User manual VTECH NITRO NOTEBOOK

INTRODUCTION Thank you for buying the VTech® Nitro NotebookTM. The VTech® Nitro NotebookTM is an awesome way to get busy with a whole world of learning fun! Get versed in all the basics - letters, phonics, vocabulary, math, science, social studies and more! Plus, learn to speak Spanish like a pro with fun, interactive language games. And don't forget your artistic side - fun music and art activities are just waiting for your creative input. You'll even get a whole set of cool utilities, perfect for the kid on the go! LCD screen Bonus cartridges Volume switch Contrast switch Category buttons Reset hole Demo button Cursor pad Built-in speaker Keyboard Cursor pad "enter" button Cursor pad "enter" button Progress Report button On/Off button Real mouse Mouse pad With additional cartridges, cool graphics, fun sounds, groovy melodies, and a hightech keyboard and mouse, you'll be ready to take the learning world by storm! INSTRUCTIONS & ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE · · · · · Nitro NotebookTM User's manual Real mouse Mouse pad Bonus cartridges: Story Time and Sing-Along 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. 1 65000 manual-back up 1 5/24/05, 13:20 INTRODUCTION GETTING STARTED POWER SOURCE The Nitro NotebookTM 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. RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. 4. Close the battery cover. alkaline batteries. Important: When replacing the 3 "AA" size batteries, make sure the backup batteries are in the unit. Otherwise you will lose any information stored in the unit. BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION Your Nitro NotebookTM 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 cross-head screwdriver, loosen the battery cover. 3. Insert 1 CR2032 size battery as illustrated. 4. Close the battery cover and tighten the screws to secure it. 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; Do not mix alkaline, standard(carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries; 65000 manual-back up 2 5/24/05, 13:20 GETTING STARTED 2 NOTE: For best performance, remove all factory-installed batteries and use new, · Remove batteries from the toy if it will not be used for an extended period of time. IMPORTANT: While replacing the backup battery, the 3 "AA" size batteries must be kept in the unit. Otherwise, you will lose any saved information. DC ADAPTOR Use a VTech® adaptor or any other standard adaptor that complies with EN61558 AC-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 ON. NOTE: When the toy is not going to be in use for an extended period of time, unplug the adaptor. STANDARD FOR TOYS WITH ADAPTOR · · · · · · The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old; Use only 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 the toy 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. The demo tag should be removed automatically when the product is taken out of the packaging. If the demo tag is still in position when you begin play, please remove it from the bottom of the unit to activate normal play mode. REAL MOUSE Use the mouse only on a clean, flat surface, so that the roller ball is not damaged and the cursor moves freely across the screen. Use only a mouse that is compatible with VTech ® products. Mouse button Mouse door 65000 manual-back up 3 5/24/05, 13:20 GETTING STARTED 3 CONNECTING THE MOUSE 1. Make sure the unit is OFF. 2. Locate the mouse jack on the back of the unit. 3. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack. USING THE MOUSE 1. Move the mouse in the direction you want the cursor to move. 2. Click on 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 into the mouse, place the cover back onto the mouse and screw the cover closed. CARTRIDGE Insert the cartridge into the cartridge slot on the right side of the unit to play after the unit is turned ON. PRODUCT FEATURES PLAY MODES In · · · · · · · · the Nitro NotebookTM, you can choose from 8 different categories of play and learning: Language Lab (Spanish) Word Zone Math Mania Science World Social Studies Game Time Creative Studio My Tools ONE/TWO PLAYER MODE Press on the keyboard to switch between One Player and Two Player modes. The activities that can be played with two players are: · · · · · Carrot Patch Crazy Sponge Hoop Spree Bug Squash Double the Fun 4 65000 manual-back up 4 5/24/05, 13:20 GETTING STARTED · · · · · Ball Tumble Hide and Seek Mirror Image Memory Challenge Maze Magic PROGRESSIVE LEARNING FEATURE In most activities, if a question is answered incorrectly in the first round of a game, it will be repeated up to three times in later rounds. This feature is designed to help children learn by developing memory skills. TURNING THE UNIT ON AND OFF Pressing will turn the