Educational Insights GeoSafari Laptop 8545
Date Published: 8/10/07
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Laptop 8545, geared for children ages three to seven, is great for on-the-go learning. Whether it's a road trip or quiet time at home, the GeoSafari Laptop offers such a variety of educational activities it will take quite some time to complete them all.
The GeoSafari Laptop is a sleek white and blue affair with a lift-up top, just like a real laptop. Inside, however, it is strictly kid-friendly. To play one of the educational games or tackle one of the quiz activities, simply place one of the cards (included) on the laptop surface. A series of lights on either side of the card indicate which questions to answer, and the player is prompted to enter the correct answer on a numbered key pad before time runs out. The results are scored and the games can be played by one or two players. There's even a setting for team play.
We like the variety of cards that come with the laptop and they can be stored within the laptop lid (unfortunately, the lid is hard to open). There are 63 double-sided cards that offer a choice of 126 games. The games range from reading and alphabet activities to social studies, science, math and phonics. Plus, additional cards for older children (ages eight and older) can be purchased separately.
We like the fun lights and sounds of this laptop, and we especially like the volume control (too few toys have a volume control). The best part, however, is the truly educational nature of the laptop's games and quizzes. For example, one activity prompts children to match "hard" and "soft" phonic sounds -- learning the difference between the sound that begins the word "comb" and the word "cereal."
One cautionary note: The laptop does have a learning curve. It's important that an adult first figure out how to play the games. Don't just turn a child loose and expect them to understand how to play.
Pros: Variety of education activities, sleek design with carrying handle
Cons: Can be initially difficult to understand how to play, requires some direction
Warranty
1 year, limited
