Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Review: Tablet Delivers High Quality Educational Content Through Sophisticated Technology

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LeapFrog’s LeapPad Explorer has been hot news ever since it debuted earlier this spring and for a good reason— it lives up to the hype as being the hot new electronic learning toy! 


The LeapPad is an innovative kid-friendly tablet that can be personalized for ages 4-9. It combines great technology with LeapFrog’s legendary educational content in order to make learning fun. The new LeapPad is an easy-to navigate device featuring a durable design, content that is cross compatible with Leapster Explorer, and uses sophisticated technology that elevates educational game play for children.

Design and Durability
When evaluating devices for children, one of the most important factors to consider is ergonomics. The slim profile of the LeapPad makes it easy for little hands to hold. The textured back is tactile but also keeps the plastic from seeming too slippery. The screen measures over 5”. A larger screen helps prevent eye strain especially during prolonged play. For comparison purposes, the Leapster Explorer’s screen is 3 ¼” screen.
Another factor to consider when looking at electronics for kids is moving parts.  The front of the LeapPad is sleek.  There’s an on/off button on the left, two volume control buttons on the right (one to turn volume up, the other down), a larger button towards the bottom that can be pressed to navigate up, down, right, and left, and a green button with a house that helps children return to the home screen. 
LeapPad features sunken buttons for a clean front
With the exception of the silver navigation button, all other buttons are sunken into the device.  This means they don’t get pressed accidentally when in a backpack or bag which is a huge advantage when traveling because it ensures that your device won’t get turned on by mistake.  After all, nothing is worse than dead batteries even before you start your trip! 
The LeapPad also features a built in magnetic stylus that hides on the right side.  A tether is enclosed in the box for optional use. It is long enough to be used on all parts of the screen but won’t get tangled. Savvy kids who are used to smartphones will probably ignore the stylus in favor of tapping with their fingers. Each LeapPad comes with two stylus but additional ones can be purchased.
Magnetic stylus hides on the right side

It also features a camera whose lens is sunken into the back of the device.  I love the little smiley face that helps children know where to look when having their photo taken!

The smiling face above the camera shows kids where to look
when having their photo snapped
Devices made for children need to be durable to withstand the possibility of being dropped.  While I didn’t conduct drop tests, our LeapPad traveled to and from California in a backpack and has been a constant companion since we’ve had it.  Its endured plenty of abuse during the month we’ve had it and is still going strong.  Given our experience with other LeapFrog devices through the years, LeapPad is designed with the same thoughtfulness of other their other products.
Getting Started
Upon pressing the on button, kids sign in and select their profile from the list of names.  The profile feature (also a feature of the Leapster Explorer) allows multiple children in a family to use the same device. Information about each child’s game play is recorded on the device and is downloaded to the LeapFrog Learning Path, an online portal where parents can view play and learning progress.
LeapPad’s intuitive interface makes it easy for young learners to use right out of the box.  Kids who are familiar with tapping and swiping will have no problem navigating the screens containing icons for various content.
 

Content and Features

One of the biggest concerns about the new LeapPad is about existing learning games, eBooks, and apps that have been purchased for use on the Leapster Explorer.  New and existing content, as well as cross-compatibility with the Leapster Explorer cartridges, provides endless game play that reinforces phonics, math, spelling, geography, world languages, music, science, and life skills!  I love that each learning experience offers multiple levels for play to keep engaged while helping them build their skills in a positive way.  Games auto-adjust to scaffold learning so children progress at a pace that’s just right for them.  It even remembers progress from game to game and book to book for each child under their profile so there’s no frustration in having to ever start over.

Our LeapPad review unit came with pre-loaded content that allowed our family to take a look at the many different types of learning games.  Here were some of our favorites:

LeapPad Camera and Video Recorder– Built in to the back of the device, the Camera and Video recorder is a cinch for little learners to use in order to capture their favorite memories, add fun effects, edit, view, and upload to the household computer.  With 2 GB of memory, LeapPad holds 30,000 photos or 120 minutes of video.  I also like the countdown timer for taking self portraits which helps avoid capturing the look of surprise! 
Cars 2 Ultra eBook

Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Ultra eBook — Having just seen Cars 2 this summer, both kids loved joining Lightning and Mater for a reading adventure in the Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Ultra eBook.  Since each book is really three books in one, Little Miss Techie (age 7, grade 2) and Captain Computer (kindergarten) could select different story levels and modes that would best fit their skills.  As a parent and teacher, I appreciate that one game contains different levels that can support a very fluent 2nd grade reader and a beginning reader in kindergarten.

