New Learning Companions for Kids

Kids have a lot to juggle these days -- busy school schedules, sports, extracurricular activities and, of course, homework. With VTech's new XL Series product line, kids ages 5 to 11 can have their own handheld and notebook learning companions to have fun and get ahead in school. Each of the XL products is small enough to be slipped into backpacks or lockers. VTech's XL Series provides a variety of educational games as well as calculators, unit converters and class schedulers. The XL products include features such as the Artwork Studio, Music Creator and Creation Station, where children listen to music and make and share their own art and animated characters. VTech's infrared technology allows friends to interact and play games (including Soccer Shoot Out, Hang Man and Checkers), between their devices by simply "beaming" their next move or play.

The SkillStarter Series is ideal for children in kindergarten through second grade, ages 5 to 7. Both the SkillStarter Handheld (with a touch-screen interface) and the SkillStarter Notebook (with a full-size LCD screen, keyboard and mouse) focus on the fundamentals and core skills that become the building blocks for education.

The MindBooster Series, for kids in second through fourth grade (ages 7 to 9), is designed to teach kids to apply what they have already learned in school to solve language, math and logic activities. The MindBooster Handheld includes a Class Scheduler, Organizer, and Homework Helper to help kids get organized and understand complex reading or math concepts. The MindBooster Notebook also comes with a word processor and a built-in Typing Tutor.

The ClassMaster Notebook enables kids ages 9 to 12 to sharpen the skills they're learning in school and express their thoughts for book reports, papers and other homework assignments. Students can access and download online articles from Britannica Kid's Edition directly to their ClassMaster Notebook.

The VTech XL Series Learning Companions will be available later this year. www.vtechkids.com