With the release of the LeapPad3 and LeapPad Ultra XDi, parents have two new options for gifting tablets to their kids that eliminate the need for parental locks and all but rule out the possibility of cracked screens.
LeapFrog Enterprises announced its follow up to the LeapPad Ultra when it unveiled the LeapPad 3 and LeapPad Ultra XDi on June 24.
The LeapPad 3 features a five-inch screen with a resolution of 480x272, while the LeapPad Ultra XDi boasts a seven-inch screen a pixel count of 1024x600. Both devices have been equipped with 2-megapixel front- and rear-facing cameras and Wi-Fi.
The two tablets are distinguished by processing power, with the LeapPad 3 powered by a 1000-Mhz processors and the LeapPad Ultra XDi, oddly enough, clocked lower at 800-MHz. But with 8 GB of storage, the LeapPad Ultra XDi doubles the LeapPad 3's space for housing apps and ebooks and education videos.
LeapPad offered its first children's tablet in 2011, seeking to fulfill the needs of a neglected niche in the techonoly market. Jody Sherman LeVos, Ph.D., director of LeapFrog's Learning Team, stated his company set out produce tablets and content that was educational -- its tablet content has been curated by its in-house staff, composed of experts all holding doctorates in the field of education.
"Parents searching for their child's first tablet are confronted with many choices that say they are designed for kids or have access to a library of 'educator-endorsed' content. However, when you look 'under the hood,' these tablets may be fun but lack the essential deliverables parents are looking for in a safe, educational experience for their child," LeVos said.
Protecting that educational content from drops, a "kid-tough design" insulates impact areas of LeapPad tablets. Their screens have been sealed with silicon gaskets to prevent cracks from developing and shards from dislodging from the tables.
The LeapPad 3 has a manufacturers suggested retail price of $99, while the price of the LeapPad Ultra XDi was set at $129.
"LeapPad3 and LeapPad Ultra XDi provide parents the perfect introductory tablets that are high-performing, and have access to a kid-safe web experience designed for a child to explore their passions and interests, along with a learning library of high-quality games and apps," said LeVos.