Roly Poly Picnic

Roly Poly Picnic downloadable game—  Roly Poly Picnic uses LeapPad’s internal motion sensor to roll, spin, tilt, and steer the Roly Poly through 36 levels of mazes (12 levels each with 3 skill levels) and spelling challenges.  Game play with Roly Poly Picnic reminds me of grown up apps such as Alpine Racer that use the iPod/iPhone’s accelerometer to guide a snowboarder down an alpine course by tilting and steering.  Roly Poly Picnic requires sophisticated technology that elevates educational game play for children.

Pet Pad

Pet Pad app— If there’s anything that we love, it’s our goofy 3 year old Lab so anything pet related is a huge hit in our house!  PetPad allows kids to create a customized pet (cat, dog, pig, rabbit, sheep, dragon, monkey, or lemur) and reinforces letter writing skills. Captain Computer selects a letter and practices by connecting the dots that form the letter three times.  Upon writing his letter three time, the pet will do a trick that starts with that letter.  For example, writing D makes his brown dog dance. The game also teaches pet care and relies on the built in microphone to blow dry your pet.  Captain Computer enjoys seeing his customized pet during game play on the LeapPad.

Story Studio: All About Me

Story Studio: All About Me and Art Studio apps—  These fun and creative apps allow children to create artwork, photos, writing, and recordings that become the content of a self-created book.  Young illustrators can also create masterpieces in Art Studio to add them to their All About Me book.  Both apps reinforce writing skills and a child’s creative side while also empowering them as authors and illustrators.

In addition to the apps, eBooks, and downloadable games, LeapPad is also compatible with Leapster Explorer cartridges! To use a cartridge you already own, just pop it into the slot at the top of the device.  So simple!
Summary
With the introduction of the LeapPad, LeapFrog continues to distinguish themselves as industry leaders who develop innovative tech savvy educational tools for learning. Content is fun for kids, yet educational and varying levels of play allows for differentiated learning that gently supports a child’s success and mastery of skills.  The sleek design of the LeapPad makes it easier for smaller hands to hold while added features such as the camera, video recorder, and microphone enrich educational play.
With pre-sale orders having sold out, this is one device that will be on many holiday lists so order one now and tuck it away if you think it might be something your child will enjoy.  I predict a huge run on these well before the holiday season.

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (green)

LeapFrog’s LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet is currently available in pink and green for $99.99 and includes the stylus, apps (Pet Pad, Story Studio, Art Studio, and an app of your choice, extra stylus with tether, USB cable, installation CD, quick start guide, and instructions.


For more information, visit the LeapFrog site and watch their demo. For those wanting to compare the Leapster Explorer to the new LeapPad, LeapFrog has a comparison chart.
Tech Specs:
  • Big bright touch screen measuring 5” with 480×272 resolution
  • Linux based operating system
  • Runs Flash Lite, video, and has 3D graphics acceleration
  • 2 GB memory with 1.5 MB download capacity
  • Motion based play with an accelerometer
  • Built in camera, video recorder, and microphone
LeapFrog provided the LeapPad Explorer, cartridge games, and other content to faciliate my review.  No compensation was received for my review and all opinions are my own. Disclosure: I am a former paid contributor to The LeapFrog Community and LeapFrog is a sponsor of Splash Creative Media’s Fill the Backpack campaign. Amazon affiliate links contained in this post. Images courtesy of LeapFrog.

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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Tech Savvy Mama says

    Hi Jodifur! That’s a great question and it really depends on your learner. Our 7 1/2 year old who is a fluent reader who is reading Harry Potter on her own and doing 3rd grade math at schools loves the educational content. She’s not challenged in the same way her kindergartener brother is but it helps reinforce skills in a fun way. She loves the puzzles like Jewel Train, geography, and science content that is all very interactive.

    Because of this, I can certainly see the LeapPad going beyond age 9 for some learners depending on their skill set. Hope that helps!

