NOW CLOSED Leapfrog Tag reader system - product testers feedback thread

[NewGirlHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the MNers who have tested LeapFrog's Tag reader system. Everyone who adds feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get £100 of Amazon vouchers.

Below are some questions to get you started. Please feel free to add your own comments as well. Please add in the age and gender of your child(ren) with your response.

1. 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?

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

1. 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?

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

1. 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?

Thanks very much for taking part,
MNHQ

1. We found it really simple to connect / loads and fathom out really. A little bit time consuming to set up but nothing too complicated. We most liked how it absorbed DD attention for very long periods of time.

1. Our daughter absolutely loves it. She was intrigued from the first opening it it has really captured her imagination. No negatives apart from she doesn't want to pack it away.

1. It was a little tricky to understand how you get to the different levels of play, DD has worked it out though and she's 4 but we had trouble!

1. She liked the scooby doo and the map most she is working her way thorough all the books bit by bit.

1. I would certainly recommend to friends, absolutely.

1. the packaging was bright and interesting and all the family were quite excited when it arrived. I found setting it up a bit stressful, but that is probably because i am a technological nincompoop with a slow internet connection and downloading all the books etc and plugging in took me an hour. Having said that, once it was set up i was pleasantly surprised. on the map, i disliked how the children around the world mainly had american accents although if they had spoken with english or british accents i concede this would have been just as ridiculous. i also thought that australasia was a continent not australia and had to tell DS the map was wrong (pendant!). There is certainly a lot to it and i like how it doesn't just read the words but tells you about the pictures. i think the map is probably the best bit of the whole thing. the short vowels phonics books had a few too many words in for DS from a teaching point of view, i think, and they weren't the most stimulating of stories so he wasn't inclined to read them more than once.
2. DS is 4 nearly 5. he was very excited about it. he liked the map best and was on that straight away. he enjoyed the games on the map and worked these out for himself. he loved using the pen and listening to what it has to say. he managed to get the pen to do all kinds of things. the first night we had it set up he fell asleep with the pen and toy story book under his arm!
3. i still don't know what all the buttons on the pen do but DS has been working it out. setting it up was a faff but not difficult, i would say in general it is easy to use.
4. DS likes the toy story book best, it seems to capture his imagination. he is a lot less interested in the phonics books. as there was so much stuff i have kept the scooby doo book back for a rainy day (planning ahead mummy emotion) and becuase it looked quite advanced for him at the moment. i think the map is much better than any of the books.

5.well i am normally not keen on toys that i would perceive as 'electronic' as i think traditional toys are better for learning tbh (old fashioned gimmer emotion). so it was good for DS to have something i wouldn't usually choose to buy. i probably would recommend it, certainly the map, perhaps less so the books, but mainly for the fun aspect not necessarily for the 'teaching reading' one. DS tends to move his pen in a line over the text which means that it reads a bit fast to understand or misses words. he is also reluctant to have a go first and use the pen if he is not sure at the moment. perhaps he is a little too young for the teaching aspect of some of it (although he does know some sight words he doesn't link these with reading them with the pen). at full price the pen seems quite overpriced but i think it has been on offer quite a bit.

I've sent an email to the Insight MNHQ but just in case it isn't received please could someone from MNHQ contact me. We were on the list to get one to test but never received it. My ds was really looking forward to it too.

Thx

Actually, ignore my last post. I've just unpacked a package collected from the post office today that I thought was a new kitchen bin lid. It is the Leapfrog stuff!

Will unpack it and get ds to test it over the weekend.

1. 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?

It is very easy to use, although I first tried to set it up on ds's notebook, it doesn't work on there as there is a problem with page sizing, so then had to start all over again on my laptop. I like how easy it is to upload the books etc and then they can just get on with it.

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

The kids LOVE it! All 5 of them have been moaning about whose turn it is! They are obsessed with the song the aliens sing in the Toy Story 3 book. I am tortured with it a hundred times a day The only thing they have moaned about is that we only have 2 books so I need to buy some more.

1. 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?

