V-tech Thomas & Friends Learn & Explore Laptop User manual

Dear Parent,
At VTech®we know that a child’s imagination is a truly wonderful
thing and needs to be developed and nurtured. That’s why we created
the Thomas & Friends™learning series of interactive learning
toys to stimulate children’s imaginations, while also teaching vital
preschool concepts such as the letters, numbers, phonics, counting,
vocabulary and music.
Through the use of unique technology and engaging child-directed
role-play scenarios, Thomas & Friends characters magically come
to life to guide children through learning activities. These engaging
characters foster children’s critical reasoning skills, enhance their
ne motor skills and engage them in exciting role-play activities for
endless hours of learning fun.
At VTech®we know that a child has the ability to do great things.
That’s why all of our electronic learning products are uniquely designed
to develop a child’s mind and allow them to learn to the best of their
ability. We thank you for trusting VTech®with the important job of
helping your child learn and grow!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at VTech®
Other VTech®toys, visit www.vtech.com.
To learn more about Thomas & Friends visit
www.thomasandfriends.com
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VTech®Thomas & Friends: Learn &
Explore Laptop.
The VTech®Thomas & Friends: Learn & Explore Laptop is a funis a fun
laptop that introduces age-appropriate curriculum through 30 engaging
activities. Learn & Explore Laptop encourages pre-schoolers as they
learn letters, numbers, music, mouse training and much more! With
cheerful music and fun games, your child will develop early computer
skills while having lots of fun!
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
• One VTech®Thomas & Friends: Learn & Explore Laptop
• One instruction manual
Surprise
Time Button
LCD Screen
On/Off
Button
Volume
Button
Non-
detachable
Mouse
Letter &
Number
Buttons
Introduction
2
Mouse
Button
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WARNING:
All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties and tags are
not part of this toy, and should be discarded for your child’s safety.
GETTING STARTED
BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery cover on the
bottom of the unit. Open the battery
cover.
3. Install 3 new “AA” (UM-3/LR6)
batteries following the diagram inside
the battery box. (The use of new
alkaline batteries is recommended
for maximum performance.)
4. Replace the battery cover.
BATTERY NOTICE
• Non-rechargeable batteries are not to be recharged.
• Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before being
charged (if removable).
• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult
supervision (if removable).
• Different types of batteries or new and used batteries are not to be
mixed.
• Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommended are
to be used.
Getting Started
3
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• Batteries are to be inserted with the correct polarity.
• Exhausted batteries are to be removed from the toy.
• The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.
• The toy is not to be connected to more than recommended number
of power supplies.
 
NOTE:
If the unit suddenly stops working or the sound becomes weak, turn the
unit off for 15 seconds, then turn it back on. If the problem persists it
may be caused by weak batteries. Please install a new set of batteries
and try the unit again.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.
PRODUCT FEATURES
1. ON/OFF BUTTON
Press the button to turn the unit on. Press it again to turn the
unit off.
2. LETTER BUTTONS
Press the 26 LETTER BUTTONS to input letters in letter-related
activities.
4
Product Features
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3. NUMBER BUTTONS
Press the ten NUMBER BUTTONS to input numbers in number-related
activities. These buttons are also used in the music activities.
4. ACTIVITIES BUTTON
Press the button to go to the main menu to select an activity.
It is also possible to select activities directly with the number buttons.
Press the number button from the main menu to activate this
function.
5. REPEAT BUTTON
Press the button to repeat the current question or instruction.
6. ANSWER BUTTON
Press the button to get the correct answer in most activities.
7. VOLUME BUTTON
Press the button then push the mouse left or right to adjust the
volume.
Press the buttonbutton then move the mouse down, then left or right to
adjust the background music on or off.
8. SURPRISE TIME BUTTON
Press the button for a new challenge. You will be randomly
given each of the previous activities one by one to play.
Product Features
5
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9. MOUSE
• Move the mouse left, right, forwards and backwards toMove the mouse left, right, forwards and backwards to
select an answer in related activities.
      an answer in related activities.
• Move the mouse to the four corners of the screen to see some funMove the mouse to the four corners of the screen to see some fun
animations.
10.AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF
To preserve battery life, the VTech®Thomas & Friends: Learn &
Explore Laptop will automatically turn off after several minutes without
input. The unit can be turned on again by pressing the
button.
ACTIVITIES
LET’S LEARN LETTERSLETTERS
1Small Letters
Bertie needs help learning small letters. A small letter appears on the
screen. Type the correct letter on the keyboard to hear the letter and

2Capital Letters
Bertie needs help learning capital letters. A capital letter appears on
the screen. Type the correct letter on the keyboard to hear the letter

3 Beginning SoundsBeginning Sounds
Let’s learn beginning letter sounds with Mavis! Press a letter button to
   
4Hidden Letter
Harold has a fun game for you! He’ll show you a picture with a hidden letter
in it. Find the letter and press the matching letter on the keyboard.
Activities
6
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5Odd One Out
Percy wants you to watch the sheds closely. Four letters will appear in
the sheds. Find the letter that is in a different letter case and type the
letter on the keyboard or select it by moving the mouse and pressing

6Case Match
Rusty will show you a letter. Then you have to match that letter to its
small or capital letter below. You can type this letter on the keyboard
or choose the correct letter by moving the mouse and pressing the

7Letter Order
Thomas wants us to learn the alphabet. Find the letter that goes in the
middle of the two letters shown and press the letter on the keyboard.
8Beginning Letter

begins the word and press the letter button.
9Missing Letter

the word and press the letter button.
10 Typing Fun
Let’s keep James moving along by typing out all the letters as quickly
as you can.
LET’S LEARN NUMBERS
11 Identify the Number
Bertie needs help learning numbers. A number appears on the screen.

