It is hard to believe that Ashley can already be two. We decided not to have a big party for her, only close friends and family were invited. My sister called two days before the party to tell me what she bought Ashley for her birthday. "Maybe Ash will be able to use this easier than the bigger kids' computers." I told her what a great idea it was and kicked myself for not buying it first. (I know, I'm pathetic.)

The Fisher Price Growing Smart Lap Top Computer was a great investment, in my opinion. It weighs approximately three pounds, is made of durable plastic and takes 4 "AA" Batteries. The battery compartment is placed on the back and held by a screw. Above it, there is a handle to make carrying the laptop easy for the younger ones.

The cover is bright blue, with the base being white. There is one speaker on the right side of the keyboard. The young voice emitting from the computer is clearly audible. Beside the speaker, in the center, is a circle of four buttons. The buttons are colored and have symbols on them for the different options: Yellow ABC, Green 123, Red sounds, Blue shapes. These can be seen without lifting the blue cover.

Above the colorful circle, under the cover, is the keys to this laptop. There are 20 square buttons in four rows. When Ashley pushes the yellow button at the bottom, an alphabet question regarding the row of yellow buttons across the top of the keyboard is asked. On those five yellow buttons are the capitol and lower case letters A through E and a picture that starts with the represented letter. When the green button is pushed, the laptop tells the child to push one of the green number buttons. The numbered buttons are represented by their number and the correct count of an animal or insect.

When the Blue button is pushed the child is asked to find a shape and or a certain color of shape. When you push the button you are told what you pushed and what color the shape is. The red button tells the child to find an object ...car, phone, computer, etc. When the child pushes the correct button, the object's sound is given as well as a bouncy tune.

When the correct button is pushed the voice rewards the child with a sound, a cheer and another question. When the wrong one is pushed, the female voice says "oops!" When any button is pushed randomly, the name of the picture is voiced.

No computer would be complete without a flashy monitor to look at. The screen flips up easily, it doesn't latch when closed. On the screen is the picture of a "Little People" girl, complete with two crayons in her pocket and a wand to make the magical sound we hear sometimes when we answer correctly. On the blackboard background are pictures of blocks, numbers, shapes, letters , stars and a megaphone. A light behind the screen makes the face light up.

On the large hinge at the bottom of the screen are three more buttons. There is a round music button, which plays music when pushed. In the center is a stop button, which instructs the computer to shut off. And on the other side is a sound button. When this button is pushed you will hear the sound of an elephant or train, or some other sound.

If the child leaves the computer for more than a few seconds, the voice says good-bye and shuts off. I simply can't find anything wrong with this toy, except maybe the juice it uses. Yes, we just put the batteries in on February 12, and already, they need replaced. Ashley plays with her Growing Smart Lap Top Computer for about 30 minutes a session, and it is rarely in the toy box. So, I guess I can't really complain about the batteries it takes either.

Thanks for reading!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 28.00
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months