We found it really simple to use, took slightly longer for dd to work out, but she is only 3. Now she's got the hang of it even she knows which buttons do what. I haven't found anything difficult to work out.

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

They all love the Toy Story 3 book. By far their favourite. I think it's because of the aliens, the kids think their sayings/voices are hilarious! They aren't so keen on the Scooby Doo one but I think that's just because it isn't as funny

1. 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 I would (and have) recommend it. It's easy to use, fun and as there is a lot of different things to do/ways to play they don't seem to get bored with it. It's definitely worth it.

One DS 5.9 years old

1. 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?

The system took a while for me to set up as I didn't realise that I was missing some buttons on the bottom of the screen to save the audio onto the Tag reader. This was due to having a Netbook and I couldn't resize the screen on the Leapfrog Connect as I would normally be able to with a web page. I managed to get round this by hiding the bottom bar.

I love the fact that my son can either read word by word or if he likes he can get the book to read the whole page for him. I didn't like that the rewards that he was given were for books that he hasn't registered . I don't know whether I am doing something wrong or if it is intended just to get the children to buy the books that the rewards are for. IMHO the rewards should be for the registered books that the child has as he got very annoyed by this.

The map was great. I love geography and maps and it was great to be able to share this with him in a fun child-friendly way.

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

DS loves the system. He takes the books to bed with him! The map is his favourite bit due to the number of games that are available but he wanted to have more control over which game is coming next! ie he liked the games where you track across Russia with the train but then wanted to do another game just like that instead of whichever option was selected by the reader. That might just be his impatience though!

1. 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?

The batteries seem to have run out very quickly in the reader and he hasn't really used it very much. I don't know whether it is due to the amount of time until it automatically turns off! The reading system itself is very easy to use once you have worked out how to add the audio.

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

The phonics books were too simple for DS really. He is 5 but is a good reader so although they are marked as 4-7, his reading age means that they weren't really suitable. The other books have all been a huge hit. I think that I will need to buy the actual Spiderman book as he really likes that part in the variety book that came with the kit.

1. 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?

We would absolutely recommend this system to friends. I think I will be swapping books with a friend that we know has already got the Ben10 book as well.

Thanks for sending it to us! We will be getting hours of enjoyment out of this system.

Oops left out the age & gender of dc's

Tester was just supposed to be ds age 7.

But also using it are ds 9, dd 3, ds 2 and dd 1!

Children are 10, 8, and 4.

Overall I'm a bit disappointed, because the Leapfrog we had for dc1 was so good.

Very fiddly to set up, and there were obvious places where the fiddlyness could have been avoided. The American accents are seriously excessive (see below).

The map is a huge success with all my children, even the 10yo. The Toy Story book is a huge disappointment. The 4yo loves Toy Story, but the American accents are so strong in this book that he cannot understand most of it. We haven't even opened the Scooby Doo book because I do not consider vampires, and people being afraid of and running away from monsters, to be suitable for a 4yo - especially when even Monsters Inc gave him nightmares.

The American accents are really intrusive. On the map, it is a great shame that an American accent is used for each 'child' representing any country. They should have been voiced by native speakers of that country's language.

The 4yo picked up how to use the reader very quickly. It seems well-designed. The portability is excellent. A little satchel/backpack would make it perfect for taking out. We have just come back from a GP appt for me, and ds was absorbed in the Tag for most of the appt - excellent!
The warm-cold games are unclear, and none of the dc have been able to complete them. They found the games on the old Leapfrog much more interesting.

The phonics books do not appeal to my 4yo. He has played with each of them once only.

I would recommend this Tag system, it is a good, engaging, toy that appeals to a wide age-range. The map is good (apart from the accent!). But i wouldn't recommend any if the other books that came with it.

I would like to know whether the books we were sent were specifically chosen because our 4yo is a boy.

1. Fairly easy to set up but the computer software seems to run very slowly (mac OSX 10.5.8) My daughter (4) seemed to find it really easy to use from the start.

