LeapFrog’s New LeapPad Ultra Learning Tablet Provides a Kid-Safe Introduction to Tablet Usage

I have mixed feelings about the trend of letting young children use electronics. On one hand, I think it’s important for them to play with coloring books, blocks, dolls, and other traditional toys. But, I can also see the appeal of electronic gadgets from a child’s perspective. Kids naturally want to imitate what they see the adults in their lives doing.

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly alternative to letting your child use your tablet, check out the new LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Learning Tablet. This product is designed for kids ages four to nine and provides a durable, kid-safe introduction to technology.

The tablet has a 7″ backlit touch screen with built-in Wi-Fi, a digital camera, and a video recorder. It includes a small selection of apps, such as an interactive drawing studio, but you can easily access LeapFrog’s library of more than 800 games, ebooks, videos, and apps to get additional content for your child.

The LeapPad Ultra’s built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery is advertised as offering up to nine hours of battery life. In my experience, gadgets like this seldom provide the maximum battery life level. But, even seven or eight hours of battery life should be plenty to keep your child occupied on long car trips.

The LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Learning Tablet is sold for $149.99 on the Toys “R” Us website. It’s available in either pink or green.

My son is on the upper end of the age range for this toy, but it’s something I’d definitely consider buying for him if he was a few years younger. Every LeapFrog toy we’ve purchased has been a hit and I think this is probably a better alternative to letting your child play endless games of Angry Birds or Fruit Ninja on your smartphone.

Photo credit: Toys “R” Us