unit ON. Pressing again will turn the unit OFF. When the unit is turned on, you will see a short opening scene and enter the Main Menu. Here, activities will cycle onto and off the screen automatically. You can choose an activity in one of these ways: 1) press when you see an activity you like. to 2) use the cursor pad to cycle through the activities manually, and press choose one. 3) click the mouse button when you see an activity you like. 4) type the activity number and press . If you press a category key (such as `Word Zone'), the menu will jump to the first activity of that category. An activity can then be chosen in the above ways. LEVEL SELECTION Pressing will change the level of the current activity from level one to level again to go back to level one. Level one two and then level three. Press is the default setting when starting a new activity. ANSWER In most activities, the answer will be provided after a certain number of tries. SHORT BREAK MODE After you play five rounds in a row in any activity, you will enjoy a fun musical break! CONTRAST SWITCH Adjust the image on the screen by sliding the Contrast Switch to the right for higher contrast and to the left for lower contrast. 5 65000 manual-back up 5 5/24/05, 13:20 PRODUCT FEATURES ACTIVITY SELECTION: VOLUME SWITCH Adjust the volume by sliding the Volume Switch to the right for higher volume and to the left for lower volume. KEYBOARD LAYOUT Your Nitro NotebookTM has a full typing keyboard that doubles as a music keyboard. You will also find the following function keys. FUNCTION KEYS: 1. 2. 3. Press this button to see a short preview of your Nitro NotebookTM. Press this button to see how you're doing in most activities. Press one of these buttons to jump to the first activity of the selected category. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Press this key to go back to the previous screen. Press this key to change the level in most activities. Press this key to repeat the current question or instruction. Press this key for help in most activities. Press this key to see the correct answer in most activities. Press this key to delete what you have typed. Press this key to see a fun cartoon. 65000 manual-back up 6 5/24/05, 13:20 PRODUCT FEATURES 6 11. 12. 13. Press this key to turn the background music on and off. Press this key to switch between One Player and Two Player modes. / Press these keys to enter different players' answers in Two Player mode. Press these keys to cycle through choices in activities or in the Main Menu. Use the cursor pad to move the cursor on the screen. Press the "enter" button on either side of the cursor pad to select. Use these keys to enter letters in letter and word-related activities. 14. 15. 16. 17. Use these keys to enter numbers in number activities. 18. Use these keys to enter musical notes in musicrelated activities. Use these keys to change instruments in music-related activities. Press this key to change the melody tempo in music-related activities. Press this key to insert a musical rest in Melody Maker. 19. 20. 21. AUTO POWER OFF To preserve battery power, the Nitro NotebookTM will automatically shut off after several minutes without input. The unit can be turned on again by pressing . 65000 manual-back up 7 5/24/05, 13:20 PRODUCT FEATURES 7 ACTIVITIES Your Nitro NotebookTM includes a total of 80 activities. Index 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Activity Names Earful of Numbers Number Votes Picture Fun Word Train First Letter Mouse's Snack Word Cards Word Match Chat Room Talk Show Alphabet Tumble Letter Disks Alphabet Fishing Capital and Small Letter Bubbles Typing Fun Animal Votes Mouse's Lunch Rhyme Time Spelling Rescue Smart Choice Magic Hat Match Me Chat Fun Finish the Story Word Zone Language Lab (Spanish) Category Name 65000 manual-back up 8 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 8 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 Number Stars Firefly Count Odd One Out Number Magic Math Votes Number Seesaw Feed Fido Subtract It Shopping Spree Mouse's Dinner Catch a Firefly Mouse's Supper Animal Fair Part and Whole Costume Ball Time to Eat Animal Shadows Weather Maker Ticktock Time Show Time Earful of Sounds Sweep It Up Mouse's Cheese Surprise Gift Things That Go Word Group Sandwich Chef Social Studies Science World Math Mania 65000 manual-back up 9 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 9 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 Carrot Patch Crazy Sponge Hoop Spree Bug Squash Double the Fun Ball Tumble Hide and Seek Mirror Image Memory Challenge Maze Magic Picture Puzzle Party Faces Game Time Music Mixer Melody Maker Dancing Fun Stamp Factory Slide Puzzle Little Storyteller About Me My Family My Favorites Phone Book Calculator Cyber Baby Parents' Message Story Time Sing-Along Creative Studio My Tools Cartridges 10 65000 manual-back up 10 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES Concert Master * LANGUAGE LAB(SPANISH) 01. EARFUL OF NUMBERS You will see four disks marked with numbers from 1 to 10. Choose a disk to hear the Spanish word for that number. Use the mouse, the arrow keys and Enter, or the cursor pad and "enter" button. 