Hold my big ball and see what pops up! (VTech Pop-Up Surprise Ball)

Member Name: The_Patriarch

Product:	VTech Pop-Up Surprise Ball
Date:	03/02/06 (187 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun and educational (for a while) . Good value

Disadvantages: Requires batteries; Noisy & Irritating

Actually, it's not my ball, it's my son's. And the thing that pops up is plastic! Intrigued?

Well, this is a first for me. As my son will be one year old this month, I thought I'd take a look at one of his newest toys, which was kindly given to him by his Nanny recently. Now vTech, the manufacturers, call this a Pop-up Surprise Ball - it's "a fun and friendly toy".

Probably the first surprise is that there's no real surprise at all! The so called "surprise" element comes from a section of the ball, which when depressed pops up a figurine supposed to resemble a puppy, but let's not get ahead of ourselves and start from the beginning.

This is from the range of interactive toys, from vTech, known as Smart Start. The manufacturers claim that this series of toys have been specially designed to bring out the best in children from birth by encouraging them to play, learn and discover. They say that their toys will combine hours of rewarding play with lots of talking, interaction, bright buttons, flashing lights and more. What this generally means is …. BATTERIES! Lots of them! Yes indeed. As all these toys have the aforementioned flashing lights, bright buttons etc, etc, it doesn't take too long for your two AA batteries to expire!

*** What is the Pop-up Surprise Ball? ***

This particular toy is vaguely spheroid. I say "vaguely" because it really has six sides plus a top and bottom, but we'll call it a ball. The ball is designed for babies aged 3 months and up. Three of the facets are narrow and covered in a cloth substance, whilst the other three facets are of hard yellow plastic, each one containing an animal button. The blue plastic bottom houses the battery compartment which requires a screwdriver, whilst the similarly coloured top contains the on/off switch as well as a yellow star shaped light, which when depressed will reveal the "surprise" pop up puppy figure.

*** How much does it cost? ***

Like I said, this was given to us, but as I wanted to know just how much Nanny had spent on our boy, I checked it out anyway. I found this available online from vTech themselves and Amazon at £8.99, plus delivery. I believe it's also available at most good toy shops (and some bad ones). I think Nanny got this from ELC.

*** What does it do? ***

Other than irritate the hell out of me, you mean?

When first turned on, and if the pop-up puppy is down, you hear the words "Peek-a-boo" followed by an irritating melody and then the words "Let's find the Blue Dog". Pressing the yellow star then reveals the "blue dog" and the words "Peek-a-boo. I see you". Once again an annoying melody is played and the light comes on. Each one of the animal buttons, when pressed, will play either a random melody accompanied by a flashing light or speak a phrase. In addition, rolling the ball causes a similar effect. The idea is to fascinate and amuse the child for hours on end. It doesn't work.

*** How many melodies can it play? ***

Unfortunately there are ten (yeah, you heard!), TEN of the blasted songs, which include such children's favourites as "Wheels on the Bus", "Row, row, row the boat", Three Blind Mice and many more! (Sounded like an advert for K-Tel, then)

*** Any other features? ***

Well it does have an automatic shut-off whereby the ball will power down after approximately 30 seconds without input. The ball will be turned on again by pressing any button. This is aimed at saving battery power, but quite frankly, if you don't want to hear the blasted thing you should turn it off and hide it in a cupboard.

The ball requires two AA batteries (regularly) and it is recommended that you don't use rechargeable ones.

*** So, other than being an expensive, battery eating toy, how does it help my baby? ***

Well the manufacturers claim that it's designed to develop your baby's mental and physical abilities. They state that the ball has the following developmental benefits.

Motor Skills - Pressing the pop up puppy helps baby develop manual dexterity
Sensory Stimulation - Bright colours and flashing light attract baby's attention, while the different textures invite tactile exploration
Language Development - Friendly English voice introduces fun new phrases
Discovery & Exploration - Puppy hides and then pops up again when baby presses the star. This helps teach about cause and effect

*** Further information ***

VTech have a website for more information at the following address:

http://www.vtechuk.com

Or they can be contacted at:

VTech Electronics Europe plc
c/o Tablogix Limited
200 Milton Park
Abingdon OXON OX14 4TA

Tel: 01235 546810

*** What we think ***

Well we've only had it for a week now, but I'm already fed up with it. To be honest, my son doesn't pay it much attention. He plays for a few seconds then moves onto something else…like chewing his feet. It's just everyone else that turns it on, hoping to grab his attention.

Like many electronic products these days, this is made in China. Quality wise, though, it's fine. Nothing has broken or fallen off and it seems quite sturdy. We've replaced the batteries once, but they weren't Duracell - just some cheap rubbish. We've had no cause, therefore, to have complaint as to its build quality or functionality. It does what says on the tin, so to speak and at £8.99 is good value.

Personally, I'm sure it has some good uses, but I'd rather kick this ball into touch! …Peek a Boo that!!

Thanks for reading. Cheers! Gra

Summary: Good value, but irritating toy that will eat batteries.