LeapFrog I Quest

The LeapFrog I Quest is a study aid for ages 10 years up - grades 5 - 8. I'll do a review here, then give you some ways to get the best deal if you think an IQuest is something useful for your kids. You will find a review of the LeapFrog Fly PenTop computer system below the I Quest listings.

Wow, I wish I had had something like this when I was at school! Makes boring revision so much fun, with both quiz options or Chapter by Chapter study aids covering most major textbooks used in America. Make sure you check if your school texts are supported before you purchase an I Quest. LeapFrog have since released updated learning games for Teenagers, see our review of Crammer.

There are also lots of other useful functions such as Dictionary, Calculator, Calendar, and address book etc. I-Quest comes with a basic starter cartridge of 1,000 questions spanning a variety of subjects.

Now I have to say I have found getting information about I Quest confusing, so if you are reading this and you have more up to date information please let me know! I am currently waiting for a reply from LeapFrog with a number of questions about I Quest. There appears to be two versions of I Quest - the Quantum Leap I Quest, and the Hand held IQuest. LeapFrog have discontinued manufacturing of both products as far as I can tell, however they are both still for sale on Amazon and in Retail outlets, so what that means in terms of backup I am not sure. Certainly the software cartridges are still being manufactured.

To get access to more indepth study aids, such as book chapters and specific questions based on your text, (which has well over 12,000 questions), you need to purchase either a mind station connecter and some blank cartridges which you then download your chapters and questions to. OR, you can purchase pre-loaded cartridges as you will see in the right hand Amazon column. You also get 6 months membership, but I am not clear as what that actually covers, and if that will continue to be supported by Leap Frog (one of my questions to them!)

The I quest has heaps of interactive games that make learning fun and easy, and kids relate so well to technology, using it is a breeze. All major topic groups are covered from Science to Math, Social Studies to English.

Test preparation and revision questions were developed by Princeton University from all the most popular text books.

Do I recommend I Quest?

Definitely! Crammer, their updated study aid has some different features, but IQuest seems to me to be more comprehensive.

Many kids struggle with school, and we all have different learning styles. The I quest is useful as it engages teens (and pre-teens) in a way school can't. Many kids are using an I Quest as a catch up tool, and I know of homeschoolers who are using it as a study aid or for exam preparation for kids who may be learning the curriculum in a different way. Most teens relate really well to technology, and this is something they can take anywhere - you don't have to be sitting at a desk to be revising. Using headphones, kids can even use it almost subliminally whilst engaging in other activities. Sometimes conscious study is not the best way to retain information. Absorbing it whilst commuting or while watching a sports came can give surprising results. It is not just passive learning though, kids can ask questions, and they are playing games or doing pop quizzes, so they are also actively engaged in learning.

How To Get The Best Deals For An I Quest

I normally recommend that you usually get a much better deal via Auction and buying pre-loved LeapFrog products is an excellent way to go. In the case of I-quest however, I would recommend that other than the reader itself, that you purchase the software cartridges new. That way you will be sure to have the most up to date texts. However, I would doubt older versions of the software would have changed much, and there would still be a wealth of information and useful study aids. If your child needs to do revision and test preparation based on their school text book, then you are better off being sure you have the latest edition. Having said that, you can also find new products on Auction, so you can still compare Auction Listings below with the Amazon prices over on the right.

Auction Listings For IQuest

I recommend Ebay as the most secure and extensive online Auctions. Click this link to find our more about buying Leapfrog educational toys via secure online Auctions and how easy it is to get a good deal.

Compare the auction listings below with the Amazon prices in the right hand column.

Leapfrog Fly Pentop Listings

Aimed at the teenage market, the Leapfrog Fly Pentop Computer system is a very cool pen and computer system that captures your handwriting or drawing directly into the computer. The pen itself is very chunky and takes a bit of getting used to, but the whole computer system is pretty interesting, in that you can (at extra cost of course) purchase curriculum packages to support homework.

Similar to all the LeapFrog games for teenagers, learning is made fun. There are lots of other very cool aspects to the Leapfrog Games Fly Pentop Computer system, such as a very interesting music media system. It was originally aimed at younger children, and I suspect with our tech savvy youngsters, many younger kids would indeed master this computer, but clearly Leapfrog are designing applications to support high school kids.

One disadvantage: You have to use special paper to be able to capture drawing or writing, so much like a printer, you need to keep supplies on hand.

I haven't tried the LeapFrog Fly Pentop, but I would be interested to see how easy it is to draw using the pen. I can certainly think of ways I could utilize this kind of technology! (Maybe Santa will bring me one for Christmas!)

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