New tablet computer coming just for child users

By Troy Dreier

If you want to know what kids like, look to toy-maker LeapFrog. They know the secret: Young children want whatever their parents have.

That’s why the company has introduced learning toys shaped like notebook computers and cell phones in the past. And that’s why its latest creation gives kids a tablet computer all their own.

I got a chance to play with a pre-production model of the LeapPad this week in New York. The toy was just introduced, and is available for pre-sale. It won’t hit stores, though, until Aug. 15.

The games available on the LeapPad aren’t all that different than those available for the iPad, except that they emphasize learning. LeapFrog is good about putting the fun first, so kids don’t get turned off.

Kids can play interactive storybooks, where they can read the stories themselves or have the story read aloud. Stories are available at three skill levels, so that they adjust for the child’s knowledge.

The tablet includes a camera, and the photo tools will certainly be popular.

Kids can snap pictures, draw over them, and stretch them out. When they’re done, Mom or Dad can connect the tablet to the home computer to print pics out or post them on Facebook.

The tablet comes with a few apps on-board, and parents can connect it to a computer to download a few more for free. After that, additional apps cost $5 to $10 each. There’s a slot for Leapster Explorer game cartridges.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the LeapPad goes for $99.99. When the company reps first showed it to me, I guessed it would sell for higher.

The 5-inch, 420 x 272 touch screen looks great and it even has a built-in motion sensor. Some games require kids to hold the tablet in certain way to move a character on-screen. It’s a slick experience.

So before you let your kid play with your pricey iPad, consider getting the LeapPad, instead. It’s just as much fun, and your kids will learn something, too.