SmART Sketcher Projector – A Review
I am rubbish at drawing, I really am. To the point that when I was about 14 my art teacher asked why I had let my little sister (age 5 at the time) draw in my book!
Mrs White, if you are reading this, I wasn’t lying when I said she hadn’t, I was just that bad at art! to be fair I didn’t have a SmART sketcher projector though!
Ben, bless him, takes after me and isn’t too confident in drawing but does really enjoy it. I always try to encourage his drawing but as I am hopeless myself it isn’t easy!
When I was given the opportunity to review the SmART Sketcher projector I was excited for Ben as I knew he would love it.
What is the SmART Sketcher projector?
If like me you can trace but can’t draw then this is ideal. The clever device projects a picture onto paper for you to just trace over.
There are a number of sketches pre-programmed into the SmART Sketcher projector. The variety of pictures are all broken down into a number of steps so that it is less daunting.
When you first use the app for the Smart Sketcher you can choose which sort of pictures interest you. The screenshot below shows the options which Ben chose.
The ABC option has words to help a child learn to write. Along with the pre-programmed pictures, you can take your own photos to project and draw. The sky really is the limit!
How easy is it to use?
I left Ben to work out the SmART Sketcher while I was working and then to show me how to use it. I thought this would be a great test of how easy it really is to use.
Christmas morning when you are trying to relax with a glass of champagne or rushing around cooking dinner then the last thing you want is an assembly of a toy, isn’t it?
The SmART Sketcher projector was really easy to set up and Ben talked me through it as he did it.
The only thing he needed to ask was when installing the app and needed email addresses and consent.
This shows the turtle/tortoise (we have debated this at home – Ben loves a good debate!) and as you can see is easy to copy/trace. There is an SD card that is loaded with images that are quite cute like this.
The box includes an adapter so batteries are not needed but they are an option if you prefer. The feet of the device hold the paper in place well and it stands on the table well.
What did Ben think of the SmART Sketcher projector?
Ben loves it, he really feels like he can draw now and is building in confidence. The feature which allows you to take photos and then project them to draw is fabulous.
I can, however, imagine lots of children on Christmas morning drawing half-awake pictures of their parents, or maybe that would just be Ben.
In Ben’s opinion, this is a really cool toy and something he would love to be given and definitely doesn’t want me to give it to anyone else.
At almost 13 Ben mostly likes computer games now so finding a toy that he enjoys and encourages him to draw is amazing. He is thoroughly impressed.
What do I think as a mum?
I love how this is an activity that would suit a variety of ages. So many toys nowadays go in and out of fashion or you are really paying for the “latest thing” that they will forget about next month.
This is something I can imagine lasting for a long time. The fact it has an adapter included with a reasonable length cable so doesn’t eat batteries is ideal.
I love the number of pre-programmed images of the Smart Sketcher projector and the way those are broken down into small steps.
I would definitely recommend this as a gift for Christmas or a birthday. The box states it is suitable for ages 5-105.
I disagree a little as I think 106 would be fine too – older readers I’ve got your back! For younger children eg. siblings I think it would be okay too.
I guess it is 5 years for a reason but if you think it is perfect for your younger child then go for it I would say. It is something that will last and they will grow into it if they are unsure at first.
Where can I buy it and how much is it?
The SmART Sketcher projector is available from a variety of stores for around £70.
The SmART Sketcher projector is available at Argos
Do you like the idea of the SmART Sketcher? Is there anything you would like to know about it that I haven’t written above? Drop me a comment below and let me know!
Please note the items next to the box above are not part of the contents of the box.
I’m wanting to buy a smart sketcher for my twin daughters for Christmas. I’m debating if they need two smart sketchers to sketch at the same time or if one would be ok. What is your opinion?
I would say one would be fine, unless they are likely to be drawing at the same time!
We have something quite similar but it’s Vtech table and it’s helped my son learn how to write his alphabet and draw more simple things such as an apple and a boat. Really useful to have.