1. DD likes the cartoon books the best but has spent time using all the books and the map. She seems to like the fact she can set it up and use it without assistance

1. Very easy to use but slow to run the computer based software.

1. DD likes Toy Story 3 best as the story is familiar to her and it has lots of picture activities. She seems to like the map least - I think this will grow on her as she gets older. I think the map is great (aged 32)!

1. Yes - I already have!

I would never have bought this system myself due to cost vs. normal books. However my daughter has made definite progress in learning to read in less than a week since getting it. She really seems to have benefited from being able to direct her own learning.

oh i forgot to add i was rather stressed by the americanisms in the toy story book - trash, garbage truck, daycare etc, none of which are words that DS has heard before, so i read him the story myself inserting words like bin, bin lorry, tip, nursery etc etc. however, he didn't seem to notice that the words were different when the pen read it and got the sense of things.
it would definitely put me off buying it though. i think books etc should be adapted for local culture, as far possible.

We have been using the system with DD1 (4).

1. 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?

It was easy to set up and took very little time to load the audio files onto the pen. The homepage is bright and engaging and easy to navigate.

DH and I have both helped DD1 to use the system and are equally satisfied that this will be extremely helpful in teaching her to read. We particularly like that you can hear the word, the sound breakdown, and the spelling.

We were excited by the prospect of the online games. Unfortunately these are agonisingly slow to load despite my fast connection and we have all but given up on them.

1. And what did your child think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

I quote: ?It is fabulous and I am brilliant at reading?. Modesty is not her strong point .

She delighted in using the pen both to confirm when she was right and assist when she struggled. She used the ?sound it? function a fair bit.

She loved the map and the rewards are a great bonus. DH and I were really pleased with it too. It was the one thing with which she did not require any assistance.

1. 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?

We found it very easy to use once DD1 learned to wield the pen properly. I don?t think she is old enough to manage the books on her own yet though. She couldn?t grasp switching between ?sound it?, ?say it?, and ?spell it?.

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

The Toy Story and Scooby Doo books are too advanced so we haven?t really used them. DD1 liked Leap Scrubs Up and The Best Job! as they were the most enjoyable stories. The activities in the back of each book are good fun too.

1. 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?

I absolutely would recommend the system. In fact I have already given a demonstration to two friends who have reception age children. My only reservation is the price although a quick look on Amazon suggests they are cheaper from them.

The interactive element meant DD1 was happy to spend longer on the words than she would have otherwise.

I would particularly recommend the map as there is such a wealth of information. DD1 and I spent ages ?exploring?.

Thank you so very much Leapfrog and MNHQ, we are incredibly grateful for this fab product test.

Can we respond even if our dc's weren't product testers?

ds1 got one for Christmas and both he and dd use it loads

SummerRain - please do!

1. 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?

Initial set up was a bit time consuming. Once set up it's very easy to use.
Like the different story features eg games within story. I like the fact that it is compact - only the books and pen to take with you

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

dd (5) loves it. it absorbs her attention. She likes the independence of it, she can work it on her own without difficulty.

1. 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?

The hardest thing was setting up the system on PC, but once it's installed it is very easy to update

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

The phonics books were dd's favourite in the pack, as she does similar books at school.
Her least favourite was Scooby Doo, she has no interest in it.
We have gone on to buy her the Tangled book, and the Tinkerbell book both of which she loves

1. 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?

I have already told my friends how good it is, and that I would recommend it

1. 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 set it up fairly quickly and found it quite easy... however I did wonder how those without Internet access would cope... Imagine opening it on Christmas morning in a house without Internet and dealing with the fallout! For the price of the books could the downloadable content not be put on a USB stick with the book?

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it? They love it, ds1 is 4 and a half and dd is 6 and i wish I'd got them one each now as they squabble over it constantly. dd's reading has taken a leap forward recently and whilst I don't believe the Tag system is solely responsible for that I don't think it hurt either. ds1 loves the games and they're great for his concentration and listening ability... two huge problems he has. dd likes reading the stories with help from the voice when she gets stuck

1. 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? It's amazingly easy... I was afraid it would be fiddly or need bright light due to the camera in the tip of the pen but it works in low light and even when ds1 (dyspraxic) holds the pen upside down!

