Is it worth upgrading to Leapfrog’s LeapPad 3?
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Full Review:
Over the years, the kids I’ve nannied and later my son, had the original LeapPad. You know, the big “book” like device where you insert different cartirdges and the corresponding spiral booklet. I loved that thing! My only complaints about it at the time were the size and bulkiness in trying to transport it and keep the booklet/cartridge sets organized.
The LeapPad 1 came out around the time my son was 7 and it was the perfect handheld device for him. It was small and compact like many gaming systems but still offered all the fun and educational value I loved. Technology changes quickly these days and our LeapPad 1 from 2 years ago is already outdated by 2 models. The LeapPad 3 was recently released and I was curious how different it was than the first model. Was it worth upgrading?
Lucky for us, we were able to try out the LeapPad 3 and see for ourselves. About a week before leaving on our incredible journey to Turks and Caicos for #BeachesMoms, LeapFrog and Beaches Resorts sent the kids gifts to help pass the time on the plane. I asked our readers and you all guessed right away that it was a LeapPad 3. Nothing gets by you awesome readers!
As if #BeachesMoms wasn’t exciting enough,@LeapFrog &.@BeachesResorts sent something special 4 the plane!! Guesses? pic.twitter.com/bYXgGwbQmz
— Angela Johnson (@ParentingBeyond) O
ober 14, 2014
The kids excitedly opened their gifts and found not only a LeapPad 3, but a LeapPad Sesame Street game and book. Before my son had the LeapPad out of the box, he was reading to me all the LeapPad 3 had to offer. I asked him to re-read a few things to be sure I was hearing correctly. It sounded to good to be true.
My 9 year old loved the LeapPad 3! He played it every chance he was given. The fact that we couldn’t find any of our LeapPad cartridges meant all the time he was on it, he was playing with what came in the device. It was plenty to keep him engaged. One of our favorite parts of the device is that he is able to connect with other LeapPad 3 users through the Peer-To-Peer feature. As we met new friends in the airports and hotel, the kids were able to connect their LeapPad 3’s. It was a great ice breaker and brought the kids together quickly.
Loving our @LeapFrog #leappad3 as we make new friends & wait 4 flight 2 #BeachesMoms @BeachesResorts #turksandcaicos! pic.twitter.com/hwgET7aPL /a> — Angela Johnson (@ParentingBeyond) October 16, 2014
Connecting with friends through the .@LeapFrog #Leappad3 while .@BeachesResorts #turksandcaicos pic.twitter.com/qVfaIIE9AU
— Angela Johnson (@ParentingBeyond) October 18, 2014
One of my favorite LeapPad 3 stories is that of a fellow #BeachesMoms blog: My Springfield Mommy (see her LeapPad 3 review HERE). While waiting in the Turks and Caicos airport to return home from #BeachesMoms, her daughter sent out a message using the Peer-To-Peer Play feature. She said, “… within seconds the gate turned into a Leap Pad party!” How fun! The best part is no wi-fi is needed to use this feature.
My 2/ almost 3 year old preferred the LeapPad 1. The 3 was too complicated for her to navigate and know what to do. She also quickly lost patience with it. The end of the stylus has a soft tip which she found super tempting to put in her mouth. Depending on your child, the system may be a better fit for children to start with around 3.5+ years. We took the 1 along with us though, and just like the 3, it’s so compact and easy to travel with. My 2 year old will practice a bit longer and she soon will be ready for the 3.
It’s compact size combined w/ so much 2 offer made the #LeapPad3 from .@LeapFrog perfect for travel g with the kids! pic.twitter.com/PMZbuJOtZf
— Angela Johnson (@ParentingBeyond) October 21, 2014
So the answer to whether or not the LeapPad 3 is worth upgrading to, the answer is YES! It doesn’t surprise me one bit that it is on the 2014 Holiday Top Toy List. It offers much, much more than the LeapPad 1 and adds wifi, Kid Safe Web, Peer-To-Peer play, and more to the LeapPad 2. One of the very best features is that you can still use all your previous LeapPad and Explorer games with the LeapPad 3. Way to go LeapFrog!! This Hoilday Top Toy Item ranks high on my list as it is educational and will not be thrown to the side the day after Christmas. Your child will value from it’s use for years. Get it now before it’s too late!
Check out all the LeapPad 3 has to offer at LeapFrog.com:
High Performance
Wi-fi with Kid Safe web
Kid Tough
1000+ Game & Apps
Rechargeable Battery
Personalized Learning
Parental Controls
5″ Touchscreen
Peer-To-Peer Play
Track The Child’s Progress
SUMMARY:
I highly recommend the LeapPad 3 for ages 4-9 years.
I was amazed at all this device offers as it strikes the perfect balance between what kids want and the safety parents desire.
The ability to connect with other LeapPads and the Kid Safe Web Wifi abilities are my favorite features.
It’s compact size packed with so much to do makes it perfect for on the go.
Being able to use our games from previous LeapPad models scores high points in my book!
It is tough. It survived 2 big drops by my 2 year old (she is no longer allowed to carry it 😉 ).
See the #LeapPad3 in action:
Compare Devices
 |  |  |  |
| Screen | 5-inch resistive screen | 5-inch capacitive screen | 7-inch backlit light touch screen |
| Resolution | 480×272 | 480×272 | 1024×600 |
| Rechargeable Battery | – | Built-in lithium ion | Built-in lithium ion |
| Battery Life | – | 6+ hours | 6+ hours |
| Camera | 2MP front and back | 2MP front and back | 2MP front and back |
| Video Recorder | 240p video recording | 480p video recording | 480p video recording |
| Wi-Fi | – | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Kid-Safe Web Experience | – | LeapSearch™ powered by Zui™ | LeapSearch™ powered by Zui™ |
| Accelerometer | YES | YES | YES |
| Speed | 550MHz | 1000MHz | 800MHz |
| Memory Size | 4GB | 4GB | 8GB |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Access to a library of 1000+ Educator Approved games, apps & more*† | YES | YES | YES |
| Included value | 9 apps, $60 value | 10 apps, $70 value | 11 apps, $80+ value |
| Peer-to-peer play‡ | – | YES | YES |
| Automatically adjusts skill level‡ | YES | YES | YES |
| Upload custom spelling and math lists* | YES | YES | YES |
| Built-in tutorials | YES | YES | YES |
| Recommended age range | 3-9 years | 3-9 years | 3-9 years |
| Learning Path & Parent Settings | YES | YES | YES |
| Weight (lbs.) | 0.86 | 0.85 | 1.44 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 7.1 x 5.2 x .94 | 7.5 x 5.2 x 1 | 9.05 x 6.1 x .92 |
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