Techie Thursday: LeapPad2 Review and Giveaway

written by Dakotapam on September 13, 2012 in Retired giveaways and reviews and Techie Thursday with 70 comments

Allow me a Napoleon Dynamite moment while I sing “I love technology“.

I really do.

Gadgets and gizmos and software make my life easier, a bit more organized, and maybe even a little more fun.

I’m watching my children learn to use the same technology that I use. I love seeing them discover new ways to think of things.

Our schools are gaining strides in technology. Our elementary students are using computers and Smart Boards and some even use tablets in school. Ethan’s teacher uses Twitter (@MrsNehls), and is using Social Media to work towards improved technology for her students!
(go ahead and re-tweet it!)

An easy way to help local students learn 21st century skills: donorschoose.org/project/enrich… via @bistrib @bismarckschools @bpsd_web @kxnewsmorning

— Mrs. Nehls (@MrsNehls) September 7, 2012

In order to prepare my children for technology in school, I begin teaching proper use of technology very early in our home.

That is where the LeapPad2 comes in. This little tablet is kid friendly, kid tough, and full of the perfect blend of fun and education.

LeapFrog sent our family the new LeapPad2 and some cartridge games this summer for us to try out and review. Four out of our six kids, ranging in ages 2-10 put the tablet to the test and have declared it a winner.

This 4GB mini computer has a five inch screen and front and back cameras and video recorders. It boasts up to 9 hour battery life (requires 4AA batteries), but I opted to purchase the $39Recharger Pack.  This has saved us a lot of battery changing, as long as we remember to plug it in at night.

The LeapPad2 has a great balance of inspiring creativity with the Cartoon Director App (included) as well as the interactive Art Studio. Learners can spend time learning letter sounds and how to write (like Lizzie is doing in the photo above) using the included Pet Pad, there is also a Learning songs App ncluded. With your LeapPad2 you can also choose from several free apps to add to your collection.

The Cartridge and App store collection is impressive. We have used the Disney Pixar Brave and Disney Phineas and Ferbcartridge games, which have even entertained our older boys. As always, Leapfrog captivates the young learner, giving just enough challenge without being frustrating.

I’m a huge fan of eReaders for all ages and I’m pleased to see the collection of Learn to Read and Ultra eBooks available. They have three levels of reading that grows with your young reader. There are comprehension checks, a built in dictionary and mini games to keep learning fun.

Pros:

• Great electronic fun
• encourages learning
• encourages creativity
• intuitive interface

Cons:

• Uses a lot of batteries unless you purchase the recharger pack.
• Cartridges do not come with any sort of storage case.

Bottom Line: This is a great Christmas or birthday gift for most young children. The option to add apps and cartridges ensure that it will have a long play life. This is a great entertainer on long car rides or plane trips. I wholeheartedly recommend.

Buy it: LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer can be purchased at LeapFrog.com, Amazon.com, and many other online and local retailers. MSRP: $99.

Win it! LeapFrog has given me a LeapPad2 to give away to one of my awesome readers! Just enter using the simple RaffleCopter widget!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to win a #LeapPad2 from @dakotapam and @leapfrog! wp.me/p1yUoA-1eY #Rafflecopter #TechieThursday

— Pam Thompson (@Dakotapam) September 13, 2012

Disclosure: I was given a LeapPad2 in order to facilitate my review, but, as always, opinions are 100% my own!

 

 

 

 

tags: education ereader giveaway kids LeapFrog LeapPad2 rafflecopter tablet technology

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