Review of Vocal Parts, Pharynx & Larynx Anatomical Chart, Speech Language

Customer Ratings:

I thought this product would be "sheets" of information I could pass onto my students. Not sure why I got it goofed up, but it is a two-sided, laminated informational sheet. Pretty well describing the way the voice works and photos to accompany.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Reviews of Hape Double Bubble

Customer Ratings:

It's a great product, very well made and quite entertaining. My son was 8 months old when I bought it and at the beginning he was only interested in chewing on the beads and maybe a little bit watching how I move the beads; but now (9 months) more and more often I find him sitting and playing with it by himself. He examines the beads, moves them from place to place etc. It keeps him entertained for about 15 min which is the longest stretch of time for one singe toy. Overall I am happy with this toy, the only drawback is that some of the beads are plastic (the yellow and the green ones) and I was expecting all wood.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

The toy itself is a lot of fun for my 1 year old. He likes to move the beads and shake the whole thing over his head.

My only wish is that the suction cups either worked better or just weren't there. We have tried sticking it on wood furniture and windows and hard wood floors but it can't hold out against a few tugs from the baby.

He still likes it but don't expect to be able to put it in one set place.

Best Deals for Hape Double Bubble

I purchased this for my 9-month old son. This is a great starter bead toy and it really helped him get the concept of using fine motor control to push the beads along the coil. Of course, he still loves to just pick it up and stick the whole thing in his mouth, but I've really noticed him getting better and better at using the toy over the past month. He doesn't seem to get sick of it, either. The bright colors of the beads and coil draws his attention and the beads are of different size, which my son really likes he seems to have a preference for some beads over others. I think he'll get a lot of use out of this because he still has a long way to go before using it perfectly.

Honest reviews on Hape Double Bubble

I bought this for my 21-month old boy. He played with it a little bit, but it did not keep his attention for very long. It appears to be well-made.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Hape Double Bubble

My child was ~9 mo old when purchased & she was far more interested in the suction cups on the bottom than the toy part. Now at almost 11 mo, she's started playing with the toy part. The balls are smooth & the toy is secure, but the suction cups aren't all that great. It was intended to be for use on the high chair tray, which it does stick to fairly well, but she didn't want to play with it there. I recommend this toy.

Gund Fun Color Counting is Fun Dino 8" Plush Review

Customer Ratings:

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program It's soft and green, it rattles, and it's a dinosaur, a toy which even an infant can safely lie and play with because Gund makes it durable.

But this is a "teaching" toy: press the "start" note and it counts, lighting up as it goes, which will probably thrill even the smallest kid.

My take: a stuffed toy should be a "lovey", and not electronic. Parents and siblings teach babies to count to ten on their fingers and toes. That human interaction is essential, and children shouldn't be expecting electronics' stimulation every minute. Also, the sing-song counting will be very annoying to parents, very quickly.

It's no surprise that Gund has moved in this direction, since everyone wants to ensure their kids are ready for standardized tests at an early age. But, like many toys we've gotten and given over the years, this one is best played with as a stuffed toy, with the switch "off" or batteries removed.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program A cute 9 inch long dinosaur the does one thing when you press its button. It says "Hello, do you like to count. I do too" with a somewhat annoying voice, then it counts to 10. As it counts to ten it lights up the five spikes on its back one at a time (1 through 5), then turns them off one at a time (6 through 10). Then it roars and laughs. In the background it plays the tune to Ten Little Indians. That's it.

My 18 month old and 4 year old weren't very interested.

Best Deals for Gund Fun Color Counting is Fun Dino 8" Plush

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program This is a really cute dinosaur stuffed animal, an enhanced stuffed animal which counts and sings--just one song. I imagine this could become a beloved comfort animal to a toddler, but I would hope it wouldn't since it can only be surface cleaned to keep it functional. No stuffed animal can endure extended child love and stay any level of clean. On the other hand, losing the song and lights wouldn't be a big devastation since they don't do much and "teach" something a kid will master soon enough. However, as a cuddly stuffed animal, it will be a hit with the right child. Bright colors, happy face, it's a charming toy.

