First off, let me explain exactly what the Intelli-table is...

The Intelli table is a battery operated toy that uses MICROSOFT smart technology. Now what that means, I don't know... all I know is that Fisher Price teamed up with Microsoft to make a toy for infants and young toddlers that will help them learn by playing. Playing + learning is a pretty good pair!

The table itself, fully assembled, stands a bit over 1 foot tall, making it easy for little ones to reach all of the table's interactive buttons. The table consists of 3 wide strong plastic legs that are inserted into a the "table", or base part of the toy.... which is a round and somewhat hollow compartment. On top of this compartment, in a recessed area, is where the "brains" of the Intelli-table sit. The "brains" consist of 2 things.... A holder and a ring (comes with 3 rings). The holder is blue UFO shaped object that contains the batteries, and a recessed area for the rings to "snap" in. In the middleof the holder is a dome. The dome is where the lights comes from, and you must push this dome to activate the toy when playing, or to change games during play. The rings (3) are white donut shaped (donut shaped because the dome from the base then fits in the middle) inserts with each one having a different theme of learning. One ring is all about music, one is all about numbers and letters, and one is about games. When the holder and a ring are snapped together, the FUN begins....

I will explain the Numbers and Letters ring so you can have an idea of what it does. You push the dome in the middle, it begins play with a little song and show of lights. You can then press any of the other buttons on the ring. When I push the button with the "1" on it, the toy says "ONE" and then the dome shows 1 pattern of lights with and accompanying sound, for example a frog, that ribbits once. If you press "2", it says "TWO" and it shows 2 patterns of lights with a "ribbit" "ribbit". And so on.
There are several different buttons for each ring, and they are always doing something new, so it would be very hard to explain all of them. The toy can be used either with the blue holder sitting on top of the base, or off of the base, so it is transportable. While both my 18 month old and 3 year old can carry the base around (there is a handle), it does feel a bit heavy for a toddler. I know my 18 month old would not be able to carry for long periods of time.

To change the learning rings is very simple. On the underside of the blue ring holder there are 2 push release buttons. When pushed, they release the ring. Then all you do is snap another one in. The blue ring holder holds 1 ring at a time, but the red hollow compartment can hold the other 2 rings inside. My daughter likes to take everything out and climb inside. I was impressed that it could hold her 25 pound chubby body. When you first get the Intelli-table, it does require some very basic, and very easy, assembly. All you have to do is slide and snap each of the 3 legs into the hollow base. So, so easy.

Now, on for the toddler test. My 18 month old LOVES this toy. We got it for her for Christmas this year, and she has been playing with this toy more than any other toy she got. My 3 year old even plays with it. The sounds haven't started annoying me yet, as there are 2 sound settings. The LOW setting is low enough, thank goodness! :)

I really love this toy, and I am so happy we got it! I don't expect it to turn our baby into a genius, but I do think it will help her learn the basics in a fun way.

:):):):):):):):):):):):)




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 60
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months