02. NUMBER VOTES Let's vote in an election! Vote for the number that matches the Spanish word at the top of the screen. Use the mouse, the arrow keys and Enter, or the cursor pad and "enter" button. 03. PICTURE FUN Choose a Spanish word to see its picture and hear it spoken aloud. 04. WORD TRAIN You will see a Spanish word at the top of the screen, and a train will ride by with pictures on it. Choose the picture that matches the Spanish word. 05. FIRST LETTER Do you like catching fireflies? Pick the letter that completes the Spanish word, using the cursor pad and "enter" button or mouse, or typing the letter on the keyboard. 06. MOUSE'S SNACK Let's feed the hungry mouse! Choose the letter cheese that completes the Spanish word at the top of the screen. Use the mouse, the cursor pad and "enter" button, or the keyboard to choose. 07. WORD CARDS Choose a word to learn the same word in Spanish. 08. WORD MATCH You will see a Spanish word on the screen. Use the mouse, cursor pad and "enter" button or arrow keys and Enter to choose the English word that matches it. 09. CHAT ROOM Let's have a chat! Pictures scroll by on the screen, with phrases spoken in English. Choose a picture to learn the phrase in Spanish. 10. TALK SHOW Choose the picture that matches the Spanish phrase you heard. Use the mouse, arrow keys and Enter or the cursor pad and "enter" button to choose. * WORD ZONE 11. ALPHABET TUMBLE Clear the alphabet balls off the screen by clicking them with the mouse, keyboard or cursor pad and "enter" button as fast you can. 11 65000 manual-back up 11 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 12. LETTER DISKS Click on a disk at the side of the screen to hear its letter sound. Then, use the mouse, arrow keys and Enter, cursor pad and "enter" button or keyboard to choose the matching letter. 13. ALPHABET FISHING Let's go fishing! Put the alphabet fish in order by using the mouse, arrow keys and Enter, cursor pad and "enter" button or keyboard. 14. CAPITAL AND SMALL You will see cards with letters on them. Match each capital letter with its small letter by using the cursor pad and "enter" button, the mouse or the arrow keys and Enter. 15. LETTER BUBBLES It's fun to blow bubbles! Catch the bubble that fills in the letter pattern at the bottom of the screen. Use the mouse or the keyboard. Hurry - this is a timed game! 16. TYPING FUN 17. ANIMAL VOTES The animal election is getting very exciting! Vote for the missing letter by using the mouse, arrow keys and Enter, cursor pad and "enter" button or keyboard. 18. MOUSE'S LUNCH Let's feed the hungry mouse. Complete the word at the top of the screen by clicking a letter cheese, or typing the letter on the keyboard. 19. RHYME TIME Choose a word that rhymes with the word at the top of the screen. 20. SPELLING RESCUE Help the dog cross the river by building a letter bridge. Type the letters of the word in order, or choose the boards with the Enter key , cursor pad and "enter" button or mouse. 21. SMART CHOICE Choose the word that matches the picture on the screen. 22. MAGIC HAT What word will the magician pull out of his hat? Read the clues and fill in the letters of the magic word. 23. MATCH ME Choose the word that describes what the girl on the screen is doing. Pop the letters falling down the screen by typing them as fast as you can! 65000 manual-back up 12 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 12 24. CHAT FUN Let's have a chat! Match the phrase with the correct picture by using the mouse, the cursor pad and "enter" button, or the arrow keys and Enter. 25. FINISH THE STORY What happens next? Read the short story and choose the ending you like best. The story will be shown again, with your ending! * MATH MANIA 26. NUMBER STAR Twinkle, twinkle, little star! Catch a star by typing its number on the keyboard. Now, make a wish! 27. FIREFLY COUNT Catch as many fireflies as you can, by using the mouse or the cursor pad and "enter" button. Hurry, before time runs out! 28. ODD ONE OUT Number bugs are popping up out of their holes. Catch the one that does not belong in the number pattern made by the other bugs. 29. NUMBER MAGIC Here's your chance to be a fortune teller! Guess the magic number by following the clues. 