V-tech MindBooster Handheld User manual

User's Manual
© 2002 VTECH
Printed in China
91-01530-004
MindBooster™Handheld

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.
The XL Series™ is a powerful system of learning tools that
helps giving your child the much-needed competitive edge
in school through fun, age appropriate activities - and helps
them learning essential skills. Created with portability in
mind, XL 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 XL Series™
products are easily connectable to a PC and the Internet.
Using the vPort accessory, kids can wirelessly access
reference tools or download new educational activity sets
for their XL Series™ products.
At VTech
®
, we are committed to create fun learning toys
that foster a child’s intellectual and social development. We
thank you for trusting VTech
®
with the important job of
helping your child succeed in school!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at VTech
®
To learn more about XL Series™ and other VTech
®
toys,
visit www.vtechkids.com

MindBooster™ Handheld
Thank you for purchasing the VTech
®
MindBooster™
Handheld learning toy. The MindBooster™ Handheld is
a fun-filled learning companion for on-the-go children age
7-9 that boosts logic and critical thinking skills. At this age,
kids are beginning to receive homework assignments, and
are starting to apply basic skills to word problems, logic,
and more abstract thinking. With nearly 40 activities, the
MindBooster™ Handheld will teach kids how to apply core
skills by breaking down word problems and offering tips with
homework-helper software. This school companion gives
kids a competitive edge for school success by promoting
creative thinking and independent learning - while providing
hours of fun!
Get connected to school success. Excel with the XL Series™!
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 800-521-2010 in the US, 1-800-
267-7377 in Canada.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................. 1
CHAPTER 2. GETTING STARTED ........................................................... 1
POWER SOURCE .................................................................................................................. 2
BATTERY INSTALLATION .................................................................................................... 2
STANDARD FOR BATTERIE TOYS ................................................................................... 2
AC ADAPTOR .......................................................................................................................... 3
CONNECTING A PRINTER ................................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 3. YOUR MINDBOOSTER™ HANDHELD .......................... 4
DETACHING THE HANDHELD FROM THE DOCKING STATION ............................ 4
ATTACHING THE HANDHELD TO THE DOCKING STATION ................................... 4
THE DESCRIPTION OF ALL THE PARTS OF HANDHELD ....................................... 5
THE DESCRIPTION OF ALL THE PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD .............................. 6
CHAPTER 4. SYNC....................................................................................... 7
VTech®vPort™ ....................................................................................................................... 8
ADD A NEW USER ACCOUNT IN DESKTOP SOFTWARE ....................................... 8
SYNCING YOUR MINDBOOSTER™ HANDHELD WITH YOUR COMPUTER ..... 9
ADDING NEW ACTIVITIES INTO YOUR MINDBOOSTER™ HANDHELD ............. 9
DELETING ACTIVITIES FROM YOUR MINDBOOSTER™ HANDHELD ............... 10
UPLOADING FILES FROM YOUR MINDBOOSTER™ HANDHELD
TO YOUR COMPUTER ......................................................................................................10

CHAPTER 5. IR ............................................................................................ 11
EFFECTIVE WORKING POSITION FOR IR COMMUNICATION ............................ 11
CHAPTER 6. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES ................................... 12
TWO PLAYING MODES: .................................................................................................... 12
ON-SCREEN KEYBOARD .................................................................................................12
SELECTING ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................... 12
TRAINING AREA ..................................................................................................................13
WORD GAMES ..................................................................................................................... 13
MATH GAMES ......................................................................................................................14
MIND EXPLORER ................................................................................................................ 14
FUN LAND .............................................................................................................................15
MY WORLD AREA ...............................................................................................................18
SYSTEM OPTIONS AREA ................................................................................................. 21
ACTIVITY SAVING TABLE ..................................................................................................22
SCORING SYSTEM .............................................................................................................22
SHORTCUT LIST .................................................................................................................22
CHAPTER 7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ........................................... 23
TROUBLE SHOOTING ....................................................................................................... 23
DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ........................................................... 23
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................... 24
FCC NOTICE ............................................................................................... 24

1
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Boost your mind with the MindBooster™ Handheld interactive learning product! This
manual gives you all the information you need. By referring to it, you can get info on:
• Starting your MindBooster™Handheld
• Identifying all the parts of your MindBooster™Handheld
•MindBooster™Handheld’s activities
• Personalising your MindBooster™Handheld with your own preference settings
After you become familiar with all the basics of your MindBooster™Handheld, use
this manual for info on special operations, maintenance and trouble shooting tips.
CHAPTER 2. GETTING STARTED
Please remove the protective strip from the backup battery cover by pulling on the
plastic tab to avoid the saved information lost. The backup battery cover located
on the back of MindBooster™ Handheld.
POWER SOURCE
MindBooster™Handheld operates on 3 “AAA” size batteries (UM-4/LR03) (sold
separately) or a VTech®9V adaptor (also sold separately).
On/Off button
Reset button
LCD Screen
Sync button
IR button
Keyboard
IR ball
Stylus pen
Release
lock key
Enter key
Handheld
Docking
Station

