What Should I Buy: V-tech Smile, LeapFrog Clicksmart or the Leapster

We have two of the leapster products. The handheld one (the L-Max?) and the one that plugs into the TV. The handheld one does come with a cable to connect it to the TV too. A family member gave us the other machine for christmas, but I kept it since they were starting to fight over the handheld. My boys love both of them. I like that the cartridges work in both of them too. I really love all the Leap Frog products. My 6 year old would watch the DVD's over and over when he was in pre-school. Now he is in 1st grade but reading at a 2-3rd grade level. I give partial credit to the DVD's.

We have a leapster L-Max, and my kids love it (7 yr & 3 yr old)

My 4 and 6 year old have the VSmile and they love it. The game that comes with it teaches about ABCs and the spelling of small site words. It is very educational and you can get several different games.

My 8 year old has the VTech VFlash and it is great as well.

T.,
We love our Leapster. My 4 year old daughter got hers for Christmas (we went through the same decision process). We have games that teach basic math, counting, phonics, writing letters, etc. It is wonderful!! We are fixing to get one for my 2 year old son because he keeps trying to take his sister's Leapster. He doesn't really understand how to play it but it will keep him busy :)
My Mother In Law bought my daughter's and I'm getting my son's from a friend whose kids have outgrown it (I'm buying her lunch and she's going to give me the Leapster and two games). You can also find them used on Ebay and sometimes you can get a deal.
Good luck!
D.

I hated the V-tech smile - a piece of junk! We bought our Clickstart at Christmas and we love it. They only down side is that there aren't that many cartridges to choose from yet. I am sure as time goes on there will be, but we already have them all. I would think that your son would like the Leapster also, but if you are looking for something that your 2 1/2 year old will grow into quicker I would recommend the Clickstart. Some times I think there are way to many choices!

I have a v-smile and know a lot of moms that have bought them and hate them because of the cartridges and the system itself not working . It is like the old Nintendos where you had to blow on the game and the popsicle stick trick..lol. Leapster l-max is totally the way to go... very versatile, more games, and better quality graphics than v-smile. :)

I went through this same dilemma at Christmas and I decided on the Leapster L-Max. Both my daughters LOVE it!!! ages 6 and 3. They both fought over it at first because we only bought one BUT we worked out a sharing system that seems to work very well. We call it Odd and Even. My daughters were born on the 18th and 19th. So on odd days my daughter who was born on the 19th get's the Leapster and vice-versa. Surprisingly enough my 3 year old understands and doesn't wig out if she doesn't get to play it that particular day.
Good Luck!! Also, it works with Leapster games and L-Max games too!

we have both vsmile and a leapster... We love the leapsters. But the 3 yr old has some issues with doing what it says to do..
The vsmile is good they just didnt get into it.

vsmile for sure! My daughter loves it! Had it for 3 years now, and still going strong.

Read "Buy,Buy Baby" you will not want to buy any of it!

My soon-to-be 5 year old has a Leapster and he loves it! The games are educational and entertaining. I went through this decision making process at Christmas time so I know how hard it is. I don't have any experience with the other systems and I know they all have good reviews.

T.-

Both of my children ( 7 year old boy and 4 year old girl) have handheld leapsters and we love them ! We take them with us on long car trips to visit the family and it really keeps the kids entertained - I feel they have been very education for the children also - we have almost every game - thanks to wonderful, spoiling grandparents ! Hope this helps
R.