Okay.Let's start with the facts:
a) I have twins who turn 4 years old tomorrow.
b) They always want to play with my tablet (especially the "Birdy Game")
c) They need their own tablets so they will leave mine alone.
Therefore, I bought each of them their own LeapPad Explorer tablets.
After reading some of the reviews about the other Explorer products, I decided to set these up before their birthday tomorrow.So many people lamented the set up process that I knew I needed to get this done before the actual day.I thought I could take them out of the boxes, get them all set up and place them back in the boxes so that they could open them tomorrow. I had no idea what I was in for.
The bad:
1) It is a very sad statement about the world we live in that the only way to remove the tablets from their packaging was to completely destroy it (as in totally torn apart and in pieces).I was stunned that every panel of the packaging was glued shut and there was no way to detach it without tearing the cardboard.
2) In order to load the 4th free game and purchase new apps for the tablet, you have to connect it to your computer (trust me, the tablet reminds you several times until you do this) and install the LeapFrog Connect software.Installing the LeapFrog Connect software took 15 minutes with the CD.I'm not sure why.It doesn't appear to be that large of a file.
3) The LeapPads were shipped to me 2 weeks ago and already it has a software update that has to be made before I could get anything set up.Updating the software took over 30 minutes (DSL connection) even though it claimed to only take 15 min.
I have now been sitting at my computer for 2 hours and am still waiting for the first one to be completely set up.I keep going back to check the status bar and am completely frustrated by how long this is taking.
Oh, and one other thing.Since I bought these before they had been reviewed, I did not think about the lack of an AC adapter.Given the amount of battery these require, I would have expected an AC adapter to be included.I did check out the ones for sale here on Amazon and am confused. The image for the Leapster AC adapter is identical to the one being sold on the LeapFrog site, but on Amazon, it says it does not work with the Explorer.Who to believe?
So frustrated before my children even had the chance to play with these.
The Good:
UPDATE: They are in love! My children have had very little exposure to computers and video games, so they are very much novices when it comes to navigating. That said, this was the last present they opened and they started using them right away. My husband and I have had to do some coaching on the use of the controller, but for the most part we've left them alone to explore it themselves. I purchased the separate Dora game for my daughter and she absolutely adores it. My son loves to play the Monkey Soccer game app I downloaded from Leap Frog.
One HUGE plus that I had not anticipated is that when you buy an app from the Leap Frog App store, you can install it on 2 LeapPads! This is AMAZING for us! Now, both of my newly 4 year old twins have identical apps on their devices and I get more bang for my buck.
They've had their LeapPads for the past 2 days and they've proven to be one of their favorite presents. We have limited their time on the LeapPads, so our original batteries have not worn out yet. I will be purchasing the AC adapters and maybe even chargers for the car.
Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase. Now, if they could just make the setup less frustrating, that would be amazing!
Update #2 (19 days in): My children do not use their Leap Pads every day, but I would say they have used them 12 out of the 19 days they have had them.I limit their use to about 30 minutes at a time.Today was the first time we got a message about needing new batteries.So, we got essentially 6 hours or so of playtime on our first set of batteries.I'm not complaining, though.They took pictures, played a multitude of games.I did purchase the AC adapter and plan to see if I can get both of my 4 year-olds to sit at their work table with the LeapPads connected.I will definitely invest in some rechargeable batteries.
Update #3 (26 days in): So, we did not change the batteries when we got the warning.So far, we've had at least another hour of play.We're going to see how far we can push this until the batteries die.
Update #4:It looks like approximately 8 hours for a set of batteries.
My daughter got her LeapPad two days ago. She likes it so far but seems to be already getting tired of the apps that came with it (story studio, pet pad, art studio and a game of your choice). If you already own Leapster Explorer you will be able to use the games you own, if you don't be prepared to spend between $7-10 for each app. You might still want to purchase Explorer games as well ($15-25).
The installation and software update took about 2 hours!!! My daughter had to go to bed before she even got a chance to play with her new toy. The next day she wouldn't stop playing with the LeapPad, and by 6pm we had to replace the batteries. We use 2 rechargeable sets and have been replacing the batteries once every day so far.
Today I noticed some minor scratches on the front of the LeapPad (on the screen and on the casing). You might want to pick up a screen protector (LeapPad Gel Skin is available in October).
The idea of stylus might be a little dangerous for a 4 y.o, but I guess, if you are concerned about that, you can put it away until your child gets a little older.
I have to admit that there is a wide selection of games available for this device, and Explorer compatibility is a definite plus. However, I believe buying an android tablet would've been a better choice. I have seen some sold for the same price as the LeapPad. Even if you spend a little more it might still be worth it, as many android apps are available at no cost.Other companies are also coming out with similar tablets (such as VTech's InnoTab). Nintendo DS is mostly for gaming but it has similar art studio, a camera and a wi-fi and doesn't cost much more (unless it is a 3d model). My advice: spend some time researching other options before investing $100 (closer to $200 with all the extras) on LeapPad.
***UPDATE. I decided to change my rating to 4 stars and here is why: For those who are on the market to buy an educational toy, can't decide which one and your kids are too young to play with a tablet, LeapPad is a very good choice. It does have a big 5" screen, the graphics are good, it has a camera, a video recorder and a microphone (unlike Leapster Explorer). It lets players create separate profiles and sign in under different names, it has a USB cord to upload the pictures, videos and art to the computer.