2
BATTERY INSTALLATION
BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Make sure the MindBooster™Handheld is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery cover on the bottom of the
MindBooster™Handheld and use a screwdriver to
unscrew the cover.
3. Insert 3 “AAA” size batteries as illustrated. DO NOT
RECOMMEND TO USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
in this unit.
4. Close the battery cover.
NOTE: Remove all factory-installed batteries and use
new, alkaline batteries for best performance.
IMPORTANT!
When replacing the 3 “AAA” size batteries, make sure the backup battery is in place.
Otherwise, you will lose all the information stored in the following applications: Class
Schedule, Test Trainer, Address Book, Daily Journal, To Do List, Personal Profile, Creation
Station, Music Composer, Artwork Studio, Preferences and all downloaded activities.
BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION
Your MindBooster™Handheld comes installed with a backup battery. To avoid
damage to the MindBooster™Handheld from leaky batteries, replace the backup
battery at least once a year. To replace the back-up batteries:
1. Make sure your MindBooster™Handheld is turned OFF.
2. Locate the backup battery cover on the bottom of your MindBooster™Handheld.
3. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the cover and take out old batteries.
4. Insert 1 CR-2032 battery as illustrated. Following the plus (+) and minus (–) signs.
5. Replace the battery cover and screw it back on.
NOTE: While replacing the backup battery, the 3 "AAA" size batteries must be kept
in the unit. Otherwise, you will lose all the information stored in the following
applications: Class Schedule, Test Trainer, Address Book, Daily Journal, To
Do List, Personal Profile, Creation Station, Music Composer, Artwork Studio,
Preferences and all downloaded activities.
STANDARD FOR BATTERY TOYS
• Install batteries correctly observing the polarity (+, –) signs to avoid leakage.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not use batteries of different types.

3
• Remove batteries from equipment when the unit will not be in use for a long time.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
• Do not attempt to recharge ordinary batteries.
• The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.
• Only batteries of the same and equivalent type as recommended are to be used.
AC ADAPTOR
Use the VTech®adaptor or any standard adaptor complying with EN61558 DC
9V 300mA AC center-positive adaptor.
CONNECTING THE ADAPTOR
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the adaptor jack on the back of the Docking Station.
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: When toy is not in use for long periods of time, unplug the adaptor.
STANDARD FOR ADAPTORS
• The adaptor 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 PARENT
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.
CONNECTING A PRINTER
• Make sure both your unit and the printer are off.
• Only the VTech®VT-41 is compatible with your unit.
• Locate the printer port on the back of the unit and plug the printer cable into it .
• Turn the unit on, then turn the printer on.

4
AUTO SHUT-OFF
To save power, the MindBooster™ Handheld automatically shuts down if it
doesn’t receive input after several minutes. Press the On/Off key to wake your
unit. We recommend that you turn off the unit when finished playing. Remove
the batteries and unplug the adaptor if MindBooster™ will not be used for an
extended period of time.
CHAPTER 3. YOUR MINDBOOSTER™ HANDHELD
DETACHING THE HANDHELD FROM THE DOCKING STATION
Detach the handheld from the Docking Station by pressing the Release Lock key
as shown below:
NOTE: It is recommended that the unit be turned off before detaching.
ATTACHING THE HANDHELD TO THE DOCKING STATION
Attach the handheld to the Docking Station as shown below:
NOTE: It is recommended that the unit be turned off before detaching.

5
THE DESCRIPTION OF ALL THE PARTS OF HANDHELD
Press and hold this button for about 1 second to turn the handheld ON.
Press this button again to turn the handheld OFF.
Press this button to reset your unit.
Synchronise the data between MindBooster™Handheld and your
desktop computer. For details, please refer to Chapter 4.
Press this button to send or receive messages and files to another unit.
For details, please refer to Chapter 5.
Press this button to change the sound level of the speaker. After pressing
Volume, a control panel will appear on the screen. Use the stylus pen
to select the level.
Press the Contrast button to change the darkness/lightness of the screen.
After pressing Contrast, a control panel will appear. Use the stylus pen
to select the desired level.
Tap this icon to display the main menu.
Has 2 different functions:
1) Tap this icon to see the correct answers in the following games:
Word Games, Math Games, Mind Explorer and Test Trainer activity.
2) For some activities, tap this icon to open/close the Toolbar to see
available functions such as: New, Open, Save, Delete, Edit, or Print.
NOTE: Depending on the application, only relevant functions will
appear when the Action Icon is pressed.
Tap this icon to get a hint as to how to answer a question. But remember,
each time you press it you lose a chance for answering. It can be used
1 or 2 times per question (depending on the activity).
Tap this icon to get some background information or help about this activity.
Tap this icon to exit the current screen and go back to the previous screen.
Tap this icon to confirm a selection or an answer.
Main Menu
Action
Answer
Hint
Help
Exit
Enter