The LeapPad is available in green and pink colors and the design has been kept simple so that kids would find it easy to handle. The LeapPad features a five inch touch screen and has a resolution of (400x712) pixels. It is quite sturdy and can withstand quite a bit of abuse. Another plus point of the screen is its brightness and its vibrant colors. You can customize the LeapPad by adding your child’s name and photograph using the built-in camera. You can also add up to two additional customized profiles.

The LeapPad is a bit expensive but it has attractive features such as a two mega pixel still camera and a video camera, built-in microphone and voice recording feature and gyroscope or motion based accelerometer which senses tilting and shaking. The Roly Poly Picnic is one of the many games, which uses the accelerometer to steer through a maze while spelling simple words along the way. The LeapPad Explorer is compatible with various downloadable and cartridge LeapFrog games and apps. This learning tablet comes with four built-in games. There are a hundred or so games and apps available for you to choose from. The level of games and apps can be chosen according to the child’s age and ability.

The screen responds to your child’s finger tips and also to the magnetic stylus which comes with it. An extra stylus is also provided in case the child loses or damages one. The Pet Pals app will further improve your child’s hand writing and is helpful in drawing as well. With the LeapPad , children can enhance their school skills as apps are available that improve various subjects such as reading, geography, math, art, language, music etc. Parents can monitor their child’s progress by connecting to the online Learning Path.

The LeapPad has transformed the tedious task of reading into an engaging and interesting activity. Reading levels are adjusted in accordance with your child’s age and parts of the story are animated to make reading more interesting. New words are highlighted and when your child touches them, they can hear the pronunciation of the word.

This interactive toy will teach your kids all while entertaining them. The leapPad can take pictures and videos that can be shared with others by connecting the LeapPad to a computer. The LeapPad comes with a generous memory of 2 GB where photos and videos can be stored. The LeapPad Explorer requires four AA size rechargeable batteries.

The LeapPad Explorer is a smart and an entertaining toy but the educational value it offers is amazing. It is currently one of the hottest Christmas toys for 2011.