LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer Disney Princess Bundle

Product Information

My daughter us 4 and I brought her this for christmas, I didn't want an adult version tablet as I knew she would have trouble with the functions and with her leappad 2 she is able to function it with great ease and being a tablet aimed for children it is very child friendly and where she can play games but learn at the same time which is what I like about this device. That said, you have to wonder: with cheaper apps, better hardware and access to more books and video, wouldn’t a grown-up tablet be a better long-term bet?

I created a side-by-side comparison chart that compares/contrasts some of the important features of these devices. I've tested and reviewed a lot of hardware for kids in the past, and I always fall back on the most basic of tests – do my kids enjoy it? My son has some great games that we acquired while he was enjoying the LeapPad (1), and both of us are happy that he can continue to play those games on the LeapsterGS. All membership plans come with full access to our entire suite of tools learning guides, and resources. For the kids tablet I looked at the VTech InnoTab and two Leapfrog systems: the Leapster Explorer and the LeapPad.

It’s also important to consider whether you have a younger child who might inherit the device from a sibling. With no onboard WiFi there’s no way to install apps on the LeapPad 2 itself, and it’s up to parents to browse, purchase, download and synchronise apps using the downloadable Leapfrog Connect software (with Windows and Mac versions available). I know from chatting to my friends and seeing forum posts last Christmas that many parents have no idea which child-friendly tablet to choose.

I'm glad I got this as it stops my 4 year old wanting to use (and subsequently drop) the iPad but I am very disappointed with the cost of apps. The games for the Explorer and the first-generation LeapPad are compatible, but are not with Leapster’s previous handheld gaming systems (Leapster and Leapster2). In determining your budget, you should also keep in mind additional funds for the purchase of downloadable apps and games through the App Center. Until then, I'm just pleased when my youngest hops up on the couch with me to watch him flip ebook pages and do sketches and take photos. The best thing about the LeapPad 2 apps is that they actively encourage creativity, numeracy and literacy, and that many tie in to a Learning Path section of the Leapfrog Connect software, where you can track your child’s progress through the various apps.You’ll save money on the apps and games in the long-term, and have access to a larger ecosystem of books and video content. Just because the LeapPad Ultra is recommended for 4-9 year olds, certainly you need to understand your own child’s skill levels and interests.

Over the last few weeks I've watched to see what he does when given so many choices, and I'll admit that what I've observed is quite surprising. It takes 4 AA batteries but they will only last an hour to an hour and half of continueous play so I have brought the AC mains plug and she plays with it attached to the wall now as she is not bothered just yet about being mobile and moving around with the device and is quite happy to sit down with it.The ones we have are enjoyed by our 4 year old and he will play quite contentedly, but they are more about chasing balls/ dinosaurs footprints or drawing mickey mouse. The Leap Pad is an excellent education tablet for children, but there are similar technological tools that may be better suited for other users. The LeapPad chewed through 4 AA batteries at an astonishing rate, but there have apparently been improvements in the LeapPad2 in terms of battery consumption. Although some of these games will have to be purchased separately like, Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, there will be a significant change in your child's attitude towards reading, writing, and math.