Buy LeapFrog LeapPad1 Explorer Learning Tablet, pink Now
Purchased for my 4 1/2 yr old boy& friends' 4 1/2 yr. old girl. Both children enjoy using parent's iPads. Son, Nintendo DS.
Both adept at playing w/electronic gadgetsSmart Phones, Laptops. ( of course enjoy other forms of play & learning not using electronics;)
Was excited to buy LeapPad Tablet-because of LeapFrog quality of educational toys, & best learning DVD's.
Disappointed that LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet did not meet our expectations.
CONS: !) Excessive, "difficult" to Open Package
2)Too Loud-(even at lowest setting)Purchased earphones for kids.
3) Need computer to Sync & Download b4 use-(30 minutes+-) & to get Apps.
4) Apps-expensive -quality, graphics etc..just ok
5) Eats up batteries (Buy recyclables & AC adapter)
PROS:
!) Games very good ($18-25) and backwards compatible w/Leapster Explorer.
2) Kids enjoy playing but still ask for IPAds or other gadgets.
3) Leap Pad Tablet is 100% Educational vs. the distractions of movies, other games etc.. on IPad, Nintendo's (these have educational content too!)
Bottom Line-
Fun, engaging, educational for children 4 yrs+ but long term use w/ ability to grow w/ kids yrs. later like iPad or even Nintendo's Handheld is limited.
What begins as $99 educational toyeasily became an over $200+ w/ purchase of LeapPad Tablet Case$17,Rechargeable Batteries, Games, Earphones, Apps etc..
I will also purchase soon to be releasedV.Tech InnoPad ($79). I'm curious to compare VTech to this LeapPad Tablet ($99). No camera is included on Vtech, tho and MP3 player is.
Read Best Reviews of LeapFrog LeapPad1 Explorer Learning Tablet, pink Here
I think this is a winner!Since getting an iPad2 and having to share it with DD, I've been looking for something that would be similar for just her to use.Voila Leapfrog saves the day with this fantastic new leappad.It is fully loaded with a still camera, video camera, microphone, durable shell and large, brilliant screen.The download on Mac for Leapfrog Connect was quick and easy (5 minutes.) Upload of new update and 1 free app was about 10 minutes.A lot of people are saying they wish this had wifi, so let me tell you why I am happy it does Not have wifi.WiFi could be accessed by outside sources, if you are in a public place you wouldn't want someone to be able to access your child's LeapPad's photos, videos and name that is on it.
I do wish that the LeapPad had an expandable memory slot (something iPad is also lacking), but taking into consideration that it has 2 GB of memory should hold a good amount.
If you are buying this system, to use to the full potential you will have to buy leapster explorer cartridge games.When I heard about the launch of this system and that it would work with explorer games, I started buying them when I found them on a great deal so we have a small collection already.Mostly you can find them for less than fifteen or twenty here on Amazon.
If you are worried (as I was) about so much battery usage, there is an a/c adapter port.The adapter is sold seperately though (again you can find here on amazon.)
It was also a bonus to get an extra stylus incase of loss or breakage.It is nice that the LeapPad holds the stylus with a magnet so it is easy to put into the side.
Bottom Line:
Would I buy this again and recommend to someone else?YES, absolutely
Includes: some apps already downloaded, camera, microphone (internal), 2 styluses(one with string attachment)
Does Not Include, recommended purchases: a/c adapter, headphones, leappad explorer cartridge games, case (Leapfrog is releasing them in a couple of months but in the mean time you might want to use an insulated softside lunchbox as we do), gel skin (leapfrog is releasing soon)
Last word: the only issue I foresee is that LeapFrog wants you to spend between $7 and $10 for apps, quite a few are just an app version of something we already own from LeapFrog.In Example, all of the learning videos we have them all on DVD, I don't think I should have to pay $10 again for the same thing I own already.They should be giving a huge discount to current owners of those.Same thing for most of the books, we have them with the Tag system.Hopefully they will either come out with new ones or something.
***UPDATE 11/17/11***
My daughter has really enjoyed playing all of the new apps that Leapfrog has come out with.I've been able to use the old leaplet download cards which were marketed for use with the leapster explorer to download apps for the leappad.You can find these download cards on clearance at big box stores and sometimes here too.
Second thing is that we've had to find a solution to carry the games since everyone has overpriced the original Leappad carry case (I will not pay fourty dollars for it!)We found a great case to use as a holder for leappad games as well as leapster games too.See my photo along with the product photos.
It comes in Pink and Black and works fantastic!
Kroo CNDSZNP2-HD Western Digital My Passport Portable Hard Drive EVA Case (Hot Pink)
Kroo Portable Hard Drive EVA Case (Black)
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My daughter is 18 months old. We do a lot of traveling and i have read that this is for ages 4 and up, but also read it can be great for a tech savvy toddler. This keeps her so entertained on trips, its incredible. She LOVES watching her favorite videos, doing the coloring for the artwork, and loves the pet and the games with it. she actually plays the games, pops the balloons, ect. i am shocked that she is as good with it as she is. She even clicks her name and signs herself in with the stylus. If you have a younger child and have been wondering if this would be good, it is! she is pretty rough on it, too, being that shes 1 and man does it hold up well. def. recommend this.
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poor paint/coating quality. Scratches, dents, and abrasions on the backrest of the chair where the face of the animal is. Amazon replaced this product quickly but same issue with the second delivery. Looked as if the manufacturer's kids have used these chairs for some time themselves. I'd expect a better quality when ordering a brand new product.
