Vtech Genius Notebook Laptop & Monitor Introduction

The VTech Genius Notebook is your child’s launch pad into a whole world of learning fun! In addition to language basics such as letters and vocabulary words, the Genius Notebook introduces Spanish through fun, graphics-enhanced games. Your child will learn basic math, sharpen logic skills and develop musical and artistic creativity - playing and having fun at the same time! Plus, the Genius Notebook is loaded with other cool features such as tools to store personal info, vivid animations, fun sound effects, snappy melodies and a realistic keyboard and mouse.

With the Genius Notebook, your child will find that learning and fun go hand in hand! The cost of the VTech Genius Notebook is approximately $99.99..

INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE

• Genius Notebook
• User’s manual
• Real mouse
• Mouse pad

WARNING: All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties and tags are not part of this toy and should be discarded for your child’s safety.

GETTING STARTED

POWER SOURCE
The Genius Notebook operates on 3 “AA” size batteries (UM-3/LR6) or a VTech® 9V adaptor (sold separately).

BATTERY INSTALLATION

1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery covers on the bottom of the unit and open them.
3. Insert 3 new “AA” batteries (UM-3/LR6) as illustrated.
   RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

4. Close the battery covers.

   

NOTE: For best performance, remove all factory-installed batteries and use new, alkaline batteries.

STANDARD FOR BATTERY TOYS

• Do not try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries;
• Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before being charged;
• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision;
• Do not mix different types of batteries; Do not mix new and used batteries;
• Only use batteries of the recommended or equivalent type;
• Always insert batteries properly matching the plus (+) and minus (-) signs;
• Batteries that have run out of energy must be removed from the toy;
• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals;
• Do not use more batteries than recommended;
• Do not mix alkaline, standard(carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries
• Remove batteries from the toy if it will not be used for an extended period of time.

AC/DC ADAPTOR
Use a VTech adaptor or any other standard adaptor that complies with EN61558 AC/DC 9V 300mA center-positive adaptor.

Connecting the adaptor

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the adaptor jack on the back of the unit.
3. Insert the adaptor plug into the unit’s adaptor jack.
4. Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.
5. Turn the unit ON.

NOTE: When the toy is not going to be in use for an extended period of time, unplug the adaptor.

Standard for toys with adaptor

• The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old.
• Only use the recommended adaptor with the toy.
• The adaptor is not a toy.
• Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid.
• Never use more than 1 adaptor.
• Do not leave plugged-in for extended periods of time.

Notice to parents
Regularly examine the adaptor, checking for damage to the cord, plug, transformer or other parts. Do not use the adaptor if there is any damage to it.

Specifications

The Vtech Genius Notebook Laptop & Monitor boasts several key features that make it an excellent choice for young learners. Here are some of the detailed specifications:

• 8-inch color screen with touch sensitivity
• Pre-loaded with over 100 educational games and activities
• Includes a detachable monitor for dual-screen learning
• USB port for downloading additional content
• Battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge
• Durable design with child-friendly controls

Description

The Vtech Genius Notebook Laptop & Monitor is designed to mimic the look and feel of a real laptop, making it an exciting tool for children to engage with. The device features an 8-inch color screen that is touch-sensitive, allowing kids to navigate through various learning activities with ease. The detachable monitor adds an extra layer of functionality, enabling dual-screen learning experiences that enhance the educational value of the device.

The device comes pre-loaded with a wide range of educational content, including games, puzzles, and interactive lessons that cover subjects like math, reading, and science. Parents can also download additional content via the USB port, ensuring that the learning experience remains fresh and engaging.

REAL MOUSE

Use the mouse only on a clean, flat surface, so that the roller ball is not damaged and the cursor moves freely across the screen. Use only a mouse that is compatible with VTech products.

CONNECTING THE MOUSE

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the mouse jack on the back of the unit.
3. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack.

USING THE MOUSE

1. Move the mouse in the direction you want the cursor to move.
2. Click on the mouse button to make a selection.

CLEANING THE MOUSE

1. Following the arrows, use a screwdriver to open the cover on the bottom of the mouse.
2. Take the ball out of the mouse and use a dry cloth to clean the mouse and the ball.

