Anyone own Vtech Vflash or Fisher Price Smart Cycle?

Question

I'm debating between a Vflash or Smart Cycle for my daughter's 4th birthday, but my son had a Vsmile and it was junk we had nothing but problems with it. bought a 2nd one thinking we just got a bad one, and it was junk too. I hear Vtech has improved their systems but I went to toysrus and they had the Vflash marked down from $80 to $50 on clearance and had no games for it, so I'm worried they may be getting discontinued and I won't be able to find games and accessories. I haven't been able to find reviews on either toy online. I'm also worried she may be too young for both of them but thought if she could have fun tinkering with them now she would grow in them. Anyone own either of these, and are you willing to give me feedback on how pleased you are with it?? THANKS!!

Answer 1

The VFlash is old and is definately discontinued, thats why you can't find any software for it - on top of that V Tech never had alot of software titles for the console in the first place. Also it's for an older age group so it maybe too complicated for your daughter.

The V Smile has been redone and the new model is called the V Smile Motion - its the same idea as the V Smile except the controllers are wireless and run on motion sensors (V Tech is obviously trying to capitalize on the popularity of Nintendo Wii's wireless concept) and can connect to the internet for more dowloadable content. It can use all of the previous software from V Smile as well. It doesn't sound like too much of a HUGE difference to make me want to rush out a buy it personally.

The Smart Cycle is alright but a few of the downsides include -

1. The size, it's about the size of a small childs bike so you need to have the space to hook it up.

2. Even after a year on the market there are still not alot of software titles available - all I ever see are the same 6 games everywhere I go.

3. You need to follow the assembly instructions to the T or you will s***w the whole thing up and won't be able to use it (until you call Fisher Price to get a replacement part)

All of them are good for kids ages 3-8 you just have to purchase the appropriate software for your childs age and skill level.

Personally I've always found Leap Frog to be the best option with the kids for electronic learning devices. We've used almost everything from the reading systems (Leap Pad) to Hand Helds  (Leapster, L Max).

Leap Frop products are easy to use and understand, there is always plenty of selection available when it comes to software which is a bonus when dealing with 3 children in different ages and skill circles and overall the kids enjoy them and use them a lot more.

The V Smile and V Pockets we have collecting dust in the basement vs. the Leapsters we have in the car are a testiment to that.

Good luck.