by Natalie
I remember when we got our first home computer when I was a kid. It made all those clicking and grumbling noises as it booted up, and I thought it was, quite possibly, the coolest thing. Ever. I’m pretty sure if a kid today was given the same machine, he’d think it must have been an artifact from the time of cave men and dinosaurs. Because today, kids have iPads.
It seems, however, that iPad isn’t the only choice when parents decide to purchase a tablet. LeapFrog, a leader in the development of children’s educational toys, has introduced the Leap Pad, which will be available for pre-order in late June.
Sure, the Leap Pad doesn’t give you access to iTunes, or FaceTime, but is that what you want in a “toy” for your child anyways?
The Leap Pad:
Designed solely for use by children, the LeapPad incorporates many of the features of the iPad in a kid-friendly format. Some of the most extensive options include:
-Built-in camera
-Built-in video camera
-Microphone
-Touchscreen
Sounds like an iPad, right? Well, yes. But, this one comes pre-loaded with apps that mimic some of the best iPad apps. For instance, children can learn to write by tracing letters on the screen, and sound out letters as they read interactive books. Some apps appear to come pre-loaded on the Leap Pad, while others can be downloaded for $7.99, or bought in cartridge form for $24.99.
Another benefit? Durability. LeapFrog knows that kids drop stuff. It’s in the children’s handbook: they must drop at least one food item and one expensive item daily. That said, the Leap Pad is designed for durability.
Safety is also less of a concern, as children are not given access to the internet or an app store with potentially inappropriate content.
The iPad:
While the Leap Pad may be an ideal option for younger children who are seeking the thrills of an iPad, homes with children on the brink of graduating from “kids tech toys” may still find the iPad to be a better investment.
Although the iPad is more fragile, it is also more useful for the entire family. Mom, Dad and the kids can use the iPad for education, watching movies on trips and staying connected with family. The availability of apps is also greatly expanded, as the iPad allows access to the ever-expanding iTunes App Store. With an iPad you can learn, or play air hockey.
Price:
The Leap Pad is expected to retail for $99.99.
The iPad starts at $499.00. It’s a major cost difference. However, there’s also a major difference in function and intended purpose.
As a parent, what are your thoughts? Would you rather purchase an iPad for the whole family, and long term use, or try out the Leap Pad for a lesser investment that was developed specifically for kids?
Sure, the Leap Pad doesn’t give you access to iTunes, or FaceTime, but is that what you want in a “toy” for your child anyways?
The Leap Pad:
Designed solely for use by children, the LeapPad incorporates many of the features of the iPad in a kid-friendly format. Some of the most extensive options include:
-Built-in camera
-Built-in video camera
-Microphone
-Touchscreen
Sounds like an iPad, right? Well, yes. But, this one comes pre-loaded with apps that mimic some of the best iPad apps. For instance, children can learn to write by tracing letters on the screen, and sound out letters as they read interactive books. Some apps appear to come pre-loaded on the Leap Pad, while others can be downloaded for $7.99, or bought in cartridge form for $24.99.
Another benefit? Durability. LeapFrog knows that kids drop stuff. It’s in the children’s handbook: they must drop at least one food item and one expensive item daily. That said, the Leap Pad is designed for durability.
Safety is also less of a concern, as children are not given access to the internet or an app store with potentially inappropriate content.
The iPad:
While the Leap Pad may be an ideal option for younger children who are seeking the thrills of an iPad, homes with children on the brink of graduating from “kids tech toys” may still find the iPad to be a better investment.
Although the iPad is more fragile, it is also more useful for the entire family. Mom, Dad and the kids can use the iPad for education, watching movies on trips and staying connected with family. The availability of apps is also greatly expanded, as the iPad allows access to the ever-expanding iTunes App Store. With an iPad you can learn, or play air hockey.
Price:
The Leap Pad is expected to retail for $99.99.
The iPad starts at $499.00. It’s a major cost difference. However, there’s also a major difference in function and intended purpose.
As a parent, what are your thoughts? Would you rather purchase an iPad for the whole family, and long term use, or try out the Leap Pad for a lesser investment that was developed specifically for kids?
The LeapPad provides just enough entertainment and learning for kids' active and curious minds today. Plus it is a great way to keep them away from mom's iPad!
I love it and I am sure that my son will love it too.
Posted by: Crystal | 08/17/2011 at 06:31 AM
tough call, exactly what I'm trying to figure out...is it worth it
Posted by: Laurie Grant | 08/20/2011 at 07:22 PM
My daughter loves this app, is called Singing Daisies. . Their story made me cry, check it out www.singingdaisises.com/singingdaisies.html
here is a video review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Oe8UkryrI
Posted by: Ellice | 09/07/2011 at 09:58 AM
Well considering there are no really great apps that comes with the purchase of this LeapFrog Pad... you will still end up spending roughly around the same or more for the LeapPad as the iPad. It's $99 for the pad plus you will pay $7.5 - $24.99 for the apps/cartridges. As with the iPad you can find free apps ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I would say it is a good investment if you're considering safety from internet exploring. I wish I had gotten my son the iPad instead of the LeapPad where I could have found tons of downloads for free and felt I saved a whole lot more money. I have bought 4 Cartridges (24.99 ea) several downloads from 7.5 - 10.0 ea. I mean really... do it sound worth it to you? Please think twice. I wish I would have. Right now, I have roughly spent... almost 400.00 and only had this Pad for a month. Good Luck.
Posted by: Toni L - A Good Neighbor | 09/23/2011 at 10:57 AM
My son got the LeapPad yesterday and he loves it. I didn't get the iPad for him because he'd definitely break it. The LeapPad is made with kids in mind. It's durable and allows me to track his learning progress, etc. Instantly, trips in the car are much quieter because he's engrossed in his LeapPad. He just turned 3. They say LeapPad is for ages 4-9, but he has had no problem operating the eBooks and video apps by himself. He even can play the pet game without my help.
Posted by: June Wilson aka "JD" | 09/24/2011 at 03:05 PM