Which is better: vtech v-smile or leapfrog's leapster(or l-max)(for 2 kids b/w ages 4&6)?

Question

This seems to be an ongoing quandry of mine.

i have often thought of these two as ideas for christmas or birthday, but i have yet to decide. What information good &/or bad can you help me with. i have 2 boys that i know would love either, but i don't want to buy every single system out there. I know the companies websites, but i want personal experience here. Thanks !!

Answer 1

My 3 girls have used both systems. We started with Leapsters but when the two big girls (7&9) graduated to Nintendo DS the youngest (3) got a new V Pocket for herself so she wouldn't feel left out.  

The Leapsters are very kid friendly, great interface and very easy to use no matter what age you are. They kept them all quiet and amused during long car rides and the older two had fun challenging each other at games.

The V Pocket was a bit more challenging for the younger one (3) to learn but she figured it out in about 2 weeks. I find it's a bit bulky though and when I pick it up to play around with it I find the positioning of the buttons sometimes cramp up my hands, I can't imagine how her little hands feel. I also find it harder to locate cartridges that are appropriate for her age group (3-5) everyone always has an abundance of 4-6 but never enought 3-5 and 6-8 (for your older one)

Batteries are an issue with both, I definately suggest investing in the recharger package (if you choose Leapster) or an AC adapter (if you choose V Pocket, keep in mind it will work with other V Tech products too)

Check to see if the store you are buying them from have an interactive display, some stores have working models that you can try for yourself before buying.

Good luck.