  3. Michele McGraw says

    I think this may be on our Xmas List for Santa for my 2 younger kids. They are always wanting to use my iPad and I’m so afraid they are going to drop it. They just want to play games on it anyways, so something that is better suited for their hands and rough play is what I need.

  4. Anonymous says

    Food for thought: I have 3yo triplets and a 7 year old. They all want their own device. If I by a leappad, they I have to buy each app/game 3 or 4 times. With an iPod touch, I buy only one and share it on all devices. If you have >1 kid, this will add up.

    Chris in CA

  5. Tech Savvy Mama says

    Hi Chris! That’s a great point however, the downloadable apps and eBooks can be shared across LeapPads and Explorers. Cartridge games have to be removed but I find that there’s plenty of content on ours with the apps we have that they are fine sharing the cartridge games.

    While iPods are a great alternative, they are more pricey and fragile for the 3 year old set.

    Great observation though and I appreciate your thoughts on the topic!

  6. Anonymous says

    Thanks for the response – that’s very good to know. My last concern is how the responsive leappad is to the touch or stylus. I know on some “affordable” products, the stylus or touch is like an inch away from where it has its’ affect on the device. Is that the case here?

    Thanks again, Chris

  7. Tech Savvy Mama says

    You’re very welcome Chris! The LeapPad is very responsive to touch by either a finger or the stylus. You do need to tap on the screen in order for the device to recognize the touch however, it isn’t like those “affordable” products where just waving the stylus near the screen will activate. Physical touch is required but the touch doesn’t need to be too hard. It responds best to a medium touch, very similar to a touch needed for an iPad or iPod.

    Hope that helps and let me know if you have additional questions!

  8. EINz says

    have added to my wish list =) btw, mind sharing how you got this for review? im from PH and want to have a chance to receive and review this product on my blog. Hope you can help me to do so. thanks

  10. Crystal says

    I have 2 daughter’s ages 4 and 10 and would like to get them both one of their own. I know how much the cartridges are, but cannot get the prices of the apps on the Leapfrog website or any other site. How much does the apps run for the Leappad??

  11. Tricia says

    I definitely want this for our 5 year old for Christmas, but we are wondering about our younger girls. Our twins will be 3 in March. No one likes to share. I know they a going to see big sis’s new toy and want one. Will almost 3yr olds be able to play? Are their simple drawing games like on the leapster 2? Thanks.

  13. Anonymous says

    I bought leapPad for my 2 year old son as a birthday gift. this may not be the suggested age for the toy but he likes playing some simple games from the leapPad connect. even though he’s 2 he can still relate with some other games and enjoys playing with it. And especially the videos. He learns a lot from it. He loves to watch it over and over and it helps him remember the english alphabet and how they sound. there’s also this art studio app where they can make drawings or scribbles (my son just scribbles because of his age. but still helpful and entertaining for him. The application prices are from $5 to $25 dollars. But most of them cost 7.50 and 10.00. still good applications for little ones.

  14. Anonymous says

    I don’t have very clear, which applications the device already comes with…or do I have to expend another 40.00 to 50 dollars right away to get a few apps to make it interesting to my child? does it come with enough preloaded games an activities to keep him busy for a while?

  15. Anonymous says

    I am a teacher and would like to use this device as a reward in my classroom, any idea how many user names can be added to 1 device? Thanks

  17. Eileen says

    Leticia this is amazing! I have never seen one of these and just watched the linked video above. Although my 6 year old grand daughter is pretty advanced at reading, I know she would love to use this. Her little brother is 4 and has some speech difficulties. The microphone playback would be perfect for him to learn from and the letter recognition too. I cant believe it also has a camera. I am amazed at the technology around for our kids today…it is such a great learning environment for kids when they are not in the classroom and for quiet activity. WOW, Leap really hit this one out of the park! I wish every child could have this available to them…what a difference it could make for some children like my grandson, who often learns better alone and not always having a teacher or language/speech coach with him face to face. WOW. Just WOW!

