"These days, even preschoolers want cool digital devices," the Fisher Price website says. Parents of preschoolers already knew that, but of course the company's point is that it happens to have a product aimed at this market (ages three through seven, to be more precise).
The iXL is a compact device that is a story teller, game platform, photo viewer, art creator, music player, and notepad rolled into one.
Count up those features, and it explains why Fisher Price dubs this a "6-in-1 learning system." No camera built in, by the way. And as with other devices you'll pay extra to add content. (It comes with a story, a game, and a music sample pre-loaded.)
The iXL folds like a book when not in use. Like several of the other devices, it comes with a stylus used for activities like writing and art.
"While some tots may complain about the not-very-finger-friendly display or the rather chunky and heavy design, Fisher gets that it's all about the software," said an Engadget review in 2010.
Consumer Reports' testing found the iXL led the pack in battery life, but that's partly because it has a very small screen (3.3 inches). Another thing that can hold down on new-battery costs: Fisher Price offers a battery recharging station as an add-on.
