Helps Improve Concentration, and general PC skills
Disadvantages:
Batteries essential,
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
My son will be starting school in September so we decided to buy a useful product that could be educational as well as fun.
I'm usually against electronic games for toddlers due to the lack of imaginatio, however in this day in age computer skills are essential and all schools teach pc skills from a young age so the ClickStart computer seemed like a good choice to get a head start.
The computer itself was on offer at Toys R Us so it worked out cheaper, even than online stores like Ebay.
The computer came with some simple games that teach recognising letters and numbers, general mouse and keyboard skills, co-ordination, colours and perserverance. When the child does well they win a bone which they can then use in the dogs house. Give the dog a bone and watch him do a trick.
At first my son found it difficult to co-ordinate the mouse to use the curser and if the mouse button is pressed the curser will not move, which my son found a little frustrating. I'm sure he will get used to it.
Included in the package is everything to connect the consol to the TV, whether by the Audio/Video or scart ( there is an adapter to be able to connect via the scart socket) The consol will need batteries or you can buy the A/C adapter HINT ( I quickly dicovered that the A/C adapter for our baby monitor fits so no need to shell out cash for the adapter)
The keyboard however has no adapter so unfortunately batteries will be needed ( 4x AA), however this does mean that the keyboad is wireless so the child can sit further from the screen, protecting their eyes. BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED
My son has now become a little more confident at using the mouse and we can sit back and let him get on with it a little more by himself and to hear him giggle away when he makes something happen is very rewarding.
Positives
1-Great for learning basic computer skills 2-Plugs in to the TV so no tiny screen like the laptop versions 3-Saves worry of the child accidently deleting something on the PC or clicking on some website that is inappropriate 4- He no longer even attempts to touch our PC as he has his own 5- Introduction to numercy, and phonics 6- Teaches perseverance 7- Helps improve concentration 8- Sturdy
Negatives
1- Mouse can be very sensitive on some games, while not so on others 2- No adapter for the keyboard so batteries essential.
I bought this from Toys R Us for 34.99 They are generally on sale for between £35-£50 so definately shop around. John Lewis also had it advertised for £35 before Christmas. Where as Ebay bids were going up to £50 so do not just assume that the places that are normally cheaper will always be. 3- Doesn't boost immagination
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