VTech SkillStarter Notebook User Manual

Dear Parent,

At

VTech®

we know that kids have a lot to juggle these days - busy school schedules,
sports, extracurricular activities, and of course, homework. That’s why we created
the

XL Series™

-- an innovative line of portable learning companions designed to

fit the always on-the-go lifestyle of your school-aged child.

XL Series™

The

is a powerful system of learning tools that helps give your child

the much-needed competitive edge in school through fun, age appropriate activities

- and helps them learn essential skills. Created with portability in mind,

XL Series

products have a sleek, compact design in both handheld and notebook formats
that allow kids to bring the learning fun anywhere, anytime. Plus, all the
products are easily connectable to a PC and the Internet. Using the

XL Series

vPort™

accessory , kids can wirelessly access reference tools or download new educational
activity sets for their

At

VTech®

we are committed to creating fun learning toys that foster a child’s

XL Series

intellectual and social development. We thank you for trusting

products.

VTech®

with the

important job of helping your child succeed in school!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at

To learn more about XL Series™ and other VTech® toys, visit www.vtechkids.com

VTech®

22

SkillStarter™ Notebook

Thank you for purchasing the

SkillStarter™ Notebook

is a powerful high-tech learning device with a compact

VTech

®

SkillStarter™ Notebook

learning toy . The

design for children aged 5-7 who are just beginning school, and enjoy playing and
learning no matter where they go!

SkillStarter™

products focus on teaching core reading and math skills, with

additional content related to practical skills such as telling time.
There are 31 learning activities that are presented in an engaging game-like

environment. The

SkillStarter™ Notebook

gives kids a competitive edge for

school success and builds confidence - while providing hours of rewarding fun!
Get connected to school success. Excel with the

We at

VTech®

are committed to providing the best possible products to entertain

XL Series™

!

and educate your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call
our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the US or 1-800-267­7377 in Canada.

23

Contents

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 1

GETTING STARTED ........................................................................... 2

CONNECTING THE MOUSE .......................................................... 2

CONNECTING THE PRINTER ....................................................... 2

POWER SOURCE........................................................................... 2

BATTERY INSTALLATION ............................................................. 2

DC ADAPTOR................................................................................. 3

BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION............................................. 3

AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF ................................................................ 4

MOUSE .................................................................................................. 4

USING THE MOUSE....................................................................... 4

CLEANING THE MOUSE ............................................................... 5

PLAYER GUIDE ................................................................................... 5

LCD SPECIAL ICONS .................................................................... 5

GENERAL BUTTONS..................................................................... 5

KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION .......................................................... 6

Function Keys .....................................................................................6

SYNC ...................................................................................................... 7

VTech® vPort™ ............................................................................... 8

ADD A NEW USER ACCOUNT IN DESKTOP SOFTWARE.......... 8

SYNCING YOUR SKILLST ARTER™ NOTEBOOK WITH YOUR

COMPUTER .................................................................................... 8

ADDING NEW ACTIVITIES INTO YOUR SKILLSTARTER™

NOTEBOOK.................................................................................... 9

IR .......................................................................................................... 10

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES ................................................... 10

STATUS KEY ................................................................................ 10

WORD FUN................................................................................... 11

Alphabet Alley ...................................................................................11

Synonyms..........................................................................................11

Word Search......................................................................................11

Vowel Out...........................................................................................11

Odd One Out...................................................................................... 11

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Type It! ............................................................................................... 11

MATH MANIA GAMES.................................................................. 12

Sort and Count ..................................................................................12

Addition .............................................................................................12

Subtraction ........................................................................................12

This or That .......................................................................................12

Time’s Up...........................................................................................12

Dizzy Days .........................................................................................12

Sign Seek...........................................................................................12

SCHOOL TOOLS.......................................................................... 13

Unit Converter ...................................................................................13

Calculator ..........................................................................................13

Dictionary ..........................................................................................13

MY FILE ........................................................................................ 13

Personal Profile ................................................................................13

Phone Book .......................................................................................14

GAME LAB ................................................................................... 14

Fish Frenzy ........................................................................................14

A-Mazing ............................................................................................14

Nutri-nuts...........................................................................................15

Juke Box ............................................................................................15

Fenced In ...........................................................................................15

Balloon Blast .....................................................................................15

Soccer ................................................................................................15

Sea Saw Cloud ..................................................................................15

Mice Maze ..........................................................................................16

3 In A Row ..........................................................................................16

CREATION STATION .................................................................... 16

Creation Station ................................................................................16

CREATIVE STUDIO ...................................................................... 17

Music Composer ...............................................................................17

Artwork Studio ..................................................................................17

IR ZONE ........................................................................................ 17

DATA DOWNLOAD....................................................................... 18

ACTIVITY SCORING AND LEVELS ............................................. 18

SKILLSTARTER™ NOTEBOOK ACTIVITIES ............................. 18

CODE DESCRIPTION................................................................... 19

CARE AND MAINTENANCE .......................................................... 20

25

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for buying the VTech® SkillStarter™ Notebook! We at VTech® are committed
to providing the best possible products to entertain and educate your child. Should you
have any questions or concerns, please call our Consumer Services Department at 1­800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.

Your SkillStarter™ Notebook is an electronic learning aid that challenges young minds
with 31 activities in categories as diverse as word, math and logic games. It also includes
school tools like a calculator and unit converter. As a member of the VTech® XL Series™
of products, it has the ability to communicate with compatible personal computers as well
as other XL Series™ products.

1

GETTING STARTED

Locate the 3 “AA” sized batteries on the back of your
SkillStarter™ Notebook. Remove the red tab so the
information you input will be saved.

CONNECTING THE MOUSE

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.

2. Locate the mouse jack on the right side of the unit.

3. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack.

CONNECTING THE PRINTER

1. Make sure both the SkillStarter™ Notebook and the VTech® VT-41 printer (sold
separately) are turned OFF.

2. Locate the printer port on the left side of the SkillStarter™ Notebook.

3. Connect the printer plug to the printer port.

4. Turn on SkillStarterr™ Notebook and the printer.

NOTE: Only the VTech® VT-41 printer is compatible with SkillStarter™ Notebook.

POWER SOURCE

SkillStarter™ Handheld operates on 3 “AA” size batteries (UM-3/LR6) or a VTech® 9V

adaptor (sold separately).

BATTERY INSTALLATION

1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

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

3. Insert 3 new "AA" batteries (UM-3/LR6) as illustrated.

4. Close the battery cover.

NOTE: Replace with new, alkaline batteries.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

Standard for battery toys

• 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; 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;

• Do not short circuit the supply terminals;

• Do not use more batteries than recommended;

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

2

DC ADAPTOR

Use a VTech® adaptor or any other standard adaptor that complies with EN61558 DC 9V

300mA center-positive adaptor.

Connection

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.

2. Locate the adaptor jack on the left side 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 ON.

NOTE: If the unit stops working or the sound seems weak, it may be the result of the

adaptor connection. Turn the unit OFF and unplug the adaptor for 15 seconds.
Next, plug the adaptor back in and turn the unit ON. If the problem persists, it
may be the result of the adaptor's wiring or something may be wrong with the
unit.

Standard for adaptor toys

• 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 plugged-in for extended periods of time.

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.

BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION

Your SkillStarter™ Notebook comes with a backup battery already installed. Before
using the unit, remove the protective strip from the backup battery by pulling out the
plastic tab. 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. Locate the backup battery cover on the bottom of the unit.

3. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw of the battery cover.

4. Insert 1 CR2032 battery as illustrated.

5. Close the battery cover and tighten the screw to secure the battery
cover.

3