VTech Color Blast Notebook User Manual

91-02214-001

Dear Parent,

At VTech® we know that in order to effectively reach kids, today’s
learning tools have to be plugged into the fast-paced world around
them. That’s why we created the Grade School Learning Series – an
engaging set of stylized, interactive computers specially designed to get
grade-school kids up to speed with their fast-paced, tech-savvy world.

Every product in the Grade School Learning Series covers a wide
range of school basics – math, language, geography, science, and even
an introduction to basic Spanish. Activities are presented in a fast-paced,
arcade-game style that kids will recognize and enjoy. Each learning
machine is loaded with hi-tech features such as color LCD screens,

word processors, bonus cartridges and a real plug-in mouse—tools that

go hand-in-hand with the way kids learn, play and use information. And
of course, each laptop is designed to travel easily along with a busy
grade-schooler.

With the Grade School Learning Series, kids can access a way to learn
that closely matches the way they already live and play. We thank you
for trusting VTech® with the important job of helping your child learn
and succeed.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at VTech

®

To learn more about the Grade School Learning Series and other

VTech® toys, visit www.vtechkids.com

COLOR BLAST NOTEBOOKTM USER’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2 INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE

SECTION 2 SET-UP

CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED

CHAPTER 2 PRODUCT FEATURES

SECTION 3 ACTIVITIES

CHAPTER 1 MAIN UNIT

CHAPTER 2 CARTRIDGE 1: SPANISH LANGUAGE

CHAPTER 3 CARTRIDGE 2: SCIENCE & NATURE

CHAPTER 4 CARTRIDGE 3: DISCOVER THE WORLD

CHAPTER 5 CARTRIDGE 4: MATH EXPLORER

SECTION 4 CARE AND MAINTENANCE

CHAPTER 1 CARE AND MAINTENANCE

CHAPTER 2 TROUBLESHOOTING

CHAPTER 3 TECHNICAL SUPPORT

CHAPTER 4 OTHER INFORMATION

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the VTech® Color Blast Notebook™.

Your Color Blast Notebook™ is an electronic learning aid that challenges young minds
with 50 activities in different categories as diverse as English, Spanish, math, science,
geography and more.

Color LCD
Screen

Volume Control
Switch (Low/High)

Sound On/Off
Switch

INTRODUCTION

Contrast Control

Built-in
Speaker

QWERTY
Keyboard

8-Directional
Cursor Button

10 Category
Selection Hot Keys

Main Unit
On/Off Button

Cartridge Slot

Real Mouse & Mouse Pad

4 Bonus Activity Cartridges

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INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE

- Color Blast Notebook™ product

- 4 “AA” sized batteries (For demo purposes only. Not long life batteries.)

- CR2032 backup battery

- Real mouse

- Mouse pad

- 4 bonus activity cartridges: Spanish Language, Science & Nature, Discover the
World, Math Explorer

- User’s Manual

WARNING: All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties and tabs are not

part of this toy and should be discarded for your child’s safety.

SET-UP

GETTING STARTED

Before playing for the first time, please insert 4 new “AA” sized alkaline batteries. (The “AA”
sized batteries included in the unit are for demo purposes only and are not long life batteries.)
Or use a 9V AC (300mA center positive) power supply adaptor (sold separately).

If you are using a power supply adaptor, please remember to empty the battery slot
first. Before playing, please make sure the plastic strip is removed from the bottom
of the unit.

CONNECTING THE MOUSE

Use the mouse only on the supplied mouse pad so that the roller ball is not damaged
and the cursor moves freely across the screen. Only use a mouse that is compatible with

VTech® products.

1. Make sure the unit is

2. Locate the mouse jack on the back of the unit.

3. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack.

OFF.

SET-UP / INTRODUCTION

USING THE MOUSE

1. Move the mouse in the direction you want the cursor to move.

2. Click the mouse button to make a selection.

CLEANING THE MOUSE

1. Following the arrows, use a screwdriver to open the cover on the
bottom of the mouse.

2. Take the ball out of the mouse and use a dry cloth to clean the
mouse and the ball.

3. Place the ball back in the mouse, replace the mouse cover and
screw the cover closed.

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BATTERY INSTALLATION

NOTE: For best performance, replace with new, alkaline batteries.

