About.com Rating



If you have a toddler or 2 year old who is mesmerized by your iPad or iPhone, this child friendly learning table might be a lifesaver, offering a safe set up for little ones to explore (and giving you a chance to use your own electronic toy yourself). Like the V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System, the LeapPad2 Power learning tablet is recommended for children who are at least 3 years old, but (also like the V.Reader), I think that 2 year olds can enjoy and benefit from the LeapPad2 Power learning tablet.

I would say that the V.Reader is better suited to the younger players, but the LeapPad2 seems to lend itself to a longer life with more applications and cartridge activities that will appeal to children when they are in elementary school as well.

The construction and functionality of this product is excellent -- high quality like I've come to expect from LeapFrog. However, I question the appeal and value of many of the titles in the "educator-approved library of over 800+ games, eBooks, videos and more."

How it works

The LeapPad2 Power learning tablet functions similar to a regular tablet. There is a home screen with icons that you can open when you select one with your finger or the stylus. There are a few applications that come with the tablet, but these are mostly utility apps such as the calendar. To play the more interactive and interesting apps, you much either buy them as cartridges or download them from the online store.

The functionality is highly intuitive, so even a 2 year old can click and open an app and get started.

However, the games are intended for ages 3 and older. They can be very structured and may require you to listen (and understand) audio instruction before beginning able to play appropriately (versus just pressing randomly on the screen). The advantage of the V.Reader is that the interactive books basically operate the same way from cartridge to cartridge. Here, the games and activities or media are very different from each other.

To get the most out of the LeaPad2 power, it's best if a young child plays with you or a an older sibling activity. In fact, my three kids really enjoy working together to figure out a puzzle or view a video -- and it's great that Little Guy can drive the game rather than just look on.

Specifications

Dimensions: 5.2 x 7.0 x 1.0 inches
What's included:

• LeapFrog LeapPad2 Power Learning Tablet (with 4GB Storage)
• NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack
• 2 Built-in Cameras and Video Recorders
• USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Stylus with tether
• 1-year limited warranty
• 9 Apps (pre-loaded or available for download):
  -Pet Pad App
  -Art Studio App
  -LeapFrog Learning Songs
  -Photo Lab
  -Calculator
  -Calendar
  -Note Pad
  -Clock & Stopwatch

Note: You may also qualify for a free app download with your purchase.
 

Internet Connection Required. To download these apps, you must install the LeapFrog Connect Application and complete registration.

System Requirements for Computer Connection:

• High-speed Internet Connection
• Monitor resolution of 1024 x 768
• Available USB port
• 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
• 500 MB free disk space
• Latest version of Adobe Flash® Player
• PC Requirements:Pentium 4 or equivalent (2 GHz processor or faster recommended) Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system with latest service pack
• Mac Computer Requirements: Intel®-based Apple computer (1 GHz processor or faster recommended); Mac OS X 10.5+ operating system software; MAC, APPLE and MAC OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

 

What You Should Know If You Buy the LeapPad2 Power Learning Tablet

One practical advantage of the LeapPad2 over the V.Reader is the battery system -- rechargeable batteries are really essential for any electronic game for children.

With the intuitive design and wide selection of apps available for this product you may wonder why it isn't scored higher. It's true that the LeapPad itself is a winner -- but it's dragged down by the collection of apps that are of varying quality and run between $10 and $25 on average. The cost of individual apps can cause sticker shock for anyone who is used to paying $1.99 or so for iPad apps for kids. While, this price is "good" for children's software games, the depth of these apps isn't on par with full versions of a CD-ROM game.

That's not to say that there are not good, high-quality apps available. However, when you're browsing those 800 or so titles, you'll immediately see that there are many videos (eh, I could get something compatible for free on YouTube) and simple activities that don't offer much in the way of creative gameplay. A vast number of the titles are also connected to TV or licensed characters, which makes the entire toy feel like an advertisement for Disney Junior and other television networks.

Little Guy likes to play a Nemo game with his siblings that seems challenging and interesting -- but not equal to the iPad Freddi Fish app(for older children), which is half the price. His favorite game is a Jake and the Neverland Pirates app that offers some counting and puzzle activities. One type of app I think is neat for little ones is the music ones that let them turn the LeapPad into a radio. So, for instance, Little Guy has the Wiggles downloaded and can turn them on anytime -- but if you click out of the app the music, unfortunately, goes off.

Keep In Mind

Young children -- especially those under 3 or 4 -- may seem like they are just interested in pressing the buttons to make sounds when they have a LeapPad (or an iPad) in their hands. And at first that is probably true, but don't give up on the toy. It may take a few months for your child to really understand how to use the game, but once he does, it can be a very useful toy. Although, I recommend reviewing the American Academy of Pediatrics's guidelines for young children and media and limiting screen time in general.