3. Place the ball back into the mouse, place the cover back onto the mouse and screw the cover closed.

   

PRODUCT FEATURES

ON/OFF BUTTON
Turn your Genius Notebook learning toy on by pressing the On/Off button. You can turn the unit off by pressing the On/Off button again.
PLAY MODES
In the Genius Notebook, you can choose from 6 different categories of play and learning:

1. Language Lab (Spanish)
2. Word Zone
3. Math Mania
4. Game Time
5. Creative Studio
6. My Tools

LEVEL SELECTION

Pressing this button will change the level of the current activity from level one to level two and then level three. Press it again to go back to level one. Level one is the default setting when starting a new activity.
CONTRAST SWITCH
Adjust the image on the screen by sliding the contrast switch to the right for higher contrast and to the left for lower contrast.

VOLUME SWITCH
Adjust the volume by sliding the volume switch to the right for higher volume and to the left for lower volume.
ONE/TWO PLAYER MODE
Press the key on the keyboard to switch between One Player and Two Player modes. The activities that can be played with two players are:

• Word Train
• Talk Show
• Typing Fun
• Mouse’s Lunch
• Subtract It
• Show Time
• Costume Ball
• Hide and Seek
• Animal Shadows
• Carrot Patch

SCREEN SAVER
Pressing the Screen Saver key allows you to choose 1 of 3 screen savers to start up after a few minutes of inactivity.
KEYBOARD LAYOUT
Your Genius Notebook has a full typing keyboard that doubles as a music keyboard.

FUNCTION KEYS:

1. Press this button to see a short preview of your Genius Notebook.
2. Press this button to see how you’re doing in most activities.

3. Press one of these buttons to jump to the first activity of a category.

   

4. Press this key to go back to the previous screen.

    

5. Use these keys to answer questions in certain activities.

   

6. Press this key to change the level in most activities.
7. Press this key to repeat the current question or instruction.
8. Press this key for help in most activities.
9. Press this key to see the correct answer in most activities.
10. Press this key to delete what you have typed.
11. Press this key to see a fun cartoon.
12. Press this key to turn the background music on and off.
13. Press this key to change the screen saver. Each press of the button will cycle to the next screen saver.
14. Press this key to switch between One Player and Two Player modes.
15. Press these keys to enter different players' answers in Two Player mode.
16. Use this cursor pad to move the cursor around the screen or cycle the answer choices in the activities.

17. Use these keys to enter letters in letter and wordrelated activities.

    

18. Use these keys to enter numbers in number-related activities.

    

19. Use these keys to enter musical notes in musicrelated activities.

    

20. Use these keys to change instruments in music-related activities.

    

21. Press this key to change the melody tempo in music-related activities.

Setup Guide

Setting up the Vtech Genius Notebook Laptop & Monitor is straightforward and easy. 

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Unbox the device and ensure all components are included (laptop, detachable monitor, USB cable, and power adapter).
2. Insert the batteries or charge the device using the power adapter.
3. Turn on the device by pressing the power button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the device, including selecting the language and setting up user profiles.
5. Connect the detachable monitor if desired for dual-screen mode.
6. Explore the various learning activities and games available on the device.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY SELECTION
When the unit is turned on, you will be see a short opening scene and enter the Main Menu. Here, activities will cycle onto and off the screen automatically. You can choose an activity in one of these ways:

1. press Enter when you see an activity you like.
2. use the cursor pad to cycle through the activities manually, and press Enter to choose one.
3. click the mouse button when you see an activity you like.
4. type the activity number and press Enter.

If you press a category key (such as ‘Word Zone’), the menu will jump to the first activity of that category. An activity can then be chosen in the above ways.
PROGRESSIVE LEARNING FEATURE
In most activities, if a question is answered incorrectly in the first round of a game, it will be repeated up to three times in later rounds. This feature is designed to help children learn by developing memory skills.
ANSWER
In most activities, the answer will be provided after a certain number of tries. It will not be available in Earful of Numbers, Picture Fun, Chat Room, Alphabet Apple, Number Bubbles, Typing Fun, Firefly Count, Carrot Patch and all activities in the Creative Studio and My Tools categories.
SHORT BREAK MODE
After you play five rounds in a row in any activity, you will enjoy a fun musical break!
AUTO POWER OFF
To preserve battery power, the Genius Notebook will automatically shut off after several minutes without input. The unit can be turned on again by pressing.