Color Blast Notebook™ operates on 4 “AA” sized batteries or a VTech® 9V adaptor (sold

separately).

1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

2. Locate the battery cover on the bottom of the unit and open it.

3. Insert 4 “AA” sized batteries as illustrated.

4. Close the battery cover.

NOTE: For best performance, replace with new, alkaline batteries.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

Important: When replacing the 4 “AA” sized batteries, make sure the backup battery is

in the unit. Otherwise you will lose any information stored on the unit.

SET-UP

BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION

Your Color Blast Notebook™ comes with a backup battery already installed. To avoid
damage to the unit from leaky batteries, replace the backup battery at least once a year.

TO REPLACE THE BACKUP BATTERY

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.

2. Using a small screwdriver, loosen the battery
cover.

3. Insert 1

4. Close the battery cover and tighten the screws to secure it.

Important: While replacing the backup battery, the 4 “AA” sized batteries must be kept in

CR2032 sized battery as illustrated.

the unit. Otherwise, you will lose any saved information stored on the unit.

BATTERY NOTICE

- The use of new alkaline batteries is recommended for maximum performance;

- Do not try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries;

- Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before being charged;

- Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision;

- Do not mix different types of batteries: alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable

(nickel-cadmium);

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- Do not mix new and used batteries;

- Only use batteries of the recommended or equivalent type;

- Always insert batteries properly matching the plus (+) and minus (-) signs;

- Batteries that have run out of energy must be removed from the toy;

- Batteries are to be inserted with correct polarity;

- Do not short circuit the supply terminals;

- Do not use more batteries than recommended;

- Remove batteries from the toy if it will not be used for an extended period of time.

Notice :

screen

the batteries soon.

When Color Blast NotebookTM is on, you may see this icon appear on the

. This indicates that battery power is low, and you should replace

AC-DC ADAPTOR

Use a VTech® adaptor or any other standard adaptor that complies with EN61558 DC
9V 300mA center-positive adaptor.

CONNECTING THE ADAPTOR

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.

2. Locate the adaptor jack on the back of the unit.

3. Insert the adaptor plug into the unit’s adaptor jack.

4. Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.

5. Turn the unit

NOTE: When the toy is not going to be in use for an extended period of time, unplug the
adaptor.

ON.

ADAPTOR NOTICE

- The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old;

- Only use the recommended adaptor with the toy;

- The adaptor is not a toy;

- Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid;

- Never use more than 1 adaptor;

- Do not leave toy or adaptor plugged in for extended periods of time.

SET-UP

NOTICE TO PARENTS

Regularly examine the adaptor, checking for damage to the cord, plug, transformer or other
parts. Do not use the adaptor if there is any damage to it.

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INSERTING A CARTRIDGE

- Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

- Insert the cartridge into the cartridge slot on the right side of
the unit. The cartridge should lock into place. Please use care
when removing the cartridge from the slot.

- Turn

Color Blast Notebook™ ON by pressing the On/Off

button.

PRODUCT FEATURES

In the Color Blast Notebook™ you can choose from different categories of play and
learning:

- Language Lab

- Spanish Language

- Science & Nature

- Discover the World

- Math Explorer

- Game Zone

- Did You Know?

- Word A Day

Press the Player button on the keyboard to switch between one-player and two-player
modes. The activities that can be played with two players are:

Cartridge 2: Science & Nature

1) Science Quiz

2) Animal Quiz

3) Human Body Quiz

PRODUCT FEATURES / SET-UP

4) Who Invented What?

Cartridge 3: Discover the World

5) World Wonders Quiz

6) Space & Planet Quiz

7) Earth Challenge

8) Ocean Quiz

Cartridge 4: Math Explorer

9) Geometry

TURNING THE UNIT ON AND OFF

Pressing the On/Off button will turn the unit ON. Pressing the On/Off button again will turn
the unit OFF.

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