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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program HOW ARE INNOTAB 2 AND INNOTAB 2S THE SAME?
If you're already familiar with InnoTab 2 you're basically looking at the same tablet. The design stays the same, with all of the keys in the same place. The only addition is the WiFi key, which tells you if the tablet is connected to the internet, and how strong your connection is (a four bar display).
Included Apps are the same.
VTech still decided not to include the rope for the stylus. In the manual they call it a "Wrist Strap Fastener" (Note: not included). But it's clearly not a wrist strap fastener, because the stylus has a rope loop hole in it, and the tablet has a hole in it right beside the stylus. The website even states it has a "stylus with hole for string." My husband thinks VTech doesn't want the liability of a child wrapping their neck in the rope, and put the responsibility on the parent to get the strap themselves; it certainly seems that way.
HOW ARE INNOTAB 2 AND INNOTAB 2S DIFFERENT?
Some people like to creatively take the tablets out of the box for setup before handing to a child as a gift. InnoTab 2 is a bit of a challenge; just use sharp scissors to break the tape and foldout the box carefully. InnoTab 2S, I am happy to report, is the easiest of them all! The tablet just slides out the top in a plastic covering; no tape, or attachments cut into the box. You simply pop the tablet out of the molded plastic, and there you have it! I feel like someone at VTech heard parent's frustration and decided to fix this... thank you!
The big difference with InnoTab 2S is the new wireless capability, but don't imagine browser capability. The WiFi is simply used for downloading apps from VTech's website. Your child can make wish lists with the Wish List app on their tablet; my son is only 3, so he's not using that feature . . . yet. Downloading apps is easy, but you don't purchase them off the tablet itself (that's good new, otherwise imagine all the apps your child might "accidently" buy). You purchase them off your computer, tablet, or phone (I haven't used that feature yet).
The look of InnoTab 2S is basically the same, but I enjoy the bold black inlay over the previous grey and pink choices. I think this way it looks more like quality hardware and less of a toy (that's just my preference, my son doesn't care). Oddly, this one is considered blue because of the color of the back, not the front, which is white. Even the rubber sides are grey, unlike the pink one which actually has more pink on it. I think the "blue" is less gender specific because the back looks more dark purple; something to think about for parents who need to share this tablet between genders.
Finger swiping on the InnoTab 2, my son was having problems with the tablet thinking he was selecting an app, which would cause it to load. With InnoTab 2S the opposite has occurred; now the tablet wants to swipe to the next page and not open the app. At 3, my son prefers using his finger, but the InnoTab 2S works best with a stylus and opens apps perfectly that way. This is a bit of a downer, but workable.
OVERALL REVIEW?
It pains me, because I really want to like the InnoTab 2S, but it has one big flaw that hasn't been fixed it's *still* s-l-o-w. InnoTab 2S takes 43 seconds to reach the app home screen. The InnoTab 2 took 37 seconds; we shouldn't be regressing here (I should mention, the LeapPad2 takes 21 seconds!). It takes InnoTab 2S a solid 8 seconds to open an app. I said it before, and I'll say it again, there's a lot of "loading" (read: waiting) going on with the InnoTab 2S, and it makes a difference to me.
Another thing I had a bit of an issue with is videos. The InnoTab 2S comes with the same memory as the InnoTab 2 (2GB). You can add an SD card to expand up to 32GB; that's a big plus, but I've never needed it with my son. This time I wanted to upload videos for him to watch. So I put a 16MB SD Card, that came with an old camera we purchased, into the tablet. Putting the SD Card in was easy. The slot is in the battery compartment; you'll need to remove the batteries. This is a nice touch, in a way, because my son can't get to it and loose it. But can I just say that getting the SD Card out is a pain!!!! Horrible design. My son can probably get it out easier than I can. My husband? No chance. It doesn't have the push-eject feature, so you have to extract it out with small fingers, or tweezers! VTech if you're reading this, please fix this.
Afterwards I plugged in the InnoTab using the USB cord to my PC, and pulled up an LLL file on the card. In that file you transfer your converted video, photos, music (supports JPEG formatted photos, and MJPEG/H.264 videos (avi)). Sadly, there wasn't much I could put on a 16 MB disk. BUT, it was really easy to transfer everything and find them on the tablet. The video was of decent quality with playback options. Unfortunately, I'm not willing (read: lack the time) to convert movies for use on the InnoTab when I already have them converted for the iPad. But, if this is a feature you like and want to use, you'll enjoy it! Also, as an MP3 player the sound quality is decent, not a lot of distortion.
So which do I recommend?
Either. The WiFi is a nice touch, but not necessary. And there are no big changes between the two, except the InnoTab 2S appears slower, and the color change.
In case you don't want to go looking for the reviews on the VTech InnoTab 2 Learning App Tablet White, which is the same, here are some things you might find helpful:
Screen size (2 ½" x 4 ½"), or 5" if you're measuring diagonally.
Require 4 AA batteries (not included).
Uses a stylus (comes with two).
Has a cartridge port for additional games and uses purchased apps.
3-9 year age requirement.
Swivel camera.
Can buy additional accessories like screen guard, cases, rechargeable batteries, ac adapters, and headphones.
Personalize for up to 4 players, plus 1 guest.
Has an eReader, MP3 Players, art studio, calculator, calendar, notes, clock, and most of your basic themed books and games.
Has a mic and volume control.
Parent tracker that allows parents to track their child's progress and success playing a game.
Rubber corners to help protect it from a fall.
Battery compartment is easily accessible, just slide a switch and it opens the compartment. This is where the SD Card slot is found.
2GB of memory, but can add an additional 32GB of memory with SD Card (not included). I've found 2GB is more than enough for our needs.
Can be played right away (just add batteries, not included). Need to spend less than 5 minutes setting up the tablet date, time, and personalization.
InnoTab has a tilt sensor like an iPad or iPhone and will tilt the screen if held horizontal or vertical.
Has buttons for brightening or dimming the screen, but don't expect much, there's only four bars and it doesn't make a lot of difference.
Has a "?" button that allows you to hear instructions again, or find out more information about an app (nice touch!). The InnoTab itself tends to repeat things all the time (it's a bit annoying). The tablet doesn't ever sit quietly when turned on and not touched, it constantly wants to talk to you; you'll need to turn the volume off.
Comes with manual.
Internal "kickstand" for standing the tablet up vertically or horizontal.
Plays converted videos. Quality isn't like an iPad or iPhone, but little kids won't mind.
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