30. MATH VOTES Welcome to the math election! Complete the number pattern by voting for one of the four number choices. Use the mouse, arrow keys and Enter, cursor pad and "enter" button or keyboard to vote. 31. NUMBER SEESAW Balance the seesaw! To add an object to one side, click the icon at the bottom of the screen. To enter your answer, click the arrow icon at the top. You can also use the arrow keys to switch between the icons. 32. FEED FIDO Uh-oh, Fido is hungry! Feed him by choosing numbers that add up to the target number on the screen. 33. SUBTRACT IT Help the frog jump to the lily pad that answers the math problem. Use the arrow keys, mouse or keyboard to choose an answer. 34. SHOPPING SPREE Let's go shopping! Choose an object to buy, then use the mouse, the arrow keys and Enter, the cursor pad and "enter" button or keyboard to add up coins to the price shown. 13 65000 manual-back up 13 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 35. MOUSE'S DINNER Feed the hungry mouse! Listen to the clue, and choose the cheese with the bigger or smaller number. * SCIENCE WORLD 36. CATCH A FIREFLY It's fun to catch fireflies! Catch the firefly with the letter that completes the word on the screen. Use the mouse, cursor pad and "enter" button or type the letter on the keyboard. 37. MOUSE'S SUPPER Feed the hungry mouse! Choose the letter cheese that completes the word. You can type the letter on the keyboard, or click on it with the mouse or cursor pad and "enter" button. 38. ANIMAL FAIR All the animals have come out to play! Choose the animal picture that matches the word. 39. PART AND WHOLE Read the word at the top of the screen, and find the word that is a "part" of that word. Use the mouse, cursor pad and "enter" button or the arrow keys and Enter to match the part and whole. 40. COSTUME BALL All the animals are dressed up for a fancy ball! Can you recognize the masked animal from the four choices? Use the mouse, cursor pad and "enter" button or arrow keys and Enter to choose. 41. TIME TO EAT Let's feed the animals! Choose the correct food for the animal from the choices at the side of the screen. 42. ANIMAL SHADOWS Can you guess which animal goes with which shadow? Scroll through the animals at the right to find one that matches the shadow on the left. 43. WEATHER MAKER Wouldn't it be great to control the weather? Slide the temperature, rain and wind bars to make any weather you like! 44. TICKTOCK TIME Move the hands on the clock to match the time shown. To drag the hands, use the mouse to click on the arrows below the clock. You can also move the arrows with the arrow keys. Press the Enter to confirm your answer. 14 65000 manual-back up 14 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES * SOCIAL STUDIES 45. SHOW TIME It's show time, so let's dress up! Use the arrow keys and Enter or mouse to choose the outfit you saw at the start of the game. 46. EARFUL OF SOUNDS Listen to the sound and find the matching picture. 47. SWEEP IT UP Here's your chance to make housework fun! Sweep away the letter that does NOT belong in the word on the screen. Use the mouse or the arrow keys and Enter. 48. MOUSE'S CHEESE Let's feed the hungry mouse! Use the mouse, cursor pad and "enter" button or the keyboard to choose the letter cheese that completes the word. 49. SURPRISE GIFT Surprise! Read the clues on the screen and fill in the word to see your gift. Press Enter to enter your word. 50. THINGS THAT GO Look at the group of things on the screen, and choose the one that moves. 51. WORD GROUP Read the word on the screen, and choose the train car with the matching word. 52. SANDWICH CHEF Look at the sandwich on the left side of the screen, and choose ingredients to make another one just like it. * GAME TIME 53. CARROT PATCH Rabbits love carrots! Use the mouse or the arrow keys to grab the carrots as fast as you can. 54. CRAZY SPONGE What a mess! Use the mouse to clean the dirt off the walls as fast as you can. 55. HOOP SPREE You can be a sports superstar! Use the arrow keys and Enter or the mouse to shoot the basketball. To move the ball before you shoot, click the mouse to the side of the ball. 56. BUG SQUASH Catch the bugs as fast as you can before the time runs out! 65000 manual-back up 15 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 15 57. DOUBLE THE FUN Can you spot the differences in the twins? Use the mouse to click on the parts that are different. 58. BALL TUMBLE Clear the balls off the screen by clicking them with the mouse or cursor pad and "enter" button as fast you can. 59. HIDE AND SEEK The cat and mouse are playing hide and seek! Remember where the mouse is hidden and help the cat find it. 60. MIRROR IMAGE Look at the mirror image, and choose the matching picture. 