Honest reviews on Gund Fun Color Counting is Fun Dino 8" Plush

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program My neice's 1 year old loves this dino. As soon as he saw it in the box he grabbed it to hug. (He is not generally into toys, so that was a great start.) He laughes when the Dino says "Roar" after counting to 10 and started saying "roar" along with it. The fins that light up with each number are a great idea. I had been afraid that the velcro holding the "voice box" might not be strong enough, but that has not been a problem at all. A GREAT gift for the toddler who is just starting to talk and has not learned how to count yet.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Gund Fun Color Counting is Fun Dino 8" Plush

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I originally got this for my grand daughter, but she's a bit young for it so my wife has introduced it to her preschool class and they love it. The bright, alternating lights are great for helping her students get into a rhyming process for counting, and some of the kids have taken to just carrying it around because of its "snuggle ness".

I think it would be a great tool for teaching young children to begin counting. I don't know how well it will hold up since the materials seem a bit flimsy, but so far, so good.

Buy Electronic Coin Counting Money Bank - Set of 2 BLUE Plastic Jugs

Customer Ratings:

I own two of these now and they're great for tallying up totals that you've inserted into them. At a glance you can see how much your bank holds to date with the help of it's digital counter on the lid. I know if you insert nothing but quarters it can hold $1300 but if you insert nothing but dimes expect it to hold a lot more! I highly recommend this to any one wanting an accurate and up-to-date digital piggy bank.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

These banks are okay. They hold the money and keep a running total. The biggest drawback is that it does not have a sleep mode. It never turns off, so the batteries run down alot faster than other banks with a sleep function.

Best Deals for Electronic Coin Counting Money Bank - Set of 2 BLUE Plastic Jugs

for the children these are wonderful. they work perfect and the children are having fun saving up the money they earn doing special jobs!!!!

Honest reviews on Electronic Coin Counting Money Bank - Set of 2 BLUE Plastic Jugs

It works, and very accurately though it does not register pennies correctly , but counts nickels , dimes and quarters flawlessly ! I do wish there was an auto sleep feature for the digital readout or maybe solar would make sense too. I rated it high because it does what you want it to... count coins accurately.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Electronic Coin Counting Money Bank - Set of 2 BLUE Plastic Jugs

I've ordwered this product 3 times. Everyone wants one. I've saved $412.00 in quarters. A great way to save change.

Discount Tempo's Rocking Guitar

Customer Ratings:

A very entertaining and keep your child busy toy. Imagination user too! Different settings give a variety of play time

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Honestly, we picked this toy up at a garage sale, but couldn't be happier. We are the second owners and everything works great! We also own the Chicco DJ Guitar (which we purchased new). The Baby Genius Tempo's Rockin Guitar seems to have a load more fun value. The strings are durable, and play parts of the music when strummed. My son loves to hold his guitar just like the "real thing" giving us our own rock n' roll shows in the living room! The music on this one also seems to be more like an electric guitar than the Chicco model.

There are also three different volumes, a big hit with mom!

If your kids watch the big kids play rock band or real guitars, then it would be a good bet they would love this toy! I would buy it again!

Cheap * PHONICS CENTER BUILDING WORDS

Customer Ratings:

My 5 year old daughter is a reluctant reader. LOVES her books, but gets frustrated because wants to know how to read without the learning process. I try to find fun and different things to do with her so she doesn't get bored. She got this from my mother as a gift and she really liked it. She likes opening the drawers and pulling out the cards which have all different levels.(beginning consonant sounds, ending sounds and vowel sounds) The cards have Crepe Rubber Letters to put on the cards. She lays them all out on her bedroom floor and really tries to sound out the words. So if she's learning and having fun....I LOVE IT.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Reviews of Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Panda Bears Family Pack

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $9.99
Sale Price: $9.98
Today's Bonus: $0.01 Off

While the panda family is a cute addition to my son's zoo, the sound it makes is pretty disappointing. I guess it's supposed to be a chomping sound? Like he's eating the bamboo. All the the pandas in the family make the same noise.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

My daughter has most of the animals that were made for the Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo and we recently made the decision to purchase all the families. While she likes this family and plays with these bears often, I have to say it is my least favorite of all the family packs.

As a previous reviewer mentioned, we've had issues with the paint on these bears flecking off in some placesand in our case, the black from one of the bears actually smudged and rubbed onto one of the elephants in my daughter's collection. I would still purchase this family to go along with the zoo, but I'd recommend waiting until it goes on sale againand definitely purchasing the chimpanzee and elephant families first. Those are well worth the money and we have had no paint issues with those.

