LeapPad Ultra {Review}
I’ve been considering getting Jude a LeapPad for awhile now. He’s always interested in playing on his Grandma’s tablet but I wasn’t sure if his excitement would wear off if he had constant access to his own. Well, we’ve had the LeapPad Ultra now for about a week and he is as enamored with is as he was when I opened it. 
This year, LeapFrog introduced the LeapPad Ultra, the ultimate kids’ learning tablet. The LeapPad Ultra is designed for use by children so it’s durable, easy to use and has child-friendly content.
What makes the Ultra so amazing?
- The larger 7-inche high-resolution screen
- Rechargeable battery
- Front and back cameras and video recorder
- MP3 Player
- More memory (8G)
- Wi-Fi enabled
There are also advanced paternal controls so you can have peace of mind while your child plays and learns on the LeapPad Ultra. You can limit access to certain features and know that all of the web content is 100% kid-appropriate and has been reviewed and approved by LeapFrog’s Learning Team.
I really like that it has Wi-Fi capability so I can easily purchase and download new apps, games and video without having to connect the device to my computer. Children can also use the wi-fi access for peer-to-peer play between other LeapPad Ultra tablets are connected locally. This would be great if we decide to get another LeapPad Ultra for Noah so they can play games together.
The included content will provide entertainment and learning even before you purchase any game cartridges or apps.
Standard Included Apps and Features:
- A music player with 10 LeapFrog Learning Songs
- Art Studio Ultra
- Photo Fun Ultra App
- New and Improved Pet Pad app
- Pet Chat app
- Utility suite with calculator, notepad, calendar, voice memo and cloth with stopwatch
- Plus an additional download from the LeapFrog App Center
Jude really loves the Pet Pad Party since he can create a variety of virtual pets, take care of them, play games with them and name them. We also downloaded a few apps and eBooks from the LeapFrog App center.
I love that it’s a durable product that can endure the being handled by rough boys. Kids are tough on toys so toys, especially higher priced toys like the LeapPad Ultra need to be able to withstand the rigorous activity bestowed upon it by a 5 year old. And let me tell you, my boys have run the LeapPad Ultra through some intensive testing. It’s been dropped countless times, sat upon, slobbered on and more… and it keeps working!
But most of all, I love that it’s a product from LeapFrog. LeapFrog is a brand that I trust to produce quality educational toys that entertain my kids and teach them valuable skills. We own numerous LeapFrog products and I have never been disappointed in any of their items. The LeapPad Ultra is on par with what I expect to see from LeapFrog.
The only drawbacks I’ve noticed is that some of the apps are a little price at $25 each (prices start at $5). I have a hard time spending money on apps for my phone/tablet so it’s a little bit painful to pay that much for a kids game. However, LeapFrog does offer download cards which make for great stocking stuffers and I’ve noticed several sale offers for apps. Additionally, I’ve noticed that the load time can be a little slow, especially if you child is used to playing games on a faster electronic device like you grown-up tablet. Yet, Jude doesn’t seem to mind that it takes a few extra minutes for the tablet to switch tasks.
Overall, I would highly recommend the LeapPad Ultra to anyone who is interested in a kid-friendly tablet for their child. It may be a little bit more expensive than some of the other available tablets designed for kids but it is very great product and you pay for what you get.
I was provided a sample of the LeapPad Ultra though a review program. The opinions expressed are my own.