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why? we only have the one it came with and the Ben 10 one so far and they enjoy both equally

1. 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... it's a great system... although like a poster above I'd prefer less Americanisms and would probably warn friends about that issue

My DS has been testing the Tag, he is 5.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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).

1. 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.

1. 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?

Loading the software was very time consuming and it wasn't obvious what you should do from the site. We got a few errors and had to mess around for a bit. Difficult to do with a demanding 1 year old tugging at my skirt. I do work in the technology industry so I do know what I am doing. The installation software needs to be flawless but it's not. There are bits of it which are not obvious (eg it kept on going on about some PC which we didn't have. The message was that I had an inferior "side product" which was hiding in some sub menu somewhere. I think a lot of people

I didn't know what it was loading on my PC and I didn't like that. I think it would be much better if you could use an established software like ITunes to download the books onto the tag reader. Or if you could do it from the internet and not have to download a software at all.

1. And what did your child think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

My son (6 - good reader) was really excited when it arrived and begged me to load the software. He had a go and thought it was kind of fun. He listened to the Scooby Story once and messed around with the tag reader for a short while. But the stories are far far too easy for him. And he hasn't used it voluntarily since. I will keep it for DS (1) when he is 3 or 4 and see if he likes it.

1. 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?

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

We only read Scooby Doo. I would have preferred a book with a better plot. I didn't think it was a well structured story. It was like a comic. Why not have a proper story?

1. 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?

Probably not. I think the people round here would look down their noses at learning to read via electronic means. They would think it's like the parents can't be bothered to read with their kids. I am not sure I agree with that kind of thinking - but I wouldn't give them the chance to judge me by raising it!

I also wanted to add I would have liked the children on the map to speak with proper accents of the country they were in. The American voices are a bit grating, not just American but really hyper squeaky accent.

1. 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?

The reader was easy enough to figure out between myself and 4 year old DD; installing worked reasonably smoothly, but involved more downloading than I was expecting. I'm not convinced that the Tag is going to live a long life; the flaps hiding the cable connection seem to be a little loose. My main dislike is the enormous amount of packaging it came in.. that could easily be halved!

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

4 year old DD is fascinated by it and is enjoying listening to the stories and figuring out the games; she's not particularly interested though in learning more about letters & words (she's not yet in school). Her 2 year old sister is equally intrigued and has spent considerable time trying to get hold of the pen. It's definitely a jealousy inducing device and has led to a few tantrums.

1. 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?

Easy and straightforward enough; I haven't ventured onto the online games and probably will not do so

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

World map is the favourite here - very suitable also for younger kids, although I agree with other comments that the north-american voices are a bit annoying.

1. 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?

Probably not - at least not for friends DD's age. I came to this system as a (confessed) sceptic, wondering if a reading system like this would be good to support reading & writing in DD's second language. Maybe she is too young still as for now she is firmly treating it as a toy, which she is thoroughly enjoying, but I remain to be convinced about it's value in supporting reading

Thanks for letting us test though - apart from inducing tanrums in little sister it's been very good fun & maybe in a year or so we'll get a bit more into the reading part of it

1. 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?

Like others we felt the amount of packaging was a bit excessive, not having googled before also didn't know that we would need batteries which when you have a child chomping at the bit to play it might have better better if they were in the box. The downloading took a little longer than i thought it would and we mistakenly downloaded the wrong books because as you switch between screens it defaults back to the USA. I liked the size of the pen and the books, much less bulky than the leapfrog older system. On its first night the whole lot came out with us to friends and my 2 DD's 5 and 8 and my friends DD 8 all played with it.

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

DD2 who's 5 loves it, she really likes the map and has enjoyed learning where the countries are and things about them. She loves the Scooby Do book best because all of the characters look real and she likes their voices. She says there is nothing she doesn't like about it! She really liked that she can plug her headphones in and read away to herself too.

1. 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?

One installed it was very easy to use, although as commented above we accidentally downloaded the wrong books as switching between screen defaults to US English and they don't work on the UK Tag. The on screen instructions were easy to follow and the pen its self was easy to use.

