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1158 of 1167 people found the following review helpful.
Set up is frustrating - UPDATE ADDED
By J. Miller
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.
202 of 213 people found the following review helpful.Weigh all your oprions before you decide.
By kris
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.
255 of 272 people found the following review helpful.
Not as Expected-Disappointed
By My's Review
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 gadgets- Smart 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 toy- easily became an over $200+ w/ purchase of LeapPad Tablet Case$17,Rechargeable Batteries, Games, Earphones, Apps etc..
I will also purchase soon to be released V.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.
Product Description
The original LeapPad1 Explorer™, the personalized learning tablet just for kids, features: • Motion-based gameplay and a built-in microphone and camera/video recorder. As 2012 winner of the Educational Toy of the Year, Preschool Toy of the Year and overall Toy of the Year, it offers limitless learning and endless play! • An available LeapFrog Explorer™ Library of hundreds of games, digital books, videos and flash cards (LeapPad1 Explorer™ works with all LeapFrog Explorer™ games and apps). • 2GB of memory, enabling it to host a robust suite of apps including: innovative book apps that provide a fully interactive, cinematic reading experience with word-by-word support and state-of-the-art gameplay; a Story Studio to combine art, audio and writing; plus Art, Animation and Photo studios to inspire imaginations. • A broad curriculum including reading, mathematics, science, geography, art, music, language and culture, health and more. Plus, skill levels automatically adjust the challenge to match each child’s pace. • Access to see learning progress through the online LeapFrog Learning Path. Parents can also share their child's achievements, artwork and creations with loved ones. • Requires 4 AA batteries (not included) • For children ages 4 to 9 years.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #5172 in Toys & Games
- Color: Pink
- Brand: LeapFrog
- Model: 32400
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 7.02" h x5.14" w x.95" l,1.00 pounds
Features
- Introducing LeapPad Explorer, the personalized learning tablet just for kids!
- 100+ games, apps, digital books, videos and flash cards (sold separately, works with all Leapster Explorer games and apps)
- Includes a built-in camera and video recorder, 5" touch screen and 4 apps (Pet Pad, Story Studio, Art Studio and one of your choice)
- 2GB of memory, enabling it to host a robust suite of apps including: ultra eBooks, Story Studio, Art, Animation and Photo studios
- A broad curriculum, with skill levels that automatically adjust to match each child's pace and remember progress
