# StartDOT Handwriting vs Main Idea

The clearest difference is rating: StartDOT Handwriting at 4.7 against Main Idea's 2.0. StartDOT Handwriting also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 67%) and ratings volume (11 vs 1). Main Idea's advantage is update cadence (every 22 months vs every 43 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

StartDOT Handwriting costs $4.99 and Main Idea $6.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

StartDOT Handwriting holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StartDOT Handwriting has 11 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of StartDOT Handwriting's written reviews are positive against 67% of Main Idea's.

StartDOT Handwriting ships an update every 43 months, Main Idea every 22 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StartDOT Handwriting | Main Idea |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $6.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startdot-handwriting/id653836151/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/main-idea-short-texts/id916391506/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **90.9% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 43 months | **Every 22 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 105 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.2** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TrishCO LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/653836154) | [Janine Toole](https://appshunter.io/developer/839832427) |

## What reviewers say

### StartDOT Handwriting

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startdot-handwriting/id653836151)

This app offers a virtual handwriting workbook for children aged 3-7 and those with special needs. It uses engaging pictures and stories to teach letter and number formation through proven learning methods, with adjustable settings for progressive difficulty.

**Highlights:** Virtual handwriting workbook, Teaches letter and number formation, Engaging pictures and stories, Proven learning methods, Adjustable difficulty settings, Progress monitoring, Worksheet downloads

**In-app purchases:** none


### Main Idea

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/main-idea-short-texts/id916391506)

This app helps children in grades 2-5 improve reading comprehension by teaching them to identify the main idea of a text. It uses a step-by-step approach with visual guides and a reward system to build this skill incrementally. Designed by educators, it's suitable for both typical and special needs children.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step comprehension skill building, Incremental learning with unlocked levels, Frustration-free guided learning, Engaging reward center, Parental review and reporting, Content designed by teachers and researchers, Timed levels for fluency development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StartDOT Handwriting free?

StartDOT Handwriting costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Main Idea free?

Main Idea costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StartDOT Handwriting or Main Idea?

StartDOT Handwriting is rated higher. StartDOT Handwriting averages 4.7 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Main Idea averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do StartDOT Handwriting or Main Idea have ads?

Neither StartDOT Handwriting nor Main Idea shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StartDOT Handwriting or Main Idea?

StartDOT Handwriting ships an update every 43 months, and Main Idea every 22 months. Most recently, StartDOT Handwriting was updated on September 15, 2026 and Main Idea on September 8, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*