As my loyal readers know, I have long been a fan of LeapFrog products, so when the public relations folks at LeapFrog chose me as one of their reviewers for the as-yet-unreleased Leapster Explorer, I was thrilled. It’s absolutely awesome. All four of my kids, ages 6-11, have been using it and they love it, even though it’s technically for up to age 9. My two youngest, especially, have been using it as often as I’ll let them, since we received it.
Since it hasn’t technically been released yet, we haven’t been able to hook the Explorer up to the computer, but all the pre-installed apps are great. My kids are thoroughly entertained and educated all at once and have nothing but good to say about the games. “The games are more fun than the Leapster 2′s,” says my 7-year-old, Cody. Logan, 6, now refuses to even touch the Leapster 2, deeming it “boring” in comparison, though knowing the temperamental nature of kids, that will change soon, I’m sure.
Kids can watch videos, read e-Books and play games via “Leaplets,” which are downloadable learning applications. They can also go online to LeapWorld, where they can turn the achievements they’ve made in their Explorer games into tokens with which to create an online character and dwelling (similar to Webkinz, if you’re familiar with that).
The Explorer is very intuitive (it personalizes games according to your child’s grade and remembers her progress) and the screen is crisp and clear. Kids can use the accompanying stylus or just touch the screen with their fingers, and the Explorer is built to run Flash, video and 3-D graphics.
Bottom line: This is LeapFrog’s absolute best product yet! I’m very impressed with it and can’t wait to see all the games and Leaplets that come out for this new gadget. I think its price is extremely reasonable for everything it does.
The only downside about the Explorer is that, unlike with all the other Leapster models, the game cartridges are not interchangeable, which means you’ll be buying a whole new set. However, its advantages more than make up for that, in my opinion, and Leapster games have long been a staple on my kids’ birthday and Christmas lists.
So, because LeapFrog chose me as a reviewer for this new product, guess what? I get to give away a Leapster Explorer too! Here’s the scoop:
THE PRIZE:
A brand new, direct-from-the-company, Leapster Explorer PLUS the Toy Story 3 cartridge game! Retail value: Nearly $95!
TO ENTER:
♣ Leave a comment telling me about your favorite LeapFrog product. Limit one comment per person.
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♣ Subscribe to my blog via RSS or email, then leave a comment letting me know.
♣ Tweet this giveaway and leave a comment with the link. (You can do this daily.) Optional phrasing for your Tweet: I’m entered to win a Leapster Explorer & game from @MomofTwinsPlus2. Check it out: http://tinyurl.com/2e69j2x.
♣ Post on your blog with a link about the giveaway and leave a comment here with a link to your post.
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PLEASE READ: Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time, Saturday, July 3, 2010. Any comments left after this time will be deleted. Open to residents of the U.S. only. The winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification with shipping info. If no response, another winner will be chosen.
GOOD LUCK!
I like the Tag Jr.
My favorite leapfrog product is the Leapster 2 – both my boys love it!
I think the My Pal Violet is adorable.
Tag Jr. for boys would be great for Abe.
I like the Didj!
I’m subscribed to your RSS feed in my Google Reader.
tweet http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/17626896918
We own a few of their baby toys and DVDs, to include Letter Factory DVD and the ABC magnets. We love them all! I would also love to get the Tag or Tag Junior for my girls!
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Tweet!
http://twitter.com/mommy2mcs/status/17630107281
Facebook Fan! (Tiffany Dudley)
I dont have/own any leapfrog products yet so maybe this will turn out to be my fave!
jdmimi at gmail dot com
Daily Tweet
http://twitter.com/mnsteph/status/17641616234
my pal violet ty.
Tristan plays with his Leappad almost every day.
Daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/mom2anutball/status/17648515401
My favorite is the Tag™ Learn to Read Series Gift Pack.
daily tweet http://twitter.com/5memb/status/17653549120
My favorite leapfrom product is the Leapster! My son loves his (first version)
I fan of Parenting By Trial and Error on Facebook (Jd Drenchek-Scavo)
Sorry, I just messed that up! Here’s the right one….
7/3 tweet: http://twitter.com/MSW1978/status/17662661502
MY favorite Leap Frog product is the My Pal Scout
I subscribe via RSS Google Reader
Tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/17663617203
I “LIKE” you on Facebook (Nicole Pitts)
I follow via Networked Blogs (Nicole Pitts)
Right now my youngest is really liking the Fridge Farm™ Magnetic Animal Set. Lets me get a lot done around the house.
My daughter loves her Leapster 2
http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/17669631641
Follow my blog on Networked Blogs
Became a fan of Parenting By Trial and Error on Facebook
We like the tag reader and the tag books.
we also like the tag jr!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
fb fan
amyd
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
The Fridge DJ is my favorite item.
I subscribe.
Daily Tweet @mommalovesmee
http://twitter.com/mommalovesmee/status/17680573820
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I blogged about this giveaway!
http://mommalovesmee.blogspot.com/2010/07/giveaway-leapfrogs-new-leapster.html
(mommalovesmee AT GMAIL DOT COM )
I love the Learn and Groove Table. So much fun for the little ones!
triciaATsunsandfamilyDOTcom
I became a fan of yours on Facebook!
I subscribed via email.
triciaATsunsandfamilyDOTcom
the leapster! our neighbor has one and my son loves it.
we have some leapfrog items here, too…like that tad doll that talks and sings that he loves.
my guy would love this toy!
thanks!
kangabunnie@gmail.com
We love my son’s My Own Leaptop!
I follow with networked blogger.
I like Parenting by Trial and Error on facebook.
My granddaughter has My Pal Violet. Thank You
My daughter loved her Leap Frog Electronic Shopping Cart. She loved the scanner part and talking to “Tad” from time to time. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Hi. We own the Tag reading system and we love it.
I subscribe with email
I tweeted
http://goo.gl/i3ge