Best Deals for Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Panda Bears Family Pack

I decided to order all the family sets of Zoo Talkers for Christmas. The packaging was nice, and all the sets I ordered came together. My son adores these little animals! I was so happy to see they had pandas. They're my favorite animal, so I have an extra reason to smile when I play with these with him!

Honest reviews on Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Panda Bears Family Pack

My daughters favourite of the whole collection and I can see why. Great idea to do a family, I hope they make more. The pandas have excellent detail on all three family members, it may just be personal choice as to why my daughter favours this family but there does seem to be something that stands above the other animals. I would fully recommend getting this toy, superb!

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Panda Bears Family Pack

I was very disapointed with this product each little panda has paint peeling off there heads. I paid a fair price but coulnd't beleive the condition of the product. didn't have time and it wasn't worth the effort to send back. They are a christmas present that i will not be giving to my grandson

Best Cartesian Divers Hook; Ages 8 & Up; no. BAT7105 Deals

Customer Ratings:

I love this little project. I often give it as birthday gifts to children who enjoy science. It can be difficult to get everything to work just so, but your patience will pay off with this wonderful product. Young children (under 10) need lots of assistance, but the directions are clear and accurate. The last one we built we left out on the coffee table and our guests couldn't put it down!

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Best LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System Deals

Customer Ratings:

To be fair, we've only played with one cartridge game and three leaplets so far, but I am thoroughly disappointed in LeapFrog right now. I will come back and update the review if the next few cartridge games end up being incredible.

My biggest beef is with the built in advertising. First off, for every new user you create, the leapster goes through a minute long ad insidiously called the "connect movie" about playing online and downloading leaplets, telling the child "for your included game, ask your parents to connect your Leapster Explorer to your computer, now" and again at the end, "for great games and more on your Leapster Explorer, ask your parents to connect now." Gee, thanks LeapFrog, and since you only get one free game per toy, not per user, this isn't even accurate. Once you're done with that, you reach the main screen where your child can re-watch this "movie" as many times as they want by clicking what looks to be one of the game icons.

A second built in icon on the main screen really jumps out because the little pet you can create always starts out standing in front of it and it looks like a old movie reel. It's the first button my four year old taps each time she turns on the leapster. Guess what? Is it a game? No, of course not, it's just a bunch of trailers for different games and it looks like it's maybe going to be automatically updated with new trailers as new games come out. I'm guessing this because the narrator tells your child "It looks like you've got some new trailers to watch play away!" in a super excited voice. Back to the question of "is it a game", if you set the filter in the top left corner to only show games, the "connect movie" does disappear but the trailers icon stays. LeapFrog, if you're reading this, please correct this! LeapFrog might think this is a good business model but this kind of marketing to kids just makes me want to walk away from any future LeapFrog products.

As for the games themselves, my daughter so far seems to like the Mr. Pencil game. As for the leaplet games, I agree with another poster that you wouldn't pay more than $1.99 for an iPhone app of similar quality vs the $7.50 that each one costs. In my opinion, the leaplet game Wheel Works isn't even worth a penny. What a waste of money.

All of that being said, the screen clarity is amazing, the interface is easily navigated by my four year old, and LeapFrog has the potential for an amazing product here. That's why I'm giving it a 2 instead of a 1. They just need to respect the fact that we've already spent $70 on the toy and $75 on three more cartridges and $22 on three leaplet games and don't want our children to be marketed to directly to buy more on the darn toy that we've already put $150+ into.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

