LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Learning Tablet {Review}

Disclosure:  I received this product to review in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.

We have been a Leapfrog family since my kids were born and honestly I couldn’t even tell you how many Leapfrog products we own, as its a lot. One product (actually two) though that my boys use daily are their LeapPad tablets. From the first LeapPad to the LeapPad2 to the LeapPad Ultra, we have them all. These tablets have been on vacation with us, gone to bed with my boys, entertained them at restaurants and are often their go-to “toy.” Each LeapPad has been expanded upon and just keeps getting better and better in my opinon. My absolute favorite feature though is they make sure the games all work on all the LeapPad systems. So no matter if you have the first LeapPad or the new LeapPad Ultra, the game cartridges are the same!

(Notice too the Ultra is available in three different colors)

The Newest LeapPad Ultra is more expensive that the other LeapPad versions have been (or are currently) but I think it has some great features to offer. Here are the features of the new LeapPad Ultra compared to the LeapPad 2 tablet:

• 7-inch backlit Light-touch screen (compared to 5-inch backlit Resistive touch screen)
• 1024×600 Resolution (compared to 480 x 272)
• 800 MHz Processor speed (compared to 550 MHz)
• 8GB memory built-in (compared to 4GB)
• Wi-Fi with kid-safe Web (no other LeapPad has had Wi-Fi)
• Motion sensor
• 2MP camera and 480p video recording (compared to 240p video recording) – Oh and there is a camera on the front and back
• MP3 Player Built-In (previously it was sold seperately)
• Includes 11 apps – $80 value (compared to 5 apps and $40 value)
• Up to 9 hour battery life
• AC-adapter included (not included previously)
• Peer-to-Peer Play (this is completely new to the Ultra)
• Learning Path & Parent settings online
• 12-month warranty

So basically for the cost of the new LeapPad Ultra you get the new features of Wi-Fi, Peer-to-Peer gaming, more apps included, a charger (yeah for no more batteries), more memory (yeah for not running out of room, which yes we have come close on our old LeapPad2), Faster speed (yeah for faster loading time as patience is not something my kids have mastered yet.) To me I can’t even think of anything else I would add to the LeapPad Ultra. They have almost upgraded every feature from previous versions.

What do we think of the new LeapPad Ultra? Love it! First off the design is different whereas the old LeapPad2 was mostly green, the new Ultra is white, black and green which I think makes it look more modern and grown up. It is heavy though, but for everything that is built-in I guess it would need to be. This new model is for ages 4-9 instead of 3-9 probably due to the Wi-Fi but my 2 year old who is used to the LeapPad 2 even plays it.

Parent Settings page:

Homepage (notice on the top right the WiFi signal and battery life)

LeapPad Ultra Vs. LeapPad2:

Like I mentioned the Wi-Fi connection is a new feature to the Leapfrog products. To set it up, a parent just needs to click Settings and login with a four digit password to set up the WiFi connection. This was easy enough and I didn’t have any problems. Once set up your child is able to go on the Internet, but don’t worry its not just any ole’ Internet. LeapSearch, powered by Zui, is a web browser designed just for kids with contest that has been reviewed and approved by LeapFrog’s in -house team of learning experts.

The peer-to-peer gaming is great if you have multiple kids at home with LeapPad Ultra’s or if they have friends with one. You just select Multiplayer and it will say its searching for more racers. My boys were amazed that they could race against each other.

My boys favorite game, its a racing game:

While you are waiting to customize your car you have to answer math problems!

Overall, I am loving the new LeapPad Ultra. It truly is a tablet that can grow with your kids and my son who is almost 7 doesn’t think its babyish, which I know some worry about. I think the only thing that LeapFrog can add really is to open up the Wi-Fi to approved by parents apps (my boys do miss Angry Birds from our iPad which is not available on the LeapPad.) LeapSearch contains Categories for kids to click on as well as Videos and Pictures but again its all safe content.

There is no URL to type into, just click on videos, photos, or Categories:

Here is my video review, sorry its not the best as I held the camera and the LeapPad:

BUY IT: The LeapPad Ultra by LeapFrog can be purchased direct from LeapFrog for $149.99 or look for it at a mass retailer near you (or online.)