VTech Nitro Vision TV Learning Station

I researched this product for my parents to buy my daughter on her fifth birthday this weekend. We hooked it up and it is all that it was promised to be. There are many games--and what's better--different levels within the games. For the purpose of the age ranking, I will tell you my daughter is advanced for her age. She can read very well and is only 1 of 3 out of an upcoming kindergarten class of 26 that can read. Many of these games are ahead of her (mutliplication, division, spelling words such as "dinosaur", etc.) We have yet to get through all of the cartridges, but I can tell she will get a few years out of this yet. The graphics are fine, considering it's a toy. The TV capability sold me, rather than the tiny black/gray screens of the new kids' laptops. She is quickly gaining knowledge of the keyboard buttons (backspace, Esc, etc.). My only "complaint" thus far is that the mouse doesn't work well and the cord for the mouse plugs into the keyboard on the right side. So, the inflexible long mouse cord gets in the way of working the mouse (assuming you're right handed.)

This toy is a waste of time and a space taker upper. Not very user friendly. Jumpstart games for your computer are a much better buy.

Nitro Vision comes with four learning cartridges (Math Explorer, Language Launcher, Science & Nature Discovery, and Spanish). But what happens after a child has met these challenges (or simply tires of these 4 cartridges)? I have yet to see any additional cartridges available for this system. (As of 12/25/06). Hopefully the manufacturer will soon offer optional cartridges to add further challenges and keep it interesting. Also note that batteries are required since a power adapter is not included in this package either. This is overall a great concept that needs a bit of "tweaking".