    ejrichter60 at gmail dot com

  18. Nina-Mom says

    All of you make me sick. Why are you allowing modernized technology to infulence and “teach” your child?! What happend to the hands on approach??? What kind of relationship do you expect to have with your children when you hand them a TOY and expect them to learn? Why is it that you would rather let a INANIMATE OBJECT influince your CHILDREN than taking the time to personally know how your child learns, what he or she struggles in and excels in? I have a question, Does this have a setting where you can go in after your child plays with it to see what subjects he/she needs improving with? How can a TOY possibly be held responsible for something as important as a childs mind??? for “anomyous 15” Teacher-rewarding behavior with a sedentary activity? how is this teaching? This is why the generations of teenagers and young kids are completely corrupt. We the people, the american population, are setting our children up to believe that technology is the key to sucess. The newest “Gadget” is the coolest. This right here, is why childhood obesity rates have increase 30 percent, why children now are more depressed, suicidal, and act out more; parents limit them to the amount of interaction by handing them a TOY and telling them to learn. Did you know that flash cards, workbooks, coloring pages, pencils, ect still exist? how much child-parent interaction do we get with this? can 2 people play on it at the same time? Me and my son colored pictures last night, after we practiced his ABC’s. Try it sometime.

  19. Tara says

    To Nina Mom – are you serious? I hate to break it to you but this type of technology is the future. I just purchased one for my toddler, but do you think I’m just going to hand it over and let him play with it all day? No, it is something different, fun and can be educational. I color, read and build with him too. It is all about moderation and I think exposing them to things like this, is great for them! Also, what is the difference between a paper book and a book you read on a ipad? It’s called the future. Flash cards are available on iphones and ipads too. So are you telling me using paper is better? I’m glad you aren’t teaching my kid any lessons. You can use this as a tool and play together with it, just like anything else. Is technology the key to success…umm hello! You obviously have a computer and without technology you couldn’t have typed that worthless comment! Don’t be mad because you couldn’t find a leappad in stock. =D

  21. Anonymous says

    To Nina mom if you would have taken the time to read all this TOY as you say can do you would have noticed were you can see your childs progress. Love it or hate it smartphones, tablets, computers is the way to go. As for lazy kids you are the parent you giveth you taketh away. My son loves to play outside, ride his bike, go to the park, you should always lead by example. Put it your tech down go outside.

  22. Anonymous says

    I have four kids. the older two we brought andriod tablets and the younger two we brought leap pads. I am VERY dissappointed with the leap pad. Games are expensive downloadable and despite them saying you can share apps between two tablets. this is simply NOT TRUE. you get 3 basic crappy apps with the system and you get to choose one to download free as an extra. SO I downloaded different game for each child. NO amount of work can get the apps on both tablets at the one time. IF i had my time again, i would consider buying 4 andriod tablets. the apps for them are way way way cheaper and there is many many more to choose from and andriod apps for kids are being develioped all the time. These apps i can download for very little cost in comparision to leap pad and more importantly i can share them across all the tablets !!! VERY DISSAPPOINTED PURCHASER.. OH yeah and FYI Australians have to pay 1/3 more for APPS than americans. Downloading from the same site, it is disgusting ! NOT IMPRESSED> and i thought these where going to be good ! BUT they are not. I would not recommend them without telling people there short comings. I paid for mine in full by myself and was not given it free for trial to post comments on websites or anything. I just want other parents to be aware oif this trap.

  23. Anonymous says

    My son just got this for Christmas and loves it! He is 6 and his 3 year old sister shares sometimes too 🙂 I am a little disappointed in the e-book selection, I don’t fell like there is as much to chose from as I would like, hopefully there will be more in the future. Overall….happy.

  24. Anonymous says

    I wish the assholes who come here to lecture on parenting would shut up, the purpose of this page is to provide insight into the funtion of an electronic toy for kids.

  25. Dave says

    This is just a push forward for kids.. they get to learn things at a younger age! It doesn’t mean that you have to give up complete interaction with your child. Don’t worry – if anything, it gives your son or daughter something to do instead of being bored.

  26. Anonymous says

    I want to get my 2 1/2 year old daughter a new game and need advice on which one would be age appropriate and fun for her age. She loves art studio and taking care of her pet already but Mr. Pencil and Cars prove to be too difficult for her. Any suggestions?!

  27. FALSE ADVERTISING says

    The camera and video app doesn’t allow the full 2GB memory to be used as advertised. Once more than 1.2GB of apps is loaded onto the leappad, the camera app doesn’t allow pictures to be taken. LeapFrog was contacted about this issue and has stated this is how it is designed and will not issue a software update to address this problem. A class action law suite is being filled against Leapfrog for false advertising regarding this issue.