My 3 year old son got this about two months ago, I agree with other reviews that say this toy is amazing, better graphics, the screen sensitivity is higher and the kids are drawn by this new leapster explorer, you can download applications very similarly than on an Iphone and your kids gets to read books that are already out on TAG. However, there is no camera like they had said there would be, there are endless commercials every time your child turns on the leapster explorer and the games are less educational than those leapfrog currently has on the market for leapster 2. Furthermore, the leapster explorer is more expensive than the Leapster 2 and the games are too pricey for the little educational content they provide. Educationally wise Leapster 2 is still the best choice out there, why do I say this? Well if you compare the games of leapster 2 (which I own all of them), to the games available for leapster explorer you will come to the conclusion that leapster 2 games has much better content for children ages 4 -8, even the older games for plain first generation leapster are more educationally inclined than the leapster explorer ones. Vocabulary wise, reading wise, math wise and simply on every scholastic level they seem to have better examples, better skill development, and create a better foundation for skills that every child needs to develop later in their educational life (such as algebra, science, etc). The Leaspter 2 also has the benefit of fewer commercials or need to be buying new games to develop a new skill. My main concern with leapster explorer, it seems that leapfrog has decided to put their marketing and money making ambitions above learning expectations. The games are fun YES, the kids will love this toy YES, but your child will not learn as much as he or she would with the leapster 2. I understand that leapfrog is a business and they need to make money, but this new toy is targeted to make our children learn to ask and ask for the next game.

****Update: This toy breaks easily, my leapsters 2 are still working and running and I bought them over a year ago. But no, not my leapster explorers which were bought this june they are both now not working!!! One has a screen broken because my son dropped it (which happens with kids their age 4 and 3). The other is just not turning on at all. I called leapfrog and talked to several people from customer service and they told me to basically buy another one, the warranty doesn't cover it since its more than 90 days from the day of purchase. For such expensive toys I expected better warranty.

Best Deals for LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System

UPDATE AUG 2012

===================

If you're looking for a LeapFrog game system,

you should really be looking at Leapfrog's latest consoles.

The LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer, Green. and the LeapFrog LeapsterGS Explorer.

I'd go for the LeapPad 2.

.

.

.

.

UPDATE 30 AUG 2011:

===================

It has been almost a year since my last update on this review.

I'll try to keep it short. If/when I have some more time available I will update it a bit furhter.

For now the update is that the Explorer has provided many play/learn time for our son, but to be frank, his interest and focus has shifted more to the nintendo DS. He's also discovered games on the internet, PC, Wii, cellphones, smartphones, etc. etc.. But thankfully he's still interested in educational games (no matter what platform).

Anyway, we still think the Explorer is a great educational system, especially for kids 5 and younger. As they get older they'll discover other platforms, ... we can't hide it from them forever, but that's also probably a good thing, since they'll be growing up in a much more 'connected'-world.

Also if you are reading this, it's good to know that LeapFrog has recently (I believe it was this month, august 2011) made available a new system LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (green). I haven't research it yet. Probably won't be buying it (since our son is focused on other platforms right now), but I might research it when I have some time availbale. I've only read one review, which was pretty positive on it. If you are looking into LeapFrog systems you should probably check it out.

***********************

UPDATE 3 OCT 2010:

It has been 3 months now and, so far so good. The Explorer is still going strong. Our son still enjoys playing with both systems (Leapster2 and Explorer). And we've now added LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game: eGlobe (Globe Earth Adventures) to the game collection.

Be aware that connecting the Explorer online the very 1st time will take about one hour! Connecting online is an add-on feature for if you want to go to LeapWorld or check the "learning path". If you have a cartridge game, you do not need to connect online to use it. You can just plug it in and use it. I've added a tip on connecting online at the end of the review (in order to keep this update brief).

*****

REVIEW 3 JUL 2010:

If you're currently looking for an educational handheld system for kids 4-9, then you should consider the Explorer. Let me start by saying I'm a fan of the Leapfrog concept (educational handheld system for young kids). So perhaps I'm a bit biased. But we are also honest, so if we don't like it, we'll say it. Our son got a Leapster L-Max Leapster L-Max Learning Game System when he was 4. He loved it and the games he has for it. Unfortunately the L-Max was not durable (you can check my review on it). We then got him a Leapster2 LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System Green just last january. The Leapster2 turned out to be much better and durable (you can check my review on it also).

And now Leapfrog has come out with the Leapster Explorer. I'm a bit disappointed and bothered by the fact that LeapFrog just brings out this completely new system, while we just got the Leapster2 six months ago. Still I've become such a fan of the concept I decided to get it anyway. Perhaps you can best check the Explorer, it's functionality and specs out at the LeapFrog site. You will find all specs and functionality there.

There are several games available for the Explorer, including: Toy Story 3, The penguins of Madagascar, Disney Princess, Ni Hao, Mr. Pencil, Sponge Bob, and Dora. Most are available on Amazon, otherwise check the Leapfrog site.

