LeapFrog Clickstart My First Computer
LeapFrog Clickstart My First Computer
LeapFrog’s ClickStart My First Computer is the first preschool learning system featuring a desktop experience that looks and works like a grownup PC. The ClickStart platform turns any TV into a child’s first computer, simultaneously introducing core preschool skills and basic computer functionality. A friendly green puppy named Scout accompanies little ones on their learning journeys, appearing on the wireless keyboard with automatic shut-off as well as in onscreen games and activities.
Rich with content, ClickStart My First Computer offers exciting games as well as engaging software applications that work together to help kids earn treats for their friend Scout. Includes wireless keyboard with automatic shut-off, cartridge based console, child-sized mouse and right or left hand adjustable mouse pad. Requires 4 “AA” batteries and 4 “C” batteries (not included). Measures 16″ x 8″.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars very educational but poor mouse design
My three year old loves playing with this computer and has learned a great deal from playing with it too (phonics, basic spelling and word recognition, computer typing and mousing skills). And even though the mouse is very difficult to use (for me), she has managed to adapt to its very poor design and quality and make it work. At three years old she needs to be on level 2 already and my 1 1/2 year old likes using it too, so I am not sure how long it will last as an educational toy but younger kids can appreciate it too. If you don’t want the batteries to run out put the toy away when not in use. Though it doesn’t have an off switch, the mouse goes to sleep if you don’t move it for a while.
2 Stars Prepare for spending your toddler’s college tuition on batteries
My son received this as a gift when he was 3 1/2. I was attracted to this because (a) uses any TV instead of a computer, (b) has a standard QWERTY keyboard as opposed to some alphabetical units, and (c) features a realistic mouse.
The standard/built-in games are limited, but OK for teaching basic keyboard and mouse familiarity. We have not purchased any of the add-on games because the units are ALWAYS DEAD. Both the keyboard unit (pictured) and the control unit (which plugs into the TV) require a substantial number of batteries. And those batteries don’t last long. They keyboard does not have an ‘off’ setting; it just goes into sleep mode. So unless you store it in a cabinet, every time a key is pressed or the mouse is jiggled, it starts up again.
I recently complained to LeapFrog about the amount of batteries the unit requires. Their only recommendation was to remove the batteries after every use. Ya know, go grab a screwdriver and remove the battery pack from TWO units after every use??! Forget it.
For the high cost, be prepared to spend just as much on batteries. There are power adapters available for purchase, but if the battery life is so short, they should include these with the product and make battery use optional.
4 Stars Kids adore it, easy to use & a great value
I was wary about a toy that would have my kids sitting in front of a TV. When my daughter began to learn “keyboarding” in kindergarten, I decided to compare child-oriented computers so she could continue to learn at home. The ClickStart My First Computer was a lot of “real” computer for the price.
It plugs into a TV and creates a computer from the TV rather than it being a child-friendly keyboard that gets online. It teaches the same keyboarding and mouse skills that my daughter was learning in school. My three year old son also took to the ClickStart. It does keep him away from the real computers so if that’s a reason you’re considering a preschooler computer, this one will alleviate (if not solve) that problem.
They drop the keyboard (mouse and mousepad are attached) quite frequently and there’s been no damage. The mousepad may be mounted easily on either side of the keyboard. It’s a red laser mouse and can be used off of the mousepad as well.
The graphics are good. We run ours on a larger screen than is recommended and the kids have no complaint about the graphics. The games are set up so that reading is not required to enjoy play. Games we have can be either goal-oriented (you “win”) or simple play (exploration, developing keyboarding skills, etc.). The software that goes with this system is reasonably priced and fairly easy to find, both considerations when I compared products.
I highly recommend purchasing the LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer Adapter at the same time as the computer. It will save a fortune in batteries from the beginning.
My only complaint about the ClickStart is that the receiver and the keyboard must be fairly close to each other to function/receive signal. If that’s not a problem for where you intend to us the computer, it should be good as gold for you.
BTW: The games are fun even if you’re older than 6 
5 Stars One of the best toys my son has
I bought this for my 2 1/2 year old son because he loves to play in my computer, and this looked appropiate and fun. He was immidiately hooked up. The games are engaging and fun. It comes with 4 preloaded games, which are very educational. My son has been playing with it for two months now, and still loves it. He has already learned colors, shapes, numbers from 1-10, and his ABC’s! It really is educational. I purchased the Dora Explorer game which also teaches to count in Spanish. I love this toy. I don’t usually write reviews, but this toy really deserves it.
1 Star A Big Disappointment
I love Leapfrog toys and have several for my daughter, but this was a huge disappointment for us. She would love to play it but the mouse is impossible for her to use and just doesn’t work well at all. What should have been a great learning toy is nothing but frustration for us all.
