IPad vs.LeapPad for Kids?

Apple iPad for Kids vs LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer For Kids!

The LeapPad e-reader/tablet is due to hit stores in August. The LeapPad will have instant appeal for families and teachers already using LeapFrog products. The $100 e-reader/tablet will be an instant success if they deliver a true e-reader, with all the LeapFrog educational software that is available! 
     Can you compare the LeapPad Explorer, head to head with the iPad, not really, but for those that want an e-reader/tablet to help their children learn, this may be a great entry into mobile learning. Kids will love the LeapPad, the true test is the educational value of the apps and the usability. 

LeapPad Update December 14th: LeapPad Price Gouging on Amazon!
The price on Amazon is now double the suggested retail and that makes no sense to gouge parents during the holidays. I would suggest going to the company website and order your LeapPad. http://www.leapfrog.com/leappad/

The LeapPad Green Bundle looks like a fun way to start your LeapPad experience. LeapPad Bundle 

Bundle includes: LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet - green, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Mr. Pencil learning games, green case, adapter, battery recharger with 4 AA batteries and 1 LeapFrog® App Center Download Card (value of $20)


LeapPad Product Description

Amazon.com Hands-On Review

Help your child create and learn with the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer. The learning tablet gives you access to more than 100 educational books, games, videos, and apps. Subjects like mathematics, reading, and science are covered in a fun and interactive way. The LeapPad's built-in camera can shoot video, allowing kids to make animation and art to share with family and friends.

LeapPad Explorer At a Glance: Age: 4 to 9 years Requirements: 4 AA batteries (not included)    Warranty: 1-year limited Library of 100+ games and apps Works with all Leapster Explorer game cartridges, eBooks, videos and more

System Specifications Screen 5 inches, 480x272 pixel resolution Camera 640 x 480 resolution capability Video Recorder 320x240 resolution capability Input Controls D-pad, touch screen, embedded microphone, camera, motion sensor Connectors Cartridge slot, AC adapter, audio jack, USB connector Battery Duration Approx. 8+ hours On-board Memory 2 GB

Sturdy design, easy to create videos and personalized stories. View larger.

Kid-Friendly, Interactive Design
Though sleek and thin, the LeapPad can withstand kids' roughhousing and dirty fingers. Designed to be flipped, shaken, and turned by little hands, the LeapPad comes with a tilt sensor for game control that puts kids in the middle of the action. A 5-inch color touch screen makes it easy for kids of all ages to learn and interact.
Built-In Camera Encourages Creativity
Prepare to be amazed by the wacky and touching videos, photos, and artwork that your child will produce using the LeapPad. Voice-guided instructions make it easy for children to edit and share their creations with friends and family. And with 2 GB of built-in memory, the LeapPad has plenty of space to store your budding director's creations.
The built-in camera allows kids to become the stars of their own stories. The Story Studio and Art Studio apps allow children to modify pictures they take and drop them into storybooks. Both apps are free and can be downloaded once you register the device.


Leveled Reading Experience
LeapPad's book apps are interactive, cinematic experiences designed to guide children through books and immerse them in the joy of reading. Each book is actually three books in one, with different levels and modes optimized to support reading development. As a child builds his/her reading skills, the levels adjust automatically and are remembered from book to book.
The book app's innovative activities build comprehension skills and expand vocabulary with support features that allow your child to touch a word to see its image, touch an image to see the word highlighted in text, touch words to hear them sounded out, or find definitions in the visual dictionary. All of this with characters that children will love, brought to life through animation that keeps children engaged as they learn.

Each book app features: 3 levels of text 3 modes where children can listen to the story, read along with the story, or read and explore activities on their own 6 comprehension activities leveraging the tablet's accelerometer and 3 fun games Ability to record and play back personal story narration

 Discover a World of Learning
With more than 100 learning games, videos, books, and apps available for LeapPad, it's easy to keep your child entertained on long car trips or at your favorite restaurant. LeapPad has a game cartridge slot for backwards compatibility with the entire existing Leapster Explorer Library, the curriculum covers spelling, phonics skills, mathematics, science, music, geography, and more.
The LeapPad also automatically adjusts learning so that kids can learn at their own pace while staying engaged. They can even practice writing with the included child-sized stylus.

Track Your Child's Progress
The LeapPad's online tool, the Learning Path, allows you to tune into your child's progress and track achievements. You can choose to receive regular e-mail updates on your child's accomplishments, which provide insight into where your child may need additional support and give you new ideas for even more learning fun.

Registration Allows for Maximum Capability
Parents will want to register the LeapPad so that they can download the three free apps and access the online tools. The online tool allows you to track your child's play and learning progress and share your child's photos and creations. Plan to spend about 20 minutes registering, downloading the apps, and helping your child set up a user profile.

What's in the Box
LeapFrog LeapPad with stylus, four apps (Pet Pad, Story Studio, Art Studio, and one app of your choice), extra stylus with tether, USB cable, installation CD, quick-start guide, and instructions.