Vtech Genius Notebook Laptop & Monitor ACTIVITIES

Your Genius Notebook includes a total of 39 activities.

LANGUAGE LAB

1. EARFUL OF NUMBERS
   You will see four disks marked with numbers from 1 to 10. Choose a disk to hear the Spanish word for that number. Use the mouse, the cursor pad and Enter or the choice buttons.
2. NUMBER VOTES
   Let’s vote in an election! Vote for the number that matches the Spanish word at the top of the screen. Use the mouse, the cursor pad and Enter or the choice buttons.
3. PICTURE FUN
   Choose a Spanish word to see its picture and hear it spoken aloud.
4. WORD TRAIN
   You will see a Spanish word at the top of the screen, and a train will ride by with pictures on it. Choose the picture that matches the Spanish word.
5. LETTER JUMP
   Help the frog jump to the lily pad with the letter that begins the Spanish word. Use the cursor pad, mouse or keyboard.

6. MOUSE’S SNACK
   Let’s feed the hungry mouse! Choose the letter cheese that completes the Spanish word at the top of the screen. Use the mouse or the keyboard to choose.

   

7. CHAT ROOM
   Let’s have a chat! Pictures scroll by on the screen, with phrases spoken in English. Choose a picture to learn the phrase in Spanish.

8. TALK SHOW
   Choose the picture that matches the Spanish phrase you heard. Use the mouse or the cursor pad and Enter to choose.

   WORD ZONE

9. ALPHABET APPLE
   Some alphabet apples are falling from the tree. To pick a letter apple, press the letter key or cursor pad.
10. LETTER DISKS
    Click on a disk at the top of the screen to hear its letter sound. Then, use the mouse, cursor pad and Enter or keyboard to choose the matching letter.
11. ALPHABET FISHING
    Let’s go fishing! Put the alphabet fish in order by using the cursor pad and Enter, mouse, choice buttons or keyboard.
12. LETTER MATCH
    Several pairs of letter cards will display on the screen. Pair up the capital letter with the small letter using the cursor pad and Enter or mouse.
13. LETTER BUBBLES
    It’s fun to blow bubbles! Catch the bubble that fills in the letter pattern at the bottom of the screen. Use the mouse or the keyboard.

14. TYPING FUN
    Pop the letters falling down the screen by typing them as fast as you can!

    

15. ANIMAL VOTES
    The animal election is getting very exciting! Vote for the missing letter by using the mouse, cursor pad and Enter, or choice buttons.
16. MOUSE’S LUNCH
    Let’s feed the hungry mouse. Complete the word at the top of the screen by clicking a letter cheese, or typing the letter on the keyboard.
17. ODD ONE OUT
    Choose the word that does not belong in the group.
18. PART AND WHOLE
    Read the word at the top of the screen, and find the word that is a “part” of that word. Use the mouse or the cursor pad and Enter to match the part and whole.
    MATH MANIA
19. NUMBER STAR
    Twinkle, twinkle, little star! Catch a star by typing its number on the keyboard. Now, make a wish!
20. FIREFLY COUNT
    Catch as many fireflies as you can, by using the mouse or the cursor pad and Enter. Hurry, before time runs out!

21. PICK ONE OUT
    Two number bugs will pop out of the holes. Catch the one that fills in the number pattern.

    

22. NUMBER SEESAW
    Balance the seesaw! To add an object to one side, click the icon at the bottom of the screen. To enter your answer, click the arrow icon at the top. You can also use the to switch between the icons.
23. MATH VOTES
    Welcome to the math election! Complete the number pattern by voting for one of the four number choices. Use the mouse, cursor pad and Enter, or choice buttons to vote.
24. MOUSE’S DINNER
    Feed the hungry mouse! Listen to the clue, and choose the cheese with the bigger or smaller number.
25. SHOPPING SPREE
    Let’s go shopping! Choose an object to buy, then use the mouse or cursor pad and Enter to add up coins to the price shown.
26. SUBTRACT IT
    Help the frog jump to the lily pad that answers the math problem. Use the cursor pad, mouse or keyboard to choose an answer.

