this during school!!  I love allowing Mini Cooper to do electronic learning without having to turn my entire desktop over to her.  

Probably our only complaint?  That we don't have four of them and there is lots of patience having to be learned as the kids wait their turn to play!!

To BUY the InnoTab 3S on the V-Tech website or wherever V-Tech items are sold.  I would HIGHLY recommend getting the bundle that includes the rechargeable battery packs.  I am not sure it comes with all of them, and it was a feature I would not have wanted to go without.  We reviewed a blue and white model, but it also comes in pink!  

You can learn more about the InnoTab 3S by checking out the web-site, Twitter page, or Facebook.

I am also SUPER excited to get to share this InnoTab 3S with one of you!!!  Yes, thanks to the awesome folks at V-Tech, I get to giveaway an InnoTab 3S!!  Super cool, eh?  One less Christmas present to buy?  Yep!!  So, here's what you have to do.  I am using the Rafflecopter giveaway app to make this easier.  Lots of easy ways to enter, so find one that works and put your name in the hat.  This giveway ends this coming Sunday, October 20th, 2013, at midnight CST (US address only).  So, get your entries in, tell your friends, and be sure to check back and see if you won!

Thanks for stopping by!!  Good luck and God bless,

Lisa

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Thanks to V-Tech and Coyne PR, we received the InnoTab 3S free in return for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are our own.