61. MEMORY CHALLENGE Pairs of cards will appear and flip over. Can you remember where the pairs were? Match them up! 62. MAZE MAGIC Would you like to be a maze explorer? Use the arrow keys to make your way through the maze. You will find many treasures and surprises! * CREATIVE STUDIO 63. PICTURE PUZZLE The picture on the screen is made of different smaller shapes. Choose the correct shapes to make a picture like the one you see. 64. PARTY FACES It's time to make some funny faces for a party. Use the mouse to drag different eyes, mouths, hair and other fun party looks onto the face on the screen. 65. CONCERT MASTER Conduct your own concert! Choose a number to play a melody, and use the arrow keys and Enter or mouse to change the melody's instrument. Then sit back and watch the performance! Melody List: a. "Bah, Bah, Black Sheep" b. "Clementine" c. "Found a Peanut" d. "Goosey Goosey Gander" e. "Head and Shoulders" f. "The Mulberry Bush" g. "If You're Happy and You Know It" 65000 manual-back up 16 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 16 h. "Polly Wolly Doodle" i. "The Wheels on the Bus" 66. MUSIC MIXER Select a song and then choose a sound to mix into the melody. 67. MELODY MAKER Want to make your own music? Use the musical note keys to make a new melody, and press Enter to play it. Press the instrument keys to change instruments. 68. DANCING FUN Choose different dance steps to make up a new dance! 69. STAMP FACTORY Let's make stamp art! Choose a stamp design at the right side of the screen, and drag it anywhere you like. Click on the eraser icon to start over. 70. SLIDE PUZZLE Slide the puzzle pieces to make the picture you saw. Create your own story! Choose words to fill in the story spaces and click on the "Play" icon to read your story. 71. LITTLE STORYTELLER * MY TOOLS 72. ABOUT ME Use this tool to store all your vital info: your name, birthday, address, phone number, email address, your best friend's name and your interests. 73. MY FAMILY Type information about your family. 74. MY FAVORITES Choose a category, such as food, animals, or clothes, and select your favorite things. 75. PHONE BOOK Use this tool to store your most important phone numbers. 76. CALCULATOR Use this tool to calculate simple sums and differences. 77. CYBER BABY Choose a cyber baby and take care of it. Make sure you choose the right food! 78. PARENTS' MESSAGE Here is a place for your Mom or Dad to leave a special message for you. 65000 manual-back up 17 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 17 * CARTRIDGES 79. STORY TIME It's story time! Enjoy a fun story by reading the text or watching the story come to life! Story text: Once upon a time, there was a little goat named Sammy, who lived on a farm. One day, Sammy saw a big, hungry wolf sneak up to the chicken coop. "Oh no!" Sammy said, "I have to chase him away!" But how? Sammy knew he was no match for a big, strong wolf. He went to the forest to ask his friends Barry the Bear and Cassie the Crow for help. "Let's go!" they cried, when he told them about the wolf. When the three friends got to the farm, they hid in a bush, so the wolf would not see them. "Excuse me, Mr. Wolf!" called Sammy, "Do you know where I might get something to eat?" "Why, right here," said the old wolf, and licked his lips. "Ah," said Sammy, "but I want something bigger than a chicken." And with that, Sammy and Barry and Cassie stepped out from the bush a little, so that the wolf could see only their shadow. What a strange shadow it was - big as a bear, but with a long bird beak and curly goat's horns! At the same time, the three friends began to squawk, roar, and bleat. "What kind of monster is this?" cried the wolf. He was so scared he ran away and never came back! The friends had a good laugh about how they had tricked the wolf. When friends get together to help each other, they can do the most amazing things! 80. SING-ALONG Do you like to sing? Choose a song ("The Alphabet Song" or "Old MacDonald") and sing along! You can follow along with the lyrics, or watch the song come to life in a cartoon. The Alphabet Song A-B-C-D-E-F-G H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P Q-R-S-T-U-V W-X-Y and Z Now I know my ABC's. Next time won't you sing with me? 18 65000 manual-back up 18 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES Old MacDonald Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O And on this farm he had a duck E-I-E-I-O With a quack-quack here and a quack-quack there Here a quack, there a quack Everywhere a quack-quack Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O And on this farm he had a pig With an oink-oink here and an oink-oink there Here an oink, there an oink Everywhere an oink-oink Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O And on this farm he had a cow E-I-E-I-O With a moo-moo here and a moo-moo there Here a moo, there a moo Everywhere a moo-moo Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O 65000 manual-back up 19 5/24/05, 13:20 ACTIVITIES 19 E-I-E-I-O