LEAPPAD EXPLORER – Great Toy for Smart Children

 

The Leapfrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet, some people have been calling it the Leapfrog iPad, is the most popular girls’ and boys 2011 Christmas toys. We have done loads of research about this toy and were amazed by its ability to entertain children and let them learn a lot as well. This Leapfrog Leappad Explorer opens up all sorts of possibilities for creative play, reading — or just plain fun. Kids now have a learning tablet computer designed just for them, complete with apps and games, a microphone, a camera, and even a video recorder, instead of just watching Mum and Dad working on their grown-up iPad.

It’s no wonder that this bestselling toy is dubbed Leapfrog iPad. There are many things kids can do with The LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet. They can read e-books, play learning games, enhance art and animation skills, listen to and play music, learn writing, watch videos. Let’s look at this device in more detail.
Now we do not sell this device ourselves, we simply provide you with unbiased review which we hope will help you in your buying decision.
 

The Feel of A Tablet

On the front of the tablet there is a power button, sound down and sound up button, and home button. There is also a large silver button that can be used like a finger control, to move a cursor up, down, left, right or explore other options.
With a 5" screen and 480×272 resolution, the LeapPad Explorer does have the feel of a Tablet. This large and bright touch screen works with your fingers or stylus. The stylus is magnetic but can also be tethered to the LeapPad. You will also get an extra stylus in case one gets lost or broken.
 

 

How Good is The Camera and Video Recorder?

One favorite thing about LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer is that the device allows children to get creative. As we all know, children tend to get bored of games and will want more games. But this device is armed with engaging features that make them won’t put it down without having to buy more games.
This has thing to do with the built in video recorder and camera. The camera is of low resolution, but it allows the kids to get creative. Approximately 120 minutes of video and 30,000 pictures can be taken with the camera. Your child can add fun effects into the the pictures and videos, then you can shared them. The pictures and video can also be incorporated into Story Studio -My Book About Me module.
 

Story Studio – My Book About Me, What is It?

This is a great application that comes with your purchase. This allows your child to create their own book. All stored pictures can be used as the basis of their artworks or inserted into personalized storybooks. The photos, writing, recordings, and artwork they created can be shared via email or Facebook. They can also be uploaded to view in LeapFrog Connect. We love this app, and we sure you will love it as well.

Art Studio- Express Their Creativity

Another great app included with the LeapPad is the Art Studio. This application encourages creativity by letting your child use virtual stamps, shapes, pattern brushes, pencils, erasers to draw pictures. Features from the Art Studio also appear in the Photo lab, so that your child can edit their pictures. Whenever your child gets bored of the games, he/she can always use the camera to take photos and pictures and give them some effect. Let’s your child express their creativity with this app.

The PetPad Writing Game

This is another favorite application that comes with your purchase of the LeapPad. The PetPad is an interactive application that combines taking care of a virtual pet with early learning writing skills. What kids can do with this app? They can learn to draw letters while teaching tricks to their pet. There are some virtual pet available to choose from; pig, lemur, dog, dragon, sheep, bunny, monkey. The pet can be customized (the body, eyes, ears, tail, and paws). Your kids can keep their pet healthy and happy with a shower, food, playing games, and teaching tricks by tracing letters. Be advised though, parents will need to connect the LeapPad to the computer to use collected points to buy food and accessories for the pet. This encourages parents to track their children learning progress.
 

Huge Selection Of Games & Apps

You can add more games, books and videos either as an app or with a cartridge. There is a library of over 100 choices for this purpose. The price range of the apps ranged between $5 – $10.00 for most. You can purchase them from LeapPad Store Online. There are also numerous games for a wide range of skill levels too.

Is LeapPad Explorer Compatible With Leapster Explorer Games and Apps?

The answer is yes! That’s why Leapster Explorer owner will love the LeapPad as well. This device works perfectly with other Leapster Explorer Games and Apps. That means any application that you download for Leapster Explorer, can also be uploaded onto LeapPad. And the cartridges are cross-compatible as well.

Another Great Things about LeapPad Explorer
•    Allows more than one player. The LeapPad allows more than one person to sign-on to the game. However, only one player can play at a time. The LeapPad will adjust the settings to make the games challenging for each level of learning.
•    Durable. LeapPad Explorer is made of good quality material. It is durable enough to stand falling from 3-4 feet height. Some reviewers said their device dropped few times from stairs and survived it!
•    Intuitive and easy to use. Most children will have no difficulty plays with the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer without having to run through a tutorial. Many parents were amazed to see their children created their profile easily and started playing after a short time of use!

How is The Batteries Life?
The batteries life is something Leapfrog needs to improve. The LeapPad run out of batteries a lot. That is why Leapfrog recommends users to use a set of rechargeable AA batteries for the LeapPad. A fully charged batteries gives you just 8-12 hours of game play. You can also buy an A/C adapter to keep the device going. If you use rechargeable batteries, make sure to have charged batteries back ups.

What is common complaint?
Some parents complaint about the batteries life, but this problem can be solved with the use of rechargeable AA batteries or A/C adapter. Also, the LeapPad has to be updated when you get it to load the included apps. Other complaint is the processor low speed, but for the price you get the best value for money.

Who to Buy the LeapPad For?
The LeapPad is recommended for children aged 4 to. However some parents think that the toy is more suitable for kids aged 2-3 to 7. We know many toddlers can use smart phone better than an adult. And older kids (8-9 years old) may find this toy is too easy for them.

What is in the LeapPad Explorer box?
The LeapPad comes with a CD to get LeapFrog Connect on your computer, a USB cord and an extra stylus.

Where to get the best price?
The suggested price for the LeapPad Explorer is $99. We have done our research and most of the time we found the best price is at Amazon.com.

Click here if you want to compare Leappad vs Innotab.