LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer: The iPad for children

It seems that 2011 really is set to be the year of the tablet pc, not only can we expect the iPad 2, a selection of Android devices, Blackberry Playbook, Nokia tablet etc but it seems children will be able to get in on the action with the new Leapfrog Leappad – a child friendly tablet pc.

Leapfrog are of course the brains behind the incredibly popular and innovative Leapfrog Leapster Explorer, which is best described as a educational Nintendo DS at the fraction of the cost. They say that this new device “combines the latest technology, educational curricula, and entertainment properties.” Quite a claim so let’s look at the credentials.

Like their current range Leapfrog seems to provide value with the Leappad Explorer, the new tablet will be compatible with the current library of games, videos, e-books, flash cards and activities. At the last count there were over 100 of these available which will presumably continue to grow before the summer launch date.

One aspect that runs throughout all of the activities is education and creativity; even games have a learning outcome ranging across all the foundation and core subjects including literacy, maths, science, art and geography. The great thing about these games is that they offer intelligent scaling, if a child is finding a subject difficult it will recognise this and lower the difficulty accordingly, likewise when they are more confident the activities will become more difficult – it’s a learning device with built in differentiation.

The leappad will include an accelerometer much like the highly sophisticated iPad, the screen has also been improved promising HD graphics which all sounds great when you consider the RRP will be £79.99 when it goes on sale in the summer.

The leappad will come with all mod-cons including a digital camera, video recording, microphone and stylus. Parents will also be able to track their child’s progress on the web based LeapFrog Learning Path.

We think this type of innovation is great for the younger generation, who let’s face it will grow up in a world fuelled by technology; this will allow them to embrace technology and learn from it at the same time.