Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System (Blue)

by Fisher-Price

• iXL is the ultimate handheld learning tool designed for kids
• 6 ways to play: Digital Reader, Game Player, Note Pad, Art Studio, MP3 Player and Photo Viewer
• Comes with pre-loaded software for the various applications
• Opens like a book, exposing a 3.5" TFT QVGA color screen
• To see more information click the "Watch it in Action" link below the main product images

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 4.8 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Origin: Imported (China)
• ASIN: B00388C3TW
• Item model number: R9703
• Manufacturer recommended age: 36 months - 6 years
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,083 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
  • #7 in Toys & Games > Electronics for Kids > Systems & Accessories > Electronic Systems
  • #23 in Toys & Games > Preschool > Pre-Kindergarten Toys > Electronic > Electronic Learning Toys & Systems
  • #42 in Toys & Games > Learning & Education > Electronics
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (215 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com

An exciting handheld device, the Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System is a great introduction to technology that provides plenty of fun learning activities for young children. This sophisticated, yet kid-friendly toy features six distinct interactive options--such as a Digital Reader, Game Player, and MP3 Player--that will entertain and teach kids aged 3 to 7. By connecting this device to your computer you can add your own photos and music to the iXL, create profiles, and download extras that will enhance your child's experience.

iXL 6-in-1 Learning System (Blue) Ages: 3 to 7 years Requires: Four AA batteries (not included), Internet connection, and a computer What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Durable, easy-to-use, customizable learning toy that can expand with your child's growth The Challenging: With high speed cable internet, software may take up to 30 minutes to download In a Nutshell: A fun and educational introduction to technology

This exciting handheld toy helps introduce children to technology. View larger.

The iXL features six activities, including an interactive reader. View larger.

Kids can practice their art skills with the included Art Studio. View larger.

Intuitive and Kid-Friendly Technology
Made of rugged plastic that will survive all kinds of crazy play, the iXL is similar to popular hand-held game players, but is designed for the use of younger children. The device opens like a book to reveal an LCD touch screen that displays all the action. Your kid will navigate through the activities by touching the tethered stylus to the screen.

The iXL is extremely intuitive and uncomplicated. The stylus has a holster and is tethered to the device by a sturdy nylon string, so your child will never lose it. Opposite the screen is a speaker with volume control, an Action button that allows you to make choices in certain modes, and a Home button that returns you to the Main Menu whenever you wish.

Easy Set Up
To turn the piece on, you or your child will simply press the Power button positioned on the side of the device. All elements of interaction--from the generous buttons and stylus, to the iXL's hearty casing--are practical for children's use.

After unpacking the iXL, you'll get it ready for play by inserting four AA batteries then completing a quick calibration of the touch screen. You'll want to install the software for this toy via the accompanying CD-ROM to access additional features, software updates, and customizations. Additional iXL features include an SD slot for memory expansion, built-in memory of up to 150 MB, and a standard headphone jack for those long car rides or flights.

An Interactive Learning Experience
The iXL will keep curious kids busy, entertained, and learning with its six preloaded activities. Your child will practice reading and comprehension with the Digital Reader, which includes an interactive 15-page story available in either the reading or interacting mode. For kids who love action, the Game Player features a three-level arcade game that promotes counting and learning about sequences and numbers.

Future young writers can practice the alphabet and their penmanship in the Notepad mode, while young artists will flex their creativity with the Art Studio's digital tools. The iXL includes an MP3 Player with five preloaded kid's songs and a Photo Viewer with three sample images that can be embellished and manipulated.

Software Downloads Expand Features
You'll get the most from the iXL by loading the software onto your PC and attaching the device to your computer with the accompanying USB cable. Although with high-speed cable internet software may take up to 30 minutes to download, once you completed this you can transfer files to increase playing options, including additional software for purchase that will add new stories and games for your child to play.

Navigating the software is simple and intuitive. You can create up to five profiles for the iXL, so this device can be enjoyed by the whole family. Add images or music files to the library and transfer them to the iXL. The software also gives you access to other fun and free extras, such as printable activity sheets for your child or the whole family, craft and party ideas, and other activity suggestions categorized by age.

Minimum System Requirements
OS: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X v10.4 or higher Processor: 1.2 GHz Memory: 256 MB RAM Hard Drive: 150 MB available Video Resolution: 800x600 32-bit color DirectX9.oc compatible	Sound: 16-bit DirectX compatible CD or DVD drive USB port Internet connection

What's in the Box
iXL 6-in-1 Learning System, USB cable, and CD-ROM.

iXL 6-in-1 Learning System - Available in three colors
Silver	Pink	Blue

Product Description

Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System (Blue)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

171 of 173 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Hits the mark for younger children August 4, 2010

By A. Andrews

Durability: 5.0 out of 5 stars    Educational: 4.0 out of 5 stars    Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

Pluses: My 4 year old son was immediately engrossed with this toy and was able to use it very little assistance; we now limit his time on this device so he'll do other activities. This is a good learning tool for younger children. Various themes are offered: counting, spelling, music, and coloring (can select from a palette of 16 colors); it does offer diverse entertainment. It should be ideal for a long car or airplane trip (small size is good). Family photographs can be downloaded and then drawn upon. There are up to 6 user accounts for different youngsters that can be created, but I do not consider this as a toy that can be easily shared; other than there are games for two players.