But be aware that the games for the Explorer, as the games for the Leapster2, are pricy. Twenty-five box each. (The Leapster2 games you can get at better prices now.) You need at least one game cartridge. And kids will want to switch games from time to time. You won't need a ton of games but a collection of 3 or 4 games will be nice. For example we have a collection of 6 games for the Leapster2 (collected over a period of 1,5 year). Two he got as a present (thankfully), three we bought, and one we downloaded (free) from Leapfrog. He likes them all, and offers him plenty of variety.

In any case, if you're getting a handheld educational system, remember that you'll need to get a few game cartridges. Consider the cost of the Explorer plus one initial game cartridge. And then be prepared to spend the cost of another game or two in the near future. Be prepared to spend/invest this amount, otherwise your kid(s), and you as a parent, will be greatly disappointed.

What also helped us in justifying the investment in LeapFrog system, is that we rather have our son playing with an educational system, than with mindless addictive game systems, which there are so many around. At least with LeapFrog he's learning.

Another advice I can provide is to get the rechargeable system LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Recharger , or get rechargeable batteries!!! Really,.... this will save you a LOT of money on batteries. LeapFrog does not recommend using rechargeable batteries, but advertise to use their rechargeable system. I don't understand why. They claim normal rechargeable batteries will not work well with the system. But we use Duracell Value Charger With 4AA Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, CEF14DX4N (they are less expensive than the LeapFrog recharge system), and they work just fine for us. But no matter which option you choose, either one will SAVE you money!

Another tip might be, if you're planning a long trip/travel with the kids in the near future, then maybe you want to wait till just before your trip to get the system. It might be an idea to include it in your budget for your trip/vacation. We got our first LeapFrog system (the L-Max) just prior to a vacation with a long flight. We were so happy we did. It provided a lot of entertainment for our son during the long flight. But also at airports, during long car rides, in malls, and at the hotel. Besides providing him with educational-entertainment, it also provided us with a lot of piece of mind, so we could enjoy the relaxing time during those long flights, car rides, and strolling through malls, till we got to where he could also enjoy the sights and/or vacation activities.

One other thing you need to know is that the games for the Leapster2 and the Explorer are NOT compatible. So the games for the Leaspter2 will not work with the Explorer. You will need to get new games for the Explorer. Apparently the games for the Didj LeapFrog® Didj Custom Learning Gaming System are compatible but you may loose some of the functionality of the games (at least that's what I'm reading). You would need to get new games for the Explorer. This must be a big disappointment for customers who already own one of the other Leapfrog systems (Leapster, L-Max, Leapster2 or Didj). I certainly was. But I decided to try it out anyway.

Beside the fact that the Leapster2 games are NOT compatible, we still do like the Leapster Explorer. It has ton of functionality and better specs than the Leapster2. Bigger and better screen, more memory and faster processor. You can also expand the Explore with a camera. You will have to buy the camera expansion separately though. So that's additional cost. Our son doesn't have a camera yet. So that maybe an option for the future, but for now we'll wait. Maybe over a couple of months or so.

I can't say yet which one our son likes most, the Explorer or the Leapster2. He is very happy with the Explorer. We bought the Toy Story 3 game with the system. It's perfect timing from LeapFrog. We just saw the Toy Story 3 at the movies. At our 5 year old enjoyed it and now he can play with the characters on the Explorer. These days he's playing the Explorer of course, but he's hasn't forgotten his Leapster2. After all he has six games with the Leapster2 and only one with the Explorer. I don't think he's aware of the better screen. He notices it's bigger, but he gets caught up in the games, so I don't think he really cares.

From a kid (4, 5 or 6 year) points of view, I don't think they really care for the better specs or more functionality. They probably just want to play the games. But parents will probably appreciate the better specs and the additional functionality.

We're happy he likes the Toy Story game, and doesn't bother much with the games on the system itself (yet). Nor does he bother with the 'trailer movie'. The pet game apparently requires you to connect to "buy", virtual food, and/or shampoo, but it's with virtual money, NOT real money. In any case,... I have little time to connect and go online for my son with the Explorer. Maybe when he's older. But for now, we just showed him how to get to where he can start a cartridge game. Just click to close the introduction,... and then you get to where you can choose cartridge game. It's pretty easy and straight forward, so our 5 year old has no trouble with this. This way you also skip the `trailer movie',... so he's not bothered with the ads, and reminders to connect and go online.

