LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer Review

Leapfrog Leappad 2 – The Learning Tablet Has Improved

Definitely the best way to learn is by having fun. I can tell you that my little girl (7 years old) loves to take pictures, make movies, watch music videos, reading and math.
Now the technology allows you to have a single device that provides entertaining learning activities for your little ones.

LeapFrog launched the
LeapFrog
LeapPad2 Explorer, Green which claims to be a lot better than the previous version. The LeapPad2 is designed for kids in the 3-9 age range.
Let’s review the new features and see if there are benefits of having this kid friendly tablet for your youngsters or not. You’ll decide.

LeapPad 2 A Winner Among The Educational Games For Kids Industry

LeapFrog Enterprises claims that the LeapPad2 tablet has won close to 2 dozen awards worldwide.
John Barbour, chief executive officer at LeapFrog is proud of all the recognition that this tablet has received by the industry. According to him top retailers as well as consumer reviews on e-commerce sites, agree that this device offers a high quality learning experience.
Now keep in mind that this has been reported by the same company, so it is important to check what the general user has to say.

Get Your LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer

You will need to recharge your batteries

LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer, Green

LeapFrog LeapPad2 Recharger Pack

CEF14 Duracell Value Stay Chargered …

Learning Game For Kids – Tablet Vs LeapFrog Tablet

What are the benefits of tablets for kids?

Many parents might be a bit scared about letting their kids playing with a real tablet, specially if the tablet belongs to the parents (lol), but regardless it is a big investment to be in hands of a youngster. I mean kids are not as careful and they can damage the device, right?.

LeapFrog and other companies have developed their learning tables to address this problem.
The tablets for kids are designed for the inevitable drops and bumps by the use from little kids.

The LeapFrog Tablet is a perfect example of a custom-built kid tablet. You buy the apps that are appropriate for your kid, even a music app for playing mp3 files. You can purchase this apps in an actual store paying around $20 to $25 per cartridge. You also have the option to visit their online store and download the apps in your computer and plugging it with a USB cable.

Besides the heavy duty design that LepFrog tablet has, another advantage is the capability to track which games and for how long they were played. Basically it offers content and parental controls.

Now, what about giving your kid a regular tablet.
Some people argue that for what you ended up paying for a kids tablet and all the cartridges, you might be better off buying them an actual tablet with high-resolution, parental controls and plenty of $1 apps.

Now, although you don’t need AA batteries, you do need to pay the monthly fee of the carrier.
I personally consider that a regular tablet might be a good idea for older kids, but I am not too sure how good it might be for little ones, due the breakability of the device.

Whichever you choose, make sure that you are aware of the games and time spent in those games by the kids. Also consider that a regular tablet has internet access, that you should monitor as well.
Tablets for kids are designed to help kids learn while having fun, so they don’t even realize they are learning, which is a good thing (lol).

What Improvments You Get With The LeapPad2 Learning Tablet?

The memory to store apps and save your creations is 2 times larger from 2GB to 4GB. The processor is significantly faster (now is 550 Mhz vs. 393 Mhz), which of course improves the speed of the downloads.

Now two really cool new functional features:
The new leapfrog tablet game has 2 cameras and video recorder one at the front and one at the back.

Now kids are able to get the image on the screen regardless if they are holding the pad from the front or from the back.
Another small but relevant change is the fact that it is more lefty user friendly.

Although the new LeapPad2 just comes with one single styluses (the original one came with 2), it has a rope loop on the bottom allowing the kids to play with the tablet with any hand.

Another advantage is that if you have purchased apps for the leapFrog 1, you can use them on the new pad.

Problems Downloading Your Apps?

Many times when you use computers, cell phones, tablets or any other device like that, you might experience technical issues. I know I always do (lol).

Apparently some of the popular anti-virus like Kaspersky have a security program that doesn’t allow to sync your apps. What you need to do is create an exception accepting the LeaopFrog software in your computer.

