My DS has been testing the Tag, he is 5.
- Overall, how did you and/or your partner (if applicable) find the Tag reader system to use? What did you like best about it? What didn't you like, and why? How did you use it in your family?
I found it easy to set up online. My only issue with the online bit is the Leapfrog world bit is so slow and quite often you can't get in at all let alone play the games. It's not good for an adult let alone an impatient child. They shouldn't offer it if they can't get it to work properly.
Quite a lot of packaging for something so small which seemed a bit wasteful. The product itself is brilliant. It is so clever, I have no idea how it works! Not mad about the book that comes with it, it's not really a story as such and my DS would have been quite disappointed to just get that one (fortunately we had LOADS to try!!). It would be nice to see it offered with a carry case too.
I really liked the fact that you didn't have to change or do anything when they wanted to look at a different book, or the map, the pen just knew (?!!) what it was looking at.
- And what did your childso(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?
My son started using it as soon as I managed to download the audio onto it. He loved it and happily sat down to start using it. It also kept him occupied for a good 40 mins initially (something of a record for him as he is on the autistic spectrum). He worked out how to use it easily and liked the fact it was green. He enjoys playing the games and loves the sounds that he can get from the pictures. He really liked the map and the music sounds from each country. It kept him busy for ages listening to what each country was named.
I don't think he dislikes anything about it.
- How easy or difficult would you say your family found using the Tag reading system? What was easy about it? Was there anything specific that was difficult to do/understand how to do?
I think it is really easy to use although it might be complicated for someone who isn't used to using the computer. My son found it easy to work out how to use and how to play the games. It was a little annoying that it kept telling us to connect online to collect rewards. As I mentioned before the online games are terrible as you just can't connect to them without the computer hanging. Hugely irritating to me and enough to cause a 5 year old to have a screaming fit.
- Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?
We liked scooby doo best, mainly because we all think he is such a good character anyway and the story was good. There were lots of great noises and lots to keep my DS interested. The map was also a favourite because he is so interested in countries and where we are in relation to them all. The added facts and information were a bonus too. Least favourite were the phonic books. This was simply because they weren't stories / characters that he recognised. (My son likes things repeated and familiarity so this isn't too unusual when he comes across a new toy).
- If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend the LeapFrog Tag reading system to your friends with children? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, definitely. I love all leapfrog products I have come across and will definitely be buying more books for this one in the future as well as a carry case (if I can find one). I love the fact that is it so portable and switches between books instantly - perfect for the car and holidays. It is also good as it doesn't use many batteries.
Thank you so much for letting us test it. It has been an enormous success so we are very grateful.