VTech InnoTab 3 vs 2s vs 2 - Which Tablet Should You Choose?

VTech have announced the InnoTab 3, a new model for 2013. The InnoTab 2s is still on the market and is actually the higher priced tablet with Wi-fi and a larger screen. Last year's InnoTab 2 model is still a viable choice this year too and there are various bundles available with this tablet.

The same range of InnoTab educational games, apps and eBooks is available on all the tablets so you'll get access to the same library of software titles whichever model you choose.

The models each have a swivel camera and microphone and come in pink or blue colors. They also enable memory expansion via an SD card. 

My 6 year old son has an InnoTab 2 which he uses regularly.

See also: InnoTab 3S Announced and InnoTab 3 vs 3S

InnoTab 3

The InnoTab 3 is a smaller, lighter kids tablet at an affordable price. The InnoTab 2 and 2S are quite chunky tablets, the InnoTab 3 has reduced the screen size from 5" to 4.3" and scaled down the casing (it's still tough) this makes it a more portable option.

The InnoTab 3 also has an upgraded camera at 2MP (vs 1.3MP in older models) this is an important detail. My son loves to use the camera on his InnoTab and this is a welcome improvement. This feature with the smaller size makes the InnoTab 3 a useful kid camera in addition to its other features.

The InnoTab 3 has a added a D-pad controller - physical arrow key buttons - these do make navigation and game play more efficient for some kinds of game. 

InnoTab 2S

The InnoTab 2S is still a fairly new model, it came out at the end of last year and added Wi-fi capability to the tablet. Initially this just enables the downloading of apps and syncing of content without needing to connect to a PC with a cable. VTech could enable more capabilities in future for this tablet now the Wi-fi hardware is in place.

If kids are taking lots of photos or drawing lots of pictures and you want to sync conveniently then this is a useful feature. There's also a Wishlist app where kids can request content they would like you to buy for their tablet.

The InnoTab 2S is based on the InnoTab 2 model. 

InnoTab 2

The InnoTab 2 was last years upgraded model with a faster processor. It has a 5" screen so some will prefer it over the smaller screen of the newer InnoTab 3.

Now that the newer models are available the other main advantage of this model will be if you are price conscious and can find the InnoTab 2 discounted, as part of a good value bundle, or even used.

It's still a good tablet. Kids who got it last year, like my son, will still be using it this year and it will work with the new titles coming out for the platform.

Summary

There's not a huge amount between these tablets and they all offer the same basic experience to kids, with minor differences.

The key points to consider are:

• Is a better quality camera important?
• Would you make good use of the Wi-fi sync / download capability?
• Would you prefer a larger screen or more compact tablet?
• Is the D-pad important for playing games?
• How important is price?
• Do you need it before mid-July when the InnoTab 3 is released?