27. TICKTOCK TIME
    Move the hands on the clock to match the time shown. To drag the hands, use the mouse to click on the arrows below the clock. You can also move the arrows with the cursor pad.

    

    GAME TIME

28. SHOW TIME
    It’s show time, so let’s dress up! Use the cursor pad and Enter or mouse to choose the outfit you saw at the start of the game.
29. COSTUME BALL
    All the animals are dressed up for a fancy ball!Can you recognize the masked animal from the four choices? Use the mouse or cursor pad and Enter to choose.
30. HIDE AND SEEK
    The cat and mouse are playing hide and seek!Remember where the mouse is hidden and help the cat find it.
31. ANIMAL SHADOWS
    Can you guess which animal goes with which shadow? Scroll through the animals at the right to find one that matches the shadow on the left.

32. CARROT PATCH
    Rabbits love carrots! Use the mouse or choice buttons to grab the carrots as fast as you can.

    CREATIVE STUDIO

33. STAMP FACTORY
    Let's make stamp art! Choose a stamp design at the right side of the screen, and drag it anywhere you like. Click on the eraser icon to start over.

    

34. PARTY FACES
    It’s time to make some funny faces for a party. Use the mouse to drag different eyes, mouths, hair and other fun party looks onto the face on the screen.

35. CONCERT MASTER
    Conduct your own concert! Choose a number to play a melody, and use the cursor pad and Enter to change the melody’s instrument. Then sit back and watch the performance!
    Melody List:

    • “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”
    • “Found a Peanut”
    • “Frere Jacques”
    • “Camptown Races”
    • “Goosey Goosey Gander”
    • “Hickory Dickory Dock”
    • “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
    • “London Bridge”
    • “Polly Wolly Doodle”

    MY TOOLS

    ABOUT ME
    Use this tool to store all your vital info: your name, birthday, address, phone number, email address, your best friend’s name and your interests.

36. MY FAVORITES
    Choose a category, such as food, animals, or clothes, and select your favorite things.

37. PARENTS’ MESSAGE
    Here is a place for your Mom or Dad to leave a special message for you.

    

CARE & MAINTENANCE

1. Keep your Genius Notebook clean by wiping it with a slightly damp cloth. Never use solvents or abrasives.
2. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat.
3. Remove the batteries when not using it for an extended period of time.
4. Avoid dropping it. Never try to dismantle it.
5. Always keep the Genius Notebook away from water.

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. If your Genius Notebook stops working or does not turn on:
   • Check your batteries. Make sure the batteries are fresh and properly installed.
   • If you are still having problems, visit our website at www.vtechkids.com for troubleshooting tips.
2. If, when pressing the On/Off button, nothing happens:
   • Make sure your unit is plugged in.
   • If you are using batteries, check to see that they are aligned correctly.
3. If you turn the unit on, but cannot see anything on the screen:
   • Adjust the contrast switch to adjust the darkness of the screen.
4. If you can’t hear any sound:
   • Adjust the volume switch to adjust the sound level of the speaker.
5. If the screen is frozen and not responding to any input:
   • Use the tip of a paper clip (or a similar object without a sharp tip) to gently press the Reset button.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Interactive and engaging learning experience
• Durable design suitable for young children
• Extensive library of educational content
• Detachable monitor for enhanced learning
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Limited customization options for parents
• No internet connectivity for online content access
• Battery life could be longer
• Some users may find the interface a bit complex to navigate

Customer Reviews

Customers have generally praised the Vtech Genius Notebook Laptop & Monitor for its educational value and user-friendly design. Here are some common reviews:

• "My child loves this device It's so interactive and fun, and I can see them learning new things every day." - Sarah, Parent
• "The detachable monitor is a great feature. It really enhances the learning experience." - John, Parent

However, some users have noted that the battery life could be longer and that there are limited customization options for parents.