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VTech Vreader Brings E-Reading to Tots, Amazon and Apple Not Worried

by Caleb Johnson on June 30, 2010 at 07:15 AM

VTech VReader
As companies wage the e-reader war, there's a segment of the population that's being left out: kids. But learning company VTech is reaching out to youngsters with an e-reader specifically designed for little eyes and grubby hands. According to The New York Times, the V.Reader is a touchscreen tablet/e-reader targeted to kids aged 3- to 7-years-old. So, while Mommy or Daddy read the latest bestseller on the Kindle, little Susie or Johnny can read 'The Little Engine That Could.'

Now, for all of you who think that huddling around LCD screens sounds like an ideal way to spend an evening with the family, there's bad news. The New York Times got their hands on the V.Reader, and didn't come away impressed. The $60 device is reasonably priced, except you'll still have to purchase four AA batteries and an SD card to download additional books. The V.Reader only comes preloaded with one book, and each new book costs a whopping $20. Plus, the Times reports that the overall presentation of each title was simply sloppy.

While we've yet to have any hands-on time with the V.Reader, it doesn't sound like this device will top many Christmas lists. That's too bad, because there's definitely potential. After all, our current crop of 3- to 7-year-old kids will probably read e-books exclusively by the time they're adults. Might as well get them started early. [From: The New York Times]

Tags: books, e-reader, ebook, education, ereader, kids, reading, top, vreader, vtech

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