LeapFrog LeapPad

Aimed at 4 - 8 year olds, the LeapFrog LeapPad interactive reading system, has since been upgraded to the Tag reading system that uses a hand held pen reader to assist children learning to read. With the Leap Pad, you insert the book itself into the reader, and use a 'pencil' to bring characters to life, read and do Activities. LeapPads are still available however, and LeapFrog are still producing the books, so there are still a number of stories and activities available for use in the LeapFrog LeapPad reader (as of December 2010).

When LeapFrog releases an upgrade version, the advantage is you can usually purchase a Leap Pad at Auction at a really good price, so it is a great way to cheaply start your kids off on interactive reading. You are likely to get one a lot cheaper than the newer Leapfrog Tag readers. Even Brand new, you are looking at about $15.00 for a LeapFrog LeapPad, versus $33.00 - $59.00 for a LeapFrog Tag System. You then purchase the interactive books to use with both systems.

There is also a Little Touch Leap Pad reader and interactive books. See the left column for comparison prices.

LeapFrog Tag Reading System

LeapFrog Tag Reading System is more sophisticated, and has more interactivity than the Leap Pad Reading System. Using an interactive pen that reads along with the child, adding sound effects and additional information. The books are designed with different activities, and kids can use the pen on different parts of the page to play a game or answer a quiz. Of course there will be a wider range of books released over time, and already there are maps, fantasy and adventure books, many based on well known Disney Characters.

Kids generally love the idea of using the Pen, though some parents say the Pen is a bit chunky for little hands.

There is a Junior Tag Reading system also, using familiar stories, such as 'Winnie the Poo'and 'Where The Wild Things Are' etc.

Both systems use sound effects, and have a range of other activities, such as writing books to help with other literacy goals, and mathematics. The LeapFrog LeapPad Reading System has been used in hundreds of Schools, and I would expect the LeapFrog Tag system to be similarly popular with educators.

Disadvantages of the LeapPad Reading System

I know there have been a number of complaints about the LeapPad readers not standing up to rough play, and I believe the LeapFrog Tag System addresses that issue to some extent. However, LeapFrog products are not designed to be used unsupervised. Certainly with younger children, they need your guidance to master the variety of options in the stories, and these are not toys to be used in situations where they can be left lying around, and stood on!

The other thing you need to be aware of, is you need a good supply of AA Batteries! LeapFrog don't recommend rechargeable batteries, the power supply gets unstable, and Long Life batteries last a lot longer.

Best Deals on LeapFrog LeapPad and LeapFrog Tag Reading Systems

I would definitely recommend checking out the Auction listings below for LeapPad readers. There are hundreds of listings, particularly of the books, so it would be well worth getting a supply of the interactive books second hand. There are a number of new ones too, but you will find heaps of pre-loved LeapFrog LeapPad books and the Reader on Ebay. You can compare with the Amazon Prices in the Right Column.

There will be fewer of the Tag Reading systems available second hand, But certainly there will be brand new versions available, probably cheaper than you can buy retail. Just prior to uploading this page I noticed a new LeapFrog Tag Reader PLUS book package, that went for $22.50, versus $49.00 for just the reader alone on Amazon. So there are definitely great deals to be had!

Read more about online auctions in our leapFrog Games Article. Purchasing from EBay is really simple, you just click through on a listing below and then at the top of the page there is a link to register or log in. You just need a username and email address, and within minutes you can be snapping up bargains!

LeapFrog LeapPad Auction Listings

LeapFrog Tag Auction Listings

LeapFrog LeapPad Little Touch Auction Listings

See Left column for comparison Amazon Prices.

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