When you purchase the leappad explorer 2 you get 5 games (4 preloaded and credit for one through the App center).
You have opportunity to buy Leapfrog Dollars which are $20 app cards if that’s convenient for you, but you also can purchase your apps via credit card directly at the LeapFrog App Center.

So if you want to buy a total $25 dollars in apps you are not required to use 2 app cards and spend $40.

A Tip:

Apparently if you google it, you can find two codes for two free apps, “Alphabet Soup” game, and “The Book of Super Awesome Stuff” e-book. Check them out.

I can’t guarantee that they will work when you use them, but you can always try them.
If you experience any problem with your leapfrog leappad tablet games contact customer support. They can help you along the way with the actual product, the download of the apps and any other issue it might arise.

Leapfrog Leappad Tablet Games 2

Check out the new learning experience!

These are the areas that this device covers:

Reading: ebooks that you can adapt as the kid learns
Math

Science

Draw
Watch videos

Play music

Make animated movies

Take pictures

Let’s Review Some Good Stuff & Some Not So Good stuff Of This New LepFrog Tablet

Good Stuff:

a) When you connect the tablet to the computer you can track the games played, how long they were played for and how successful the kid was at it.

b) This allows you to monitor your child’s spent time and progress. This will help you to address areas where they might need a bit more help.

c) If you have more than one kid and they share the LeapFrog device, each child can personalize it with their own login picture.

d) The most important thing for me is that the games progress as the kid progresses.

e) You have the capability to customize some of the games:

You can tailor the level of difficulty of the readings and even include your voice in the story.
You can also enter your child’s math sets and spelling list into some of the games. This feature is incredible! I can include my daughter’s homework in the leapFrog, which makes it a lot more fun.

f) The device is lefty friendly

Not So Good Stuff: (These are some of the things you do not get that would be nice to have):

a) The LeapPad 2 doesn’t come with a recharger. You could buy the LeapFrog LeapPad2 Recharger Pack (Works only with LeapPad2) or buy Rechargeable batteries

b) Unlike the original LeapFrog, this one just has one stylus

c) There is not rubber around the sides or something to prevent the tablet from slipping out of a child’s hand. To solve this you can get the LeapFrog LeapPad2 Gel Skin, Green (Works with LeapPad2 or LeapPad1)

Leappad Explorer 2

Final thoughts.

The leapfrog learning tablet games 2 offers a nice safe place for kids to learn. For me, one of the best features is the capability to customize some of the games to make them advance enough for the kid.

Also you have the opportunity to include, in some math and spelling selected games, your own list of words and math sets, so the child can practice what he or she is learning in school.

I do not believe that a learning tablet should occupied all the spare time of your child, I mean they should play, run, jump, socialize with other kids and such. However, I do consider than an interactive device that can teach them while they play, provides a really fun way to learn and the LeapFrog Explorer 2 seems to be a great option for that.

Besides the math, reading and spelling games, I think that one of the most creative games is the story game. This one allows the kids to create their own movie/video. They can choose the background, props, characters, etc. They create the movements and even the dialog. They can even add pictures to make the faces of the characters.

I recommend you to go to the app center and watch some of the trailers of the different games to see what they are about.

Other LeapPad2 Explorer Related Products

LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer, Green

LeapFrog LeapPad Carrying Case, gree…

LeapFrog LeapPad2 Recharger Pack

LeapFrog App Center Download Card

LeapFrog Accessory Starter Kit

If you are on the go it is always nice to have all your things in one place.

LepFrog has it’s Accessory Starter Kit case that allows you to storage ten cartridges; six in the main section and 4 in a tri-fold case. It also comes with a nice cleaning cloth.

This accessory kit is optional, but it could be handy specially if you are traveling. I know when we go on a long flight it is great to have a small case with entertainment for our little girl (7 yrs).

LeapFrog Explorer Accessory Starter …