Electronic Handheld Toys for Kids: Views and Reviews

Eva, my almost 4 year old, is absolutely obsessed with anything that beeps, pings, or lights up. She is the only one of the girls who has played with all of their various electronic games, from the Leapster to the little Barbie laptop to the IPOD to the IPAD. She loves to play with my phone and on the Netbook and can work a touch screen like an IT guy. So, my question is: Do we need another electronic device? I think my answer might be yes, because some of the toys out there seem to have some amazing features and are cute to boot. But I can’t make up my mind which of the current crop of hot, trendy handhelds is the best, so I decided to do some informal research and check out the reviews and other info online. Here’s the scoop from Amazon.

MobiGo Touch Learning System, about $50, additional game cartridges about $15 each:
Pros: Touchscreen and keyboard, sounds fun and easy to use
Cons: Downloaded games only stay on until you turn off the device

FisherPrice iXL, about $50, cartridges $15-25 each
Pros: Serves as a reader, for writing, drawing, etc. Easy to use stylus
Cons: Seems sort of limited, not as highly rated as the MobiGo

Leapfrog Leappad, about $200, $7-10 for apps
Pros: Tons of features, including downloadable apps, very sophisticated
Cons: Apparently a huge pain to set up, and if you’re going to spend this much, why not just buy a regular table. Eva has no problem with the IPAD, so I don’t need an IPAD substitute that isn’t as good.

V-Tech InnoTab, about $70, about $20 for games, or free using V-Coins
Pros: Many people seem to prefer it to the more expensive LeapPad, and it plays movies, music, has art and reading and other games
Cons: Battery life, but not an issue with AC adaptor

Nintendo DSi XL, about $170 at BestBuy:
Pros: Pretty, portable, has a lot of avid fans
Cons: Have no idea what age group this is for? Is it appropriate for a 4 year old? Are the games too mature?

Do your kids own and love any of these electronic games? I’d love any feedback on the right device for a tech-happy preschooler!