VTech V.Smile TV Learning System Review

I love the IDEA of this toy.  My kids bugged me FOREVER to get them an X-box or Gamecube or something and I just didn't like the idea of my kids sitting on the sofa instead of playing outside...and most of the games have more violence than I want to let into my house.  Then I heard of the V.smile.  EVERY game is educational...but it still has characters that my older kids won't think are for babies.  I mean, the 6 year old boys don't want to play with Dora or Mickey Mouse all the time with the 2 year old sister - but there is stuff that they love as well.

Sadly, it is not very well made.  The A/C adapter plug has to be jiggled and sometimes it won't turn on at all unless you prop it up on one side at a certain angle.  Of course, the angle is hard to maintain with CHILDREN are playing the games, so it cuts off a lot.  Also, sometimes the games don't fit the right way when the kids try to put them in without supervision.  It seems like we have to adjust something on it everytime we use it.  I think that V.Tech has an excellent IDEA that just needs some work in practice.

I don't want to admit it, but I am going to spring for a new one for Christmas and HOPE that it lasts longer than the first one did...my kids just love the games so much, and I love that they're educational.  My only reprive is that the new one with the joystick with the stylus and screen is $10 cheaper than the original.  So...here's hoping.