  29. Anonymous says

    Nina Mom’s uninformed derp and whargabal aside, this is a great unit for children, and it’s good to get them started on using technology so they aren’t intimidated by it (as Nina Mom clearly is).

    Only concern is the lack of new apps in the marketplace and the lack of new cartridge/retail games. Marketplace is pretty stagnant, with the same games available as of this review being available today with no new inclusions some months later.

    If we’re going to sink this much money into the unit, LeapPad has a responsibility to provide updated content. Otherwise, it may be more prudent to simply download child-friendly apps for iPad or Android tablets and enjoy the functionality that mom and dad get alongside the kiddos.

  30. Anonymous says

    My children draw, color, read real books, visit the library, and have a Leapster Explorer. They also know how to use my smartphone, iPod, and our computer. This is what educated people call a well-rounded person. I am very interested in the LeapPad because my older son really likes my younger son’s Explorer, and I appreciate your review. It is my hope that because my children get plenty of time with their parents, technology, and old-fashioned pencil and paper learning, they will be articulate, intelligent individuals with a broad perspective. This perspective is further broadened by their healthy love of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and sports. Perhaps when they are adults, they will be able to voice their balanced opinions and spell words like “anonymous” and “influence” correctly.
    Thank you, Tech Savvy Mama for sharing your review. As a parent, I apologize for Nina Mom’s uninformed and judgmental outburst.

  31. Cedric says

    This is a great tech gadget for kids to spend 30 mins a day to tech them how to use technology, work touch screens, and be interactive with diffrent learning games. But you should help them and watch them when they are using it so they can learn faster. In the meantime you still have to teach them how to write, spell, read etc.. the old fashion way. This is a learning tool not a teacher..

  32. Anonymous says

    My daughter is turning 2 next month…should i get her a leappad or is she too young?? to leap or not to leap?? please help parents

    • Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama says

      The great thing about LeapPad is that it can really grow with kids and there’s content to meet various age ranges and learning levels. If she’s a curious almost 2 year old who loves to learn and embraces challenges, the content downloads such as the books and games like Mr. Pencil and Doodleburg would be great for her as an introduction to the LeapPad and a gentle introduction to learning concepts. Cartridge game content help develop a variety of skills from fine motor, reading, math, science, social studies, health, and other topics in an age appropriate way. Hope that helps!

  33. Peter says

    As others have pointed out – when compared with the android tablet the apps and add-ons for this product are way overpriced. I also object to the incessant product placement. Almost get the impression that the main goal is to create a great little consumer.

    A more fair and balanced review would be appreciated

  34. Heather says

    This valuable article, “LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer
    Review: Tablet Delivers High Quality Educational Content Through Sophisticated Technology | Tech
    Savvy Mama” shows that you comprehend what u r communicating
    about! I definitely agree. Thanks a lot -Filomena

  35. Momof3 says

    This product is a horrible scam. I just spent an hour trying to download 3 apps because the hardware in the leap pad ultra is so slow and antiquated. If I don’t have the patience for it my 3 year old certainly won’t. It’s extremely heavy and bulky, the wifi is on lock down so they can’t even go to nick jr or bps sites. It’s frozen 4 times since I’ve been working with it, and it’s been out of the box for a total of 1 1/2 hours. And it boasts a complimentary 11 apps; sorry but no child on the face of the planet considers the stop watch and calculator a note worthy app. Any other tablet would consider these part of the settings and not try to scam people into thinking they’re getting some deal with extra apps. You can’t customize or hide the non useful apps which is a majority of the apps on the device and the cost of the apps are outrageous. I have an iPad with 3x the storage and could have downloaded 100 apps in the time this device takes to download 3. I could buy an iPad and replace 3 screens for the same cost as a leap pad and 10 books. A true scam people think about what you’re buying and compare the other options out there. A lot of these people writing reviews are paid or influenced leap pad affiliations. Don’t believe the hype!

  36. Ms. Anna says

    Help! I am a new foster mom. I don’t know what’s what’s. Just found out Leap Pad has regular AA batteries. I have bought car adapter and AC adapter for Leap Pad and can’t recharge the boogers. Please advise. Ms. Anna