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OT About a Toy. Any Advice?

14 years ago

I'd seen children using this toy and wanted to get one for our DGS, who will be five in March. I find that, while I could still buy software for it, the 'hardware' part has been discontinued. I can still find some on Ebay, but I wonder WHY it was discontinued.

Does anyone know anything about the Disney V-Tech Create-A-Story?

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Comments (10)

mary_c_gw
14 years ago
If it's discontinued, leave it. People with the hardware will charge you a premium, and then the price for the software will go up.

If it were that good a toy, it would still be manufactured.
chisue
Original Author
14 years ago
good points, mary!
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dilly_dally
14 years ago
Two reasons that a good toy may be discontinued.....

They have saturated the target market and it is not cost efficient to keep manufacturing them. It's all about maximizing profits.

There is a 'new and improved' version out. You don't mention the name of the toy. There may be another version of the hardware that uses the same software.
chisue
Original Author
14 years ago
dilly -- It's the DISNEY V-TECH CREATE-A-STORY. It is a small hardcase electronic gizmo into which you insert a 'book' and a cartridge. The child has a pointing device and can make selections within the story, as it is 'read' to him. There are about ten 'books' -- most of the Disney movies like "Finding Nemo", "The World of Cars: Radiator Springs", etc. The hardware connects to the TV so the child can see the story take the form he selects.

I suppose they've come out with something superior -- or just 'new'! LOL I thought it was an inovative idea. The 'maniframe' retailed at about $50 and sets of two books are about $10.
dilly_dally
14 years ago
Is this it?

http://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-027800-Vtech-Create-A-Story-Reading/dp/B0015ZZZPE/ref=pd_sim_t_3

Here is a link that might be useful: This?
chisue
Original Author
14 years ago
dilly -- Yes, that's the toy. Thanks for linking the site. I had *found* that, but was wondering whether it was a good idea to buy it, not knowing WHY it had been discontinued. Maybe there's a newer, bigger, better (whatever!) version! LOL
dilly_dally
14 years ago
V-Tech has other interactive toys too.

http://www.vtechkids.com/product.cfm/V.Smile_Motion_Active_Learning_System_Pink/664/

The one you ask about is for kids up to age 3-5. Maybe get the one for older kids age 3-7 so he will not outgrow it so fast?

The one you mention has very good reviews. I would guess that they merely saturated the market and stopped making them. I don't see any reason not to buy one since the software is still sold.

Here is a link that might be useful: New?
chisue
Original Author
14 years ago
dilly -- Thank you! You've really gone above and beyond on this! I've emailed DIL to ask her BIL about this. He designs games for Disney. Don't know why I didn't think to ask him earlier; he'll know what's good, and what's in the pipeline.!
dilly_dally
14 years ago
Yesterday I did a little search for clones of the Disney model that is discontinued and found many. I had a tidy little post all typed up with links for similar TV interactive toys in that price range and then *poof* the electricity here went out in the storm........only momentarily but I lost my whole post with all the links I found. I was so mad. I just said "I'm not going to look for it all again."

Anyway, there are similar devices not made by VTech. The Leap Frog Click Start is a toy for ages 3-8 that can hook up to a TV. The software is abundant.

http://www.leapfrog.com/en/families/clickstart/learning_systems/cs_clickstart.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Leap Frog
chisue
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, dilly. Our TV reception went wacko off and on yesterday too. The dish wasn't coated but there was so much snow in the air, blowing around, that I think it couldn't find the signal.

I'd looked at the Leap Frog, but decided our GS would pronounce it too 'babyish'. He's four, going on 17. LOL

I've decided not to worry over this until I hear back from the Disney employee/shirt-tail relative.

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