MathShark

It is a great concept -- but the LCD is just too hard to read, even when the contrast is set to high.

Not sure why more reviewers didn't mention the fact that the numbers are very difficult to see on the screen. Regardless of the fact that you can adjust the contrast it was still frustrating and requires you to strain your eyes to see the math problems. We love all of the functions but are going to return this product and have already purchased the Math Whiz. It doesn't do all of the functions that the Shark does but it's a good start and you can actually see the math problems on the screen very well!

I have this and 2 LeapFrog game things in a bag we take for car rides. I am just glad my 7 year old son plays with this at all, which he does. The only strange thing is they seem to be Purple now, not Yellow (which was kind of a surprise when I first got it), and the batteries go pretty fast, we use rechargeables anyway but it's another thing to keep up with. and it was a little bit overpriced in my opinion, but the pros outweighed the cons if you have a reluctant kid with math.

I think the product is effective for reinforcing math facts with the various levels. One criticism I would put forth is that you must choose the number you wish to drill (e.g., addends +9) instead of having a random feature that would review all addition facts, for example at a given level. The numbers are sometimes difficult for younger ones to discern given the very rudimentary graphics. Overall, I would recommend the product because it does drill to mprove math skills quite simply, without a lot of fluff.

This works like advertised. It does a good job of drilling a wide variety of the basic math facts. It has a very wide range of ages that it would be useful for. I did have some issue with the screen seeming a little difficult to get the clearest image on but my daughter (who uses it) says she has no problems. We made a chart for each number and when she can get the addition or subtraction set done within a certain time frame, she can cross it off and stop practicing it. We found this motivated her greatly to practice on her own to get her times down. On to multiplication/division!