VTech InnoTab 2S Wi-Fi Learning App Tablet {Review}

My boys love their VTech toys and VTech definitely knows what they are doing with electronic toys.  A few years ago my boys got their first handheld kid video-game system.  They have definitely come a long way and I am amazed at how they are so much like the adult systems.  Take the VTech InnoTab for example it looks like an iPad but is designed for kids.  We didn’t have the original InnoTab but we did get a chance to check out the new InnoTab 2S.  So while I can’t compare what’s better or different than the two, I can definitely tell you what I think about the InnoTab 2S.

The InnoTab 2S is a kid-friendly tablet that they can play games on, read books on, listen to music, take pictures and so much more!  It is touch screen so it feels like an adult tablet but yet is durable for kids to use.

Features:

• Rotatable camera and video recorder
• Secure Wi-Fi connection to VTech’s Learning Lodge Navigator for secure downloading of kids apps
• 5” touch screen
• Up to four users can create their own personalized pages/accounts
• Includes tilt sensor, photo viewer, video player, MP3 music player, e-reader, art studio, microphone, address book, calendar
• 2GB onboard memory and expandable SD card slot
• More than 200 apps currently available for download

When I first took the InnoTab 2S out of the box the first thing I had to do was add 4 AA batteries.  Now what is really awesome is you don’t need a screwdriver (or butter knife as I have used with other toys) to get the battery compartment open, you just push a button and the compartment slides open – very nice!  Next up is setting up the InnoTab software from VTech.  It is simple to install and then you as a parent can check out the apps and monitor their achievements.  On the InnoTab you then set up the WiFi, which again I had no problems with and was easy.  The WiFi allows apps to be downloaded on the InnoTab without hooking it via a USB cord.  This is a nice feature, because honestly we have a million cords in my office and trying to find the right one and take the InnoTab away from my son is just not gonna happen.

The InnoTab 2S itself comes with basic games, book, and features that will keep your child busy for a little bit, but then yes they will want to check out the new apps to download.  Now the apps are $2.99 and up, which I found you can buy a $20 app download card for around $14 on sale online so that saves you a little bit.  You do get two free credits to download two games to start off so you don’t have to spend any additional money just yet.   The apps you can buy though range from regular games to games featuring kids favorite characters like Jake & The Neverland Pirates, Brave, Toy Story and more.

So how do my boys (4 and almost 6) like it?  Well they like it.  I can’t say they love it because the are spoiled and like the iPad but when the iPad is not an option (which we are slowly phasing out from them) they fight over the InnoTab 2S.  The device itself is a good size and easy for them to use and navigate.  I didn’t have to show them at all how to work it.  It does come with two stylus pens too but I will say I was disappointed that it didn’t come with the string to fasten the stylus to the device (it said sold separately but really how much can that possibly be that they couldn’t have included it.)  I do like the camera being able to move around and the screen did work perfectly for us, no hiccups or anything with the touch screen.

Overall, yes I would recommend the InnoTab 2S.  While it does say ages 3-9, I am not sure a 9 year old would play this unless it was his younger siblings.  It is easy to use, has great content to download via WiFi, and is pretty durable, which are all pluses in my book!  I’d say this would be great for ages 3-6 (maybe 7.)  We’ve been using it for a week now so we’ll see how long the magic of it lasts.

4 batteries:

Cartridge goes in easily as does stylus:

Lock for battery compartment:

Stands on its own, great for kids to watch videos:

BUY IT:  The VTech InnoTab 2S can be purchased at your local mass retailer or online for a suggested retail price of

Mom and More Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for VTech and received a VTech InnoTab 2S to facilitate my review. Please see my Disclosure Policy.