There's a whole virtual world online for the Explorer. I'm a bit uncertain yet of the virtual earning and spending of virtual money for kids in this virtual world. I'm thinking it can help with educating about earning, spending and saving. But you know,.. we can do that in the real world too. We always to this anyway already, when he sees advertisement on TV, or in stores (not only toy stores). Explaining what things costs, what costs more, what costs less, when something is needed, when it's nice to have etc. He usually understands. At times it's even an incentive for him to save in his treasure chest (piggy bank) to later buy something he really likes. Who knows, maybe it will help further in educating on earning, spending, saving ect. But as I said, for now, we won't be connecting a lot, so this is not an issue for us.

By the way, we do regulate our son to the use of the Leapster2, and now the Explorer. Or to any other game system. We do have an old Nintendo system at home, he likes to play that also a lot, but we keep that to a bare minimum. Once a week, an hour or so, or preferably even less, once a month (till he completely forgets about, ... you know,... "Mario".). As for the LeapFrog systems, even being educational system, we don't want him spending all his time on it. So we have a range of one to two hours a day. (Except when we are traveling or special occasions, then he's allowed to play longer if he wants.) We often also have him skipped a day or more. Sometimes even a week or two. There's plenty of other activities to do than just playing on a system.

We can't say anything on durability yet. We had a bad experience with the L-Max, but the Leapster2 was a success and very proofed to be durable. I expect the Explorer to be durable, simply because I think Leapfrog must have learned from experience now. In any case I will update this review should the need arise.

It is also good to know, that Leapfrog has a reasonable customer service. Check it on their website. If anything is wrong with your item, they will help, but you need to contact them and be prepared to be polite, persistent, and to have a lot of patience. For example, we were able to get a replacement for our L-Max. Although it took quite some e-mails to their customer support, they did come through at the end.

Be sure you keep the invoice of the item you buy in a safe place, (and remember where you put it). You will need it if you have to make use of the warranty.

Leapfrog currently has a warranty period of 3 months for all their products, which I think is a bit short. A warranty period of 6 months would give customers much more confidence, and would certainly help the customer in his/her buying decision. But as I mentioned, I expect LeapFrog to have learned from experience, so I hope and expect the Explorer to be at least as durable as the Leapster2. Time will tell.

I'm reading that the Explorer also might need calibration from time to time (just as the other Leapfrog systems). So if your Explorer suddenly appears not to be functioning, don't panic. Chances are you just need to recalibrate it. It's simple. Here are the steps. You can also find them on the Leapfrog support site.

Follow these steps to calibrate the Leapster Explorer screen:

-Turn power on.

-When the SIGN-IN menu appears, press the left D-pad and Hint button at the same time.

-This will give you the PARENT SETTINGS menu.

-Touch the crosshair icon with the stylus. A large crosshair icon will appear in the center of the screen.

-Touch this icon with the stylus and this will bring up the SCREEN CALIBRATION procedure.

-Touch each of the crosshairs (5 in all) with the stylus as they appear.

-Press the B button to exit as the calibration is completed.

I hope this is helpful information. Thanks for reading.

*******

TIP ADDED 3 OCT 2010 Going online:

The Explorer is pretty much plug-and-play. You don't need to connect it to your PC to play, or setup or synchronize. There's a basic setup the very first time, (name of kid) but that's all. After that it's just insert a cartridge, select and play.

As for connecting to your PC/internet, this is for when you want to go to the LeapFrog World, and also check out the "learning path". You do not need to connect to use the Explorer. As said, it's only when you want to connect to LeapFrog World and/or check the learning path.

Connecting the Explorer to the computer/internet the very 1st time will take about one hour!!! Install the connect software on your computer, follow the instructions, then connect the Explorer to your computer, then start the LeapFrog Connect program you just installed (make sure you are connected to the internet), and then... just let it be! Just wait for about one hour.

The reason it takes so long the 1st time, is because it needs to "synchronize". You may not get a message or sign telling you it's synchronizing,... so just give it an hour time. If you don't succeed, probably best to just contact the customer support.

