LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer (Green)

Let me start of by saying that I'm completely satisfied with many elements of this product. The build is good, the keyboard is above average, the quality of picture is not bad. So far, so good. I would also like to say that the keyboard and mouse are a tremendously great idea and would be a great introduction to computers for little kids if...

Here's the rub, the software that is available for this device are the very nearly the exact same pieces of software that appeared on the Leapster (Leapfrog's handheld) device in reduced form. Yes, let me rephrase that, the software you buy for this computer is less powerful than the software you can get for Leapfrog's handheld computer: the Leapster. There's less to do, and what there is to do could be done without the keyboard!

Take for example the Dora software, there are three activities in the ClickStart version of the software. Those same three activities and TWO MORE are available for the Leapster. The same can be said for the Thomas software. The Animal Painting software doesn't allow freeform painting, instead it simple click to color a region painting which my 3.5 year old finds dreadfully boring. He kept wanting to do real painting, something he can do with the Leapster's built-in software!

To be sure, Leapster software is more expensive and in this case you get what you pay for. I had expected Leapfrog to do more than just simply port and reduce already existing software but alas, this new software doesn't even take advantage of the keyboard.

If this is a child's first Leapfrog product then great, it's a real neat thing, it works beautifully and does the job admirably but if you already have a Leapster then please reconsider. If your child has already played Thomas and Dora to death then they will find nothing new in those titles on this computer. So far my son has found one activity he enjoys and that is typing. Something we let him do on our home computers already. He wanted more options (different backgrounds to type on, for example) within five minutes of turning this thing on. That doesn't make it a bad product but don't assume this will replace a full computer in the child's life.

It should also be noted that there is a profanity filter in the typing element of the built in game. It won't allow the child to type the word "Hello" which is one of the first words my son tried to type. This, in my opinion, is going a bit overboard. There seems to be no setting for turning the filter off.

Finally, it looks as if the device is region free, software for the UK version of the computer will work in a US computer and likewise the other way too. Likewise US consoles work on PAL televisions just fine.

I beg of Leapfrog to make more robust software for the device and in particular software that really exercises the keyboard. As it stands it's the lesser of two products. I'd recommend the Leapster over this one in a heartbeat despite the fact that the ClickStart has a keyboard and mouse. At the very least Leapfrog should have allowed the Clickstart to run Leapster games.

Bought this for my 4 year old son. He was reguarly playing wih my laptop and I was worried he might cause some damage to it.

Saw Click Start on TV and decided to buy it for him. He loves it!..it teaches kids how to use a pc, the best thing is you just have to plug it to a TV and it ready to go. The programmes are in full colour, and you have a full QWERTY keyboard, and mouse and mouse pad. Click start works the keyboard connecting via infered to a receiver which is connected to your TV.

It comes with 4 games built in, when you start it up, you have a desktop page with all the activites on it. The system teaches kids how to use a keyboard, my son loves it because he belives he is using a real computer, and i am happy with him learning PC skills without the worry of him damaging my own computer!

Bought Thomas the Tank Engine with it, which he loves.

Overall a great toy if you want a computer for kids without the real cost.

This computer is fantastic! I brought this item for my boys 3rd birthday and within a day he can use mouse like a pro, use the arrow keys correctly and he is beginning to read letters. He loves playing with it and I know he can now learn how to use a computer safely and without doing any damage. It's educational, fun, and child friendly.