Minuses: 1) Children learn fast and its hard to believe any educational software suited for a 3/4 year old is going to challenge a 6/7 year old (which is the upper age range). The current software available seems good for about 3-5 year olds. The included software only has counting up to 20; video game up to only 10; the reading and vocabulary are little more advanced. There are other CD titles released, but I'm unsure that these really address the educational level for older children. 2) The transfer speed to down load optional software titles from a CD is very slow. It took about 30 minutes to download the Batman CD; this is about 30 minutes for 42MB of data. I'm guessing a 256MB flash memory that is about 10 years old is being employed in this unit. You just need to be patient when downloading any items (CD, photos, music). 3) The screen space for writing words is small; children are asked to write their name on the screen, but names longer than 4 letters need to be crammed into the space allotted. The major intent is to trace a single letter or number and then, in this scenario, the writing space is adequate.

Other Info: As noted above the unit most likely has a 256MB flash memory installed; initially about 65MB is used (this includes the monkey: games, book, spelling, numbers, etc.) and about 160MB is free. So you should be able to add 4 games ($$$), but most likely not 5 ... especially if you have downloaded some music and/or photos into the unit. The unit seems a little heavy after loaded with batteries (not included) ... so smaller hands may have a harder time grasping and not dropping this toy (it does appear to be durable).

98 of 100 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivates and Educates September 12, 2010

By J. Davis

Amazon Verified Purchase

Durability: 5.0 out of 5 stars    Educational: 4.0 out of 5 stars    Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I bought the iXL for my son for his third birthday, and with some trepidation, I might add. I was concerned that he might be too young to use it without frustration. Boy was I wrong. He took to it like a duck to water, quickly understanding the menus and games with very little prompting. He has two titles for it besides the built-in title, Handy Manny and Toy Story 3, and both are a big hit. The games are appropriate to his dexterity level and don't frustrate him, and they also don't penalize wrong answers, which could have been an annoyance. Instead, a wrong answer or two causes the character (Monkey Narrator, or Handy Manny, or Woody, for example, depending on the title) to remind my son what his goal is.

The format of the titles is both good and bad. On the good side, there are no cartridges to lug around, keep track of, not lose, and not break. On the bad side, the iXL will only hold a couple of extra titles in its built-in memory. After that, you have to buy an SD card to expand the memory. No big deal, really. But, this system means you have to have a PC or Mac available to load the titles on, and you have to not lose the USB cable that comes with the iXL, lest you not be able to load new content.

Speaking of loading content, we put a bunch of photos and music on the device so that my son can listen to familiar tunes and draw mustaches on Mommy and Daddy. This is a pretty nice feature, and really makes it HIS iXL.

Finally, I was concerned about whether the iXL would still be interesting when he's 5, 6, or 7. As it happens, a friend brought over his kids, 5 and 7, to play one day, and they both leapt on the iXL. After a couple hours of play, I'm no longer worried. Kids from 3 to 7 will like this, although the older ones may be ready for the next device up, like a Nintendo DS, iPod Touch, or similar device.

Bottom line, I like the iXL's focus on younger kids than the leapfrog devices, and every activity is a learning activity. It's not primarily a game player. It's more of an e-reader that also has some games and activities like leapfrog.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Kind of like an iPad for kiddos August 5, 2010

By Amy Mcfarland TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Durability: 4.0 out of 5 stars    Educational: 4.0 out of 5 stars    Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

My son is turning four next month, and fell in love with this at the store. Since bringing it home last week, he's asked to play with it several times throughout the day, and seems to hold his attention for 20 minutes or more. There are plenty of activities that we can do together, and he loves that it comes with a stylus and menu that looks so grown-up.
The iXL comes with six options from the menu - story book, games, music, art, notebook and photo studio. We have not yet experimented much with the music aspect, but I love that we can hook this up to our computer via USB and as he gets older we can add in songs and pictures or pull them off as his interests change.
My favorite part is the notebook. It's excellent for practicing writing, and comes with letters to trace to work on the alphabet. My son's favorite part is the art studio of course - it has several options such as paint, stamp, changing colors, changing scenes, etc. This section gave him trouble at first, as he would start with a picture of the monkey from the story that comes pre-loaded, add in some squiggles and a stamp or two, and then he'd press the button to change the scene. His squiggles and stamps would follow when he'd want a new page to doodle, and it took him a few tries to get the iXL to do what he meant.
The story book option seems pretty neat as well, though we have not yet tried to load any additional books on yet. The monkey story that is pre-loaded highlights the words as the story is being told, and has cute little interactive changes that can include your child's name.
Overall, I am very happy with this purchase. I can easily see my son using this for the next year at least, and his little sister already has her eye on it! I do wish the other available books weren't quite so costly, but I'm sure these will come down in time.