The LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer is a
great tablet for kids, stuffed with fun and educational games and apps targeted
at the younger market
Our crack team of kid reviewers couldn't
wait to get their hands on the children's tablet from LeapFrog. If grown men
and women can get over-excited about the prospect of a new iPad or Samsung
Galaxy smartphone, just imagine the bed-wetting anticipation of children
hearing about updates to their favorite gadget toys.
The original Leapfrog LeapPad Explorer was
one of the big hits around the 2011 Christmas tree, and won various Mum’s
awards. We loved its kid-friendly size, rounded edges, and range of educational
and fun apps.
It’s no iPad, but that’s a good thing for
many reasons. Here are some: the iPad is too big for smaller hands; the iPad
links to the bad, mad world of the internet; kids on iPads keep demanding new
apps; iPads are expensive; iPads break easier; sometimes you want to use your
own iPad yourself...
LeapFrog
LeapPad2 Explorer
Now the LeapPad2 is out, six-year-old Lexi
was jumping up and down in anticipation. She loves the iPad, but she likes the
LeapPad just as much - maybe because it was made for her.
One of the great things about the LeapPad
is its stylish design. While it's not monochrome-cool like most tablets, it
isn't overly garish or kiddy. Of course, some kids prefer chunkier, brighter
colors, and the more stylish LeapPad looks might not bother a child in search
of some tech-app fun.
Leapfrog puts the intended LeapPad age
range as three- to nine years. We think an eight- or nine-year-old would find
this sort of device a bit too toy-like, but it’s a great alternative to an
adult tablet for three- to seven-year-olds. Lexi can swap between LeapPad and iPad
without thinking either is better than the other.
The LeapPad looks similar to the original
version. It has a roomy 5in screen that fits better into smaller hands and
weighs a lot less than a full-size slate. What's new?
The LeapPad2 now includes two still- and
video cameras, each at a higher resolution than that of the original LeapPad.
It features a faster processor, better memory capability, and improved battery
life.
In place of the original’s 0.3Mp
rear-facing camera the LeapPad2 boasts 2Mp cameras front and back.
Several apps make use of these, and kids
love taking photos of their friends and families for use in various games. With
the new front-facing camera they can take photos of themselves without asking
for assistance, too.
The internal storage has doubled from 2- to
4GB, and the processor has received a speed bump from 400- to 500MHz. That
extra storage capacity is handy for new apps that include video functionality,
and 2Mp photos take up more space than those shot by a 0.3Mp camera.
As before, you control the action using
either your finger or the included stylus on the LeapPad’s touchscreen. The
stylus slots into the side of the tablet, and is attached by a cord so it
doesn’t get lost.
As
before, you control the action using either your finger or the included stylus
on the LeapPad’s touchscreen
The tablet is powered by four AA batteries,
so we recommend you invest in a decent battery charger. An optional
rechargeable battery pack costs $46,4, but it works only with the LeapPad2; a
decent universal battery charger is a better bet. Battery life runs to nine
hours.
As there’s no Wi-Fi connectivity you'll
have to tether the LeapPad2 to your computer to download new games, and offload
photos.
Software
As well as a bunch of preloaded software
and the 300-plus compatible apps and games, you get two more - Cartoon
Creativity and Art Studio - when you register online.
There’s a heavy Disney tie-in with several
of the games and creative apps. Disney Animation Artist was a big hit with
Lexi, who enjoyed drawing Mickey Mouse and friends with clear instructions and
helpful hints.
Also from Disney is a Brave e-book, based
on the Pixar movie. The LeapPad’s e-books are designed to improve word
recognition and reading basics.
The games and creative activities are
audibly and visually explained, so it won't take long for a child to become
engrossed in each app or game.
We
loved the original LeapPad and this is a great update, with improved hardware
and a bunch of new games and apps
One great feature of the LeapPad is that it
automatically adjusts the learning to each child, asking more challenging
questions as their skills develop, and most games feature several difficulty
levels.
Game and app prices start at $6, up to $12.
But what price would you put on keeping a child quiet for half an hour or so
every now and again?
Bottom line
We loved the original LeapPad and this is a
great update, with improved hardware and a bunch of new games and apps. Kids
don’t seem to mind that it's a lot less sophisticated than a full-size tablet,
viewing it as another type of gadget altogether. It’s a better size for
children than such devices, with software that captures their imagination just
as well. A definite hit for kids aged three to seven.
Specifications
General
·
Packaged Quantity1
·
Type Personal learning tool
·
Software Included Art Studio, Pet Pad, Cartoon
Director, LeapFrog Learning Songs
·
Internal Memory4 GB
·
Media Type Cartridge
·
CPU550 MHz
·
Sound Speaker
·
Integrated Components Two digital cameras
·
Width5.2 in
·
Depth1 in
·
Height7 in
·
Color Pink
Display
·
Type5 in Color
·
Resolution480 x 272
·
Touch Screen Yes
Connections
·
Connector Type1 x Headphones,1 x USB
Power
·
Battery Required4 x AA type
Miscellaneous
·
Included Accessories USB cable
Manufacturer Warranty
·
Service & Support1 year warranty
·
Service & Support Details Limited warranty
- 1 year
|
