LeapPad

It's been a year since LeapFrog debuted the LeapPad and gave tots the first tablet of their own. And while the devices weren't exactly easy to come by (it was easily the hottest toy of 2011), those who did get their hands on them were easily impressed with the pad's touchscreen, built-in camera, tilt-sensor, and enhanced ereader.

That's not to say the LeapPad didn't have its detractors. Well, it appears that the company listened to some of the users' complaints, and less than 12 months after the original version hit the stores, the company is preparing to introduce the LeapPad2 Learning Tablet ($100 for pink or green and $130 for a Disney Princess Bundle) next week. While I've been more than happy with our first-generation LeapPads at home, I was eager to see where the company made improvements on the devices. LeapFrog sent us a tablet to try out; see what we thought below.

Who is this product designed for? After seeing preschoolers snag their older siblings' LeapPads last year, LeapFrog has expanded the age range to include 3- to 9-year-olds (rather than starting at 4 years old), meaning games and apps will also be available for the younger set.

What sets it apart? The original LeapPad made its mark with its tablet-like features that gave tots the feeling they were playing with a sophisticated system. With an accelerometer that transforms the tablet into a gaming console for motion-based games; a library of more than 325 games, apps, music, and videos; and the incorporation of Ultra eBooks, the LeapPad had virtually everything a kid could want. The next-generation version only improves upon those features.

• While the screen size (five inches) and resolution (480 by 272 pixels) remain the same, the LeapPad2 now has a second camera installed in the tablet — a 2MP front-facing video and still camera that makes taking a self-portrait easier than ever.
• The more powerful camera results in larger photo files, so the folks at LeapFrog increased the product's memory to 4GB of storage (up from 2GB) so more photos, videos, and apps can remain on the device.
• A faster processor (550 MHz vs. 393 MHz) means apps and games load much faster than before.
• A new music player (already preinstalled on the device) plays educational songs.
• One of my biggest complaints about the original LeapPad was how quickly it burned through batteries. The new version not only extends battery life another hour (up to nine hours), but a rechargeable battery pack can also be purchased separately, so the device can be plugged in and charged when not in use. My wallet and the environment thank LeapFrog for that.
• The new creativity app, Cartoon Director (included on the device), allows tots to place their mugshot onto cartoon characters and then turn them into movies.
• All apps and games purchased for the original LeapPad are compatible with the new version too.

Keep reading to see what could be better an how long the tablet entertains a youngster.

We hate to say we told you so, but we warned you that they'd be the hot toys of the season. It's beginning to look like the Zhu Zhu pet crisis of 2009 all over again as desperate parents try to get their hands on the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer and Let's Rock Elmo. Amazon and the traditional brick and mortar toy stores are sold out of both, and parents are doing just about anything to secure them in time for the holidays.

Those with a desire to travel and an extra $780 on hand now have a new option. New York's posh Carlyle hotel (Suri Cruise has spent many nights in its luxe rooms) just introduced a special Santa’s Shopper package that guarantees the kiddos will wake up to either a Let's Rock Elmo or Leapfrog LeapPad on Christmas morning. The package includes a choice of toys, overnight accommodations, two drinks at the hotel's famous Bemelmans Bar, breakfast at the hotel restaurant, complimentary gift wrap (!), and shipping the gifts home (for an additional fee). Extreme, yes, but a mama's got to do what a mama's got to do, right?

Moms may soon regain control of their iPads. The tech toy from Apple that is filled with mama's cooking, organizing, and entertaining apps somehow worked its way into lots of lil ones' hands, and many moms are having a hard time prying it away.

That should all change next week when LeapFrog starts shipping out its new LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet ($100). A tablet engineered just for kids, the LeapPad takes all of the technology introduced on last year's Leapster Explorer (including an ereader that adjusts to tots' learning levels, letter and number writing skills, and a high-resolution touchscreen) and adds exciting new functions like a tilt-sensor (just like the iPad), an enhanced ereader with a visual dictionary and games embedded within the books, a larger (five-inch) screen, and a built-in camera. The company sent us a tablet to try out, see what we thought below.

Who is this product designed for? The manufacturer suggests that the tablet is for tots ages 4 to 9 years old (and it can be customized for up to three kids), but a preschooler could navigate his way around it, too.

What sets it apart? With a five-inch 480-x-272 pixel (16 x 9) touchscreen, the LeapPad offers kids plenty of space to read, draw, write, or view their activities. Given the educational basis behind all of LeapFrog's products, the learning apps included with the system are brought to life on it. The new Ultra eBooks not only reads stories to kids, but should tykes select individual words, the system sounds them out. Portions of books are animated and games are built into them as well. A built-in camera and video recorder can be used on their own or in conjunction with other apps to create storybooks and videos that can be shared once the tablet is connected to a computer. And the accelerometer transforms the tablet into a gaming console, allowing for motion-based activities. Like other LeapFrog products, the Explorer connects to the online Learning Path, allowing parents to track their tots' progress and identify areas requiring additional support. When connected to the computer, artwork, photos, and videos created by kids can also be shared with family and friends through Facebook and email.

What could be better? Kids used to tooling around with their parents' gadgets will have to get used to a slower unit. The 400MHz processor doesn't allow apps to load as quickly as they may be used to. Also, with no WiFi, tots will have to forgo playing Angry Birds and the like, in favor of the more educational apps created by LeapFrog (which could be a very good thing!). The cost may set some families off as well. While the tablet costs $100 and comes with four free apps — Art Studio, Story Studio, Pet Pad, and one of your choice — the 100 additional apps that will be available later this year will cost between $5 to $20, making it a pricey investment. On the plus side, all games and cartridges parents bought for the Explorer are compatible with the LeapPad.

Keep reading to see how long the laptop entertains a youngster and for more views of the device.