A Good Buy (Fisher Price Easy Link Launchpad)

A few weeks ago, we were shopping at a thrift store we bought a Fisher Price Easy Link Launch Pad for about $3. The box was a little worn, but it was new. I didn't really know how it worked but it showed promise.

It sat next to the computer for a week or so until I finally gave in to the prodding of my kids. The whole time I was thinking that it was one of those games that just plugged into the TV. When I finally opened the box, I found it was something different. That is what I get for not really looking at the box.

It is called Easy Link Launch Pad by Fisher Price and to me is really cool. Although it is no longer made, it can be found new and used for purchase on the Internet. We were just lucky to find one at the thrift store.

Software is installed from the provided CD. It is a child-safe browser that allows the parent to put a time limit on the child's activities and can block printing. Once installation is complete, the launchpad is attached to your computer through a USB port. The launchpad is a plastic holder for the provided "keys" , a dog, dragon (for Dragon Tails) and Elmo (for Sesame Street). a "key" is inserted into the receptacle in the center. A red light comes on and reads the key then the browser opens to the associated website. Th sites have all kinds of kid friendly content including color pages, reading, videos and educational material.

The child will be unable to go to any other site other than the ones accessed by the key. Another feature (one I really like) is the timer which allows you to set a time limit to their activities. I usually set it for thirty minutes. When the time is up, an alarm rings and the child is locked out from further activities until a password is entered.

It is a really cool set-up that will allow your child access to web content and you won't have to worry about them messing something up or accessing content unsuitable for young children. Best of all it is fun for them.

Although it came with three starter keys (Elmo, Dragon Tails, and a dog) you will want to get more. We purchased a new pack that contained two keys (Arthur and Clifford) off of eBay for $10. I also saw Winnie the Pooh, Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse, and Bob the Builder just to name a few.

I would recommend the Easy Link Launchpad by Fisher Price for anyone who would like to get their child started using the computer. It is safe for both the child and computer and parents won't have to worry about their child's online activities.