LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer with Camera

Comments about Leapfrog Leappad Explorer With Camera:

My son was given this just before his 4th birthday, and it has been a wonderful learning tool. As a previous reviewer noted, the first generation leappad does not come with rechargable batteries. It does have a DC adapter, but that will only work if you are near a standard outlet to plug it into. We solved this problem by buying rechargable AA batteries and a battery charger, and simply change out one set of batteries for another when they run out. Takes just a couple minutes, and we always keep a set of fully charged batteries with us to swap out.
Some of the apps are expensive, and the cartridges can be pricey, but there are plenty of apps in the $5-7 range as well. You do need to connect the leappad to your computer to download apps from the internet, or you can buy cartridges. We have done both, and are very happy with the quality of the apps.
I especially like that the leappad uses a stylus for many of the apps, as my son has learned a lot of drawing and writing skills from this system. I like it much better than the ipad apps where he uses his finger, because I believe it will help him more in school. I also love that the leappad connects to a leapfrog parents connect program that allows me to track my son's progress. We were able to see that he's grown in his math and writing skills, but still needed to grow in other areas. It also gave us some suggestions for apps that would help him learn in the places he was a little weaker.
My son is almost 5 1/2 now, and we've found that some of the apps have grown with him, and there are new levels of difficulty as he masters the easier spots. He continues to love the leappad, and we find it very helpful in providing some learning tools as well as keeping him occupied on long waits.
It is certainly not cheap, but I think we've gotten our money's worth from it.

Comments about Leapfrog Leappad Explorer With Camera:

I purchased the leapfrog explorer.....bad purchase imo...games are expensive...it does not come with any and if u don't have internet u can't dl'd the games does not have rechargeable batteries....as if the games don't cost enough.....we purchased the charger but defers the purpose because you cannot charge it to take with u...I noticed since purchasing some of the other leap frog products have rechargeable batteries...for the price it should of had them...kinda defeated the purpose of getting this as for I mostly bought it to keep him occupied in the car and while I was off and needed to occupy my son.....