Activities
7
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12 Number Search
Harvey has some work to do. Three numbered boxes will be shown and

from the group by typing it on the keyboard or select it by moving the

13 Number Order
Thomas wants us to learn number order. Find the number that goes
in the middle of the two numbers shown and press the number on theof the two numbers shown and press the number on the
keyboard.
14 Kick One OutKick One Out
Percy is looking for the odd one out. Look at the four numbers in the
sheds. Find the number that is not in order and type it on the keyboard
or select it by moving the mouse and pressing the mouse button to

15 Counting Sounds
Emily loves to make sounds! Listen closely and count the number of
sounds she makes. Type the number on the keyboard or select it from
the options by moving the mouse and pressing the mouse button to

16 Counting Challenge
Let’s count the number of passengers boarding Bertie. Count them
one by one, then press the number on the keyboard.
17 Which is More?
Some objects are being loaded onto Annie and Clarabel. Look closely
and see who has more objects on board, Annie or Clarabel. Choose
who has more by moving the mouse and pressing the mouse button

Activities
8
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18 Which is Less?
Some objects are being loaded onto Annie and Clarabel. Look closely
and see who has less objects on board, Annie or Clarabel. Choose
who has less by moving the mouse and pressing the mouse button

19 Find the Number
Gordon has a fun game to play! A number will be shown on a box, then

box with the correct number in it by moving the mouse and pressing

20 Bigger or Smaller?
Let’s learn bigger and smaller numbers with Thomas. Three numbers
will appear and you’ll be asked which number is bigger or smaller than
a given number. You can type the answer on the keyboard or select it

LET’S LEARN GAMES
21 Mouse Training


22 Left / Right PathLeft / Right Path
Let’s learn left and right with Percy. Listen for the direction, then use
the mouse to guide Percy left or right onto the correct track.
23 Shape Sort
Four shapes will appear on the screen. One of them is different than
the others. Use the mouse to select the one that doesn’t belong and

Activities
9
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24 Find the Match



25 Who’s the Biggest?
Edward has some different objects to show you. Find the one that is the

26 Shadow Search
An object appears on the screen, then some shadows appear one by
one. Find the object’s shadow by using the mouse and pressing the

27 Flight Adventure
Harold is off on an adventure. Help him to navigate his way by using
the mouse. Be careful that he doesn’t bump into anything!
LET’S LEARN MUSIC
28 Music ComposerMusic Composer
It’s time for music fun with Emily! Type the note keys (1-10) to make
your own song. Once you’ve made your song, wait a moment and hear
it played back for you!
29 Music Box
Let’s go on a musical journey. Use the mouse to scroll up or down
through the music list, or input a number directly from the keyboard.
Change the song at any time by selecting a new number.
30 Surprise Time
Are you ready for a little challenge? One of the Thomas & Friends
games will be randomly selected for you to play. You never know what
will come next!
You can also press the Surprise Time Button for direct access to this
activity.
Activities
10
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CARE & MAINTENANCE
1. Keep the unit clean by wiping it with a slightly damp cloth.
2. Keep the unit out of direct sunlight and away from any direct heat
source.
3. Remove the batteries when the unit is not in use for an extended
period of time.
4. Do not drop the unit onto a hard surface and do not expose the unit
to moisture or water.
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. If your VTech®Thomas & Friends: Learn & Explore Laptop stops
working or does not turn on:
• Check your batteries. Make sure the batteries are fresh and properly
installed.
• If you are still having problems, visit our website at www.vtechkids.
com for troubleshooting tips.
2. If, when pressing the On/Off button, nothing happens:
• Check to see that the batteries are aligned correctly
3. If you can’t hear any sound:
• Adjust the volume switch to adjust the sound level of the speaker.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you have a problem that cannot be solved by using this manual, we
encourage you to visit us online or contact our Consumer Services
Department with any problems and/or suggestions that you might have.
A support representative will be happy to assist you.
Before requesting support, please be ready to provide or include the
information below:
• The name of your product or model number (the model number is
typically located on the back or bottom of your product).
Care & Maintenance /Troubleshooting
11
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• The actual error message or problem you are experiencing.
• The actions you took right before the error message or problem
occurred.
Internet: www.vtechkids.com
Phone: [phone] in the U.S. or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada
OTHER INFO
VTech®Electronics North America, L.L.C. and its suppliers assume
no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this
handbook. VTech®Electronics North America, L.L.C. and its suppliers
assume no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties that
may arise through the use of this software. VTech®Electronics North
America, L.L.C. and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any
damage or loss caused by deletion of data as a result of malfunction,
dead battery, or repairs. Be sure to make backup copies of important
data on other media to protect against data loss.
COMPANY : VTech®Electronics North America, L.L.C.
ADDRESS : 1155 W. Dundee Road, Suite 130, Arlington Heights, IL
60004, USA
TEL NO.: [phone]
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Other Info
12
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• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution:        
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Creating and developing VTech®Thomas & Friends: Learn &
Explore Laptop products is accompanied by a responsibility
that we at VTech®take very seriously. We make every effort to
ensure the accuracy of the information which forms the value
of our products. However, errors sometimes can occur. It is
important for you to know that we stand behind our products
and encourage you to call our Consumer Services Department
at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada with
any problems and/or suggestions that you might have. A service
representative will be happy to help you.
©2006 VTech
Printed in China
91-02200-000
Important Note
13
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