*******

UPDATE 14 NOV 2010:

The, 'trailer/ad-movie' was never an issue for us,... if you are wondering,... it never was or became an issue for us,... because in our case, our son was/is more interested in the cartridge games. In the beginning he did asked a few times for this Pet game, ... but since I would have to help him with connecting ect,... and do not always have the time,... to help him out with this,..... and also because I was already not very found of the connect experience with the Leapster2,... (I think I've mentioned this somewhere in the review already)... Anyway, I explained to our son from the beginning that we would not be able to connect, to play this game. And we directed his attention to the cartridge games,... which he thankfully, likes sufficiently, not to bothered with the trailer movie, the pet game, or going online. He just clicks to close the introduction splash, and then selects the cartridge game icon, to play a cartridge game. So this issue never really bothered us, or our son.

That's it for my view on this aspect,...

To be honest, I can hardly imagine I'd be adding any more info on this review.

Ah well,...In any case, .... thanks for reading.

***

Honest reviews on LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System

UPDATE AUG 2012

===================

Check out Leapfrog's latest consoles.

The LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer, Green and the LeapFrog LeapsterGS Explorer.

I'd go for the LeapPad 2.

UPDATE 20 DEC 2011:

===================

The review below is from dec 2010. Back then, the price of the pink system, appeared much higher than that of the green one. It seems the price has been adapted later, not sure when. Now, dec 2011, I notice this pink system is actaully a bit lower than the green one (but the difference is much closer then what it was in dec 2010). In any case, apparently prices tend to fluctuate somewhat, so you may want to check the price.

By the way, for those interested in the more recent systems, LeapFrog has a more recent system (as of august 2011 I think). It's the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Green). I'm not familiar with the LeapPad, but you could check the reviews by other reviewers on it. But the Explorer is also still a very good system.

****************************

REVIEW DEC 2010 ON PINK EXPLORER:

=================================

This is a great eduactional game system but,.... did the price just go up (dec 1st 2010?), on both, the pink and green version??? LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System (Green) Seems that way. I supose it has to do with the holidays.

A few points to consider:

1) This is a nice, very handy, and practical system to have if you are planning a long trip (great for long car trip, or airplane). Will keep kids entertained. It is both fun and educational. With a nice, and very bright screen.

2) But get at least one cartridge game to play with it from the start. The cartridge games are better, then going online to download games. Toy Story 3, Mr. Pencil, Dora are nice games to start with.

3) Keep in mind that the cartridge games are pricy ($25). You probably won't need to have a whole lot, but a set of 3 to 4 cartridge games, would be nice for the kids.

4) Check LeapFrog site for details, demo explorer, game titles, deals, etc.

5) Chances are you won't have any technical problems with the unit, but save your invoice anyway. You never know. You will need it if you have a technical problem with the unit. LeapFrog has a 3 month warranty period.

6) Connecting online is somewhat cumbersome and it's better to do this in a later stage when you have lot of time, and kids are already familiar with the unit.

7) Do not expect much from connecting online. I've done it a couple of times and personally I still find it quite cumbersome, and I don't really find it useful (yet). I don't like the online games either, nor do I have the time, to connect and have kids play online.

8) If your unit suddenly seems unresponsive, don't panic. Chance are your unit just need recalibration. Check the LeapFrog site (support tab) or contact there customer support (via the LeapFrog website)

9) Get rechargeable batteries. This will save you a lot of money on batteries.

10) This pink unit costs more then the green version. I have no idea why. Except the color, they are exactly the same. You may want to check the green version, unless you really really want/need the pink one.

****

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System

I got the Explorer for my daughter for Christmas. I didnt get it through amazon but I wanted to review the item. I took a few weeks reading reviews and checking stores to see which system I wanted. Either the leapster2 or the explorer. I finally decided on the explorer and Im so glad I did. My sister got the Leapster2 and the graphics are 100 times better on the explorer so I made a great choice. Just a tidbit in case anyone else is trying to decide between the 2. I got my daughter a few cartridge games and she loves all of them. Her favorite is between the Dora and Mr. Pencil. She plays this game all the time and shes learning while shes playing. We go through a ton of batteries though but I just got the recharging system so that will eliminate that problem. I think this game is a great learning toy. I'm so glad I purchased this item and my daughter tells me everytime she plays it that she loves it.