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

DD2 likes Scooby Do best, the rest of us liked the maps, we liked how much info the maps gave. For some reason no one in our house likes the Toy Story one which is strange because we loved the films. Not sure why DD2 says she doesn't like the voices.

1. 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?

I already have! We used it at a recent hospital appointment for DD2 and it kept her entertained for the hour wait we had. I like that all the info is on the pens no fiddly cartridges to switch between and the books arent too bulky to take a few out with you.

1. 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?

• didn't like the need for a screwdriver when replacing batteries, but this seems to be a H&S matter that has overtaken all battery compartments
• very easy to download software and to load it onto the tag, seemed to take a long time to sync it
• the batteries seem to wear out quite quickly, I don't mind this as it is then a natural limiter to the time it is used for and we use rechargeable batteries. But it would be an issue if you are using it on a long journey etc.

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

• 2 boys, 5yo and 8.5yo
• 5yo loves it, he will pick up the pen and just play with the map or listen to the books
• 8yo has had a go, but isn't overly interested. He can read the stories etc himself. He has played some of the games with 5yo.

1. 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?

• very easy to use, the kids just picked it up and went with it.

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

• Best: Scooby Doo. Both boys like Scooby Doo anyway
• The Toy Story one doesn't seem to have been used much
• They both really like the map
• 5yo uses the phonic ones, but he just listens to the stories rather than using it as a reading system.

1. 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?

• I'm not sure, the price would put me off significantly as I think it has very little use as a "reading system" and so is just a toy.

1- It was resonably easy to set up, i'm rather a techophope so DH was in charge of the downloading audio stuff. The primary tester was 6 year old DD although her older brothers had a brief go also.

2- DD said the best thing was "if i get stuck on a word it helps me out". She thinks itspoke to her clearly and she could understand what it was saying. She liked the map and the games as well as the books. She couldn't think of anything negative to say. Already there has been a big increase in her geographical knowledge.

3- DD seemed to find it very easy to use, no problems there.

4- Scooby doo was the favourite book,with Toy Story being the least. DD likes scooby doo already and liked the silly sounds and music in the book. The phonics books are a little too easy for her reading level but i'll put them away for her little sister.

5- having tried it i think it's a good product and would recommend it but think the full price is quite expensive still for what it actually is.

DS1 is 6.5 and DS2 4.5 and hasn't started reception at school yet

1. 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?

We liked the tag system - once we found some batteries to put in it and got it all set up which took ages due to our really slow internet connection. It also kept the boys occupied for ages on their own without needing one of us to help too much. The American accents are irratating - if VTech can use a UK accent why can't this one? I have also started to teach DS2 to read using the system and he seems to be making some progress but he gets bored with the phonics stories. We've also all spent hours discussing how we think the system actually works which has been fun!

1. And what did your child(ren) think of it? What did they like and dislike about it? Why? What was most enjoyable about it?

DS1 loved the map and DS2 the books because he could "read" on his own like his big brother. Both disliked having to wait for me to set up the system in the first place and for me to find batteries to put in the pen.

1. 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?

The system is fairly intuitive to use and both boys worked it our on their own mainly with just a bit of help in the beginning from me. The set up was long and tedious though.

1. Which book did your family like the most, and why? Which did they like the least, and why?

DS1 liked the map best - he's a geography nut but I was concerned that the games seemed to be rather repetitive and may loose their appeal in rather a short time as only a few countries seem to come up in most quizzes. DS2 liked the Toy Story book best. Both boys thought the phonics books boring - but DS2 is too old for them really. I thought the content of the Scooby Doo book was a bit old for DS2 - vampires, darkness and being chased - but we don't normally watch Scooby Doo for those reasons anyway. I liked the map best for it's educational value.

1. 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?

Probably not - I'm a real bookworm myself and think that the love of books and sharing books with your children is a very special and wonderful thing so wouldn't want to give up real books for an electronic toy. I also think that there is a danger that children may be left with this on their own rather than a parent reading with them.