Best Tic Tac Know Bible Game Deals

Customer Ratings:

I took this Tic Tac Know to a Bible Memory Association camp reunion, and we all played it. It brought back happy memories of many years of summer camp. It is good for increasing Bible knowledge, too.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Reviews of Galt Pop Up Toy

Customer Ratings:

It is unfortunate that I am forced to give this toy a one-star review after all, it provided great entertainment for my baby until I realized that the paint on the little pop up sticks was chipping off into his mouth. This happened the first time my son played with this toy, and within 2-3 minutes there were paint chips on his face and in his mouth. I will not be letting him play with this again. Let's face it, this is a toy for babies (12 months and up), and babies put everything in their mouths. With all of the worry regarding lead-infused children's toys, you would think that Galt would construct a better product. I have attempted to contact the manufacturer, but haven't been successful. I felt compelled to review this toy to warn other parents considering purchasing it for their babies.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

This is the gift we give to 1 year olds. It has fabulous staying power. One year olds are fascinated by getting the pegs in the holes. As kids get older, they learn the difference between pegs being upside down and right-side up, the faces on the pegs facing all the same way, and then they start to match them up by color. Of course, the "boing" factor is fun for everyone (including grandparents). I have 4-year-olds at my house who like to play with this toy.

Best Deals for Galt Pop Up Toy

I bought this to give to a 1-year old. Unfortunately the paint was already chipping on the green-colored pop-up when I received it. It is too bad because I am very partial to wood toys and this one gets such high marks in its use for teaching hand/eye coordination....

Honest reviews on Galt Pop Up Toy

I purchased this for my son who is currently 11 months old... Right now he doesn't really know what to make of it and just blinks rapidly when the little figures pop out of the base... I can totally see him growing into this though since I find it amusing myself. It is such a nice, simple little toy. I hate all of the plastic junk that is out there and appreciate that it is made out of wood. No chipping paint yet as others have experienced. It is priced well to give it a try to see if you and your children like it for yourselves...

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Galt Pop Up Toy

Its been a few years since I've bought this but was so glad to find it once again to give my first grandchild. Our kids have loved playing with these and we've given them as gifts to many other babies for many years. Its small and travels easily, there is a progression as to how kids can learn from it, and its amazing how long they will play with such a simple thing (thanks to the springs!).

Best Phonics Placemat Deals

Customer Ratings:

Durable, colorful and very useful for my kindergarteners.

Gets their attention and we use it often to reference letter sounds.

Like the price, too!

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Discount megcos Stacking Printed Cups, 8-Piece

Customer Ratings:

now this was $10 well spent. she can learn colors, object names, use these in the bath to tip water endlessly into one or the other, dunk them under water, etc. And of course stack them and chortle. my baby is 21 months old and loves these. she has also bounced them off of hard surfaces with nary a crack.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I bought these for daycare and they are great. They hold up to all the kids. They arrived earlier than I was told they would when ordering. Packaging was great.

Best Deals for megcos Stacking Printed Cups, 8-Piece

the children I take care of are enjoying playing with this toy. However, I am disapointed because the set is missing the smallest green cup. The shipping for this toy was outrageously expensive.

Honest reviews on megcos Stacking Printed Cups, 8-Piece

It seems like children always like graduated cups that either stack or fit inside each other. My 19 mo old granddaughter was attracted to these right away. It's a good basic toy that's durable and encourages some basic skills.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for megcos Stacking Printed Cups, 8-Piece

I bought this toy for my 8 month old daughter who loves to play with cups...thought they were very cute and a little different than the basic stack cup. My daughter put the smallest cup into her mouth and it was stuck...luckily she groaned and got my attention. The smallest cup is just too small for any child that age or even older. If you want to buy them throw out the smallest one and keep others as there are 8 of them. But maybe just buy a different set.

Review of Notes & Strings Violin 1st Position 4.25"X5.5" Regular Size

Customer Ratings:

These cards are laminated. They are well made and appear to be very durable. They also come not laminated; however, these might not be as durable. If you plan to loan these out to your student or friends you would be wise to get the laminated one. As a beginner violinist, I can easily say they are helping me to learn my fingering.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>