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Product Description
Amazon.com
The Leapster Explorer Grade School Globetrotter Pack contains everything your child needs to get going on this ultimate handheld learning device. Offering a range of interactive activities, customized skills, and videos, the Leapster Explorer game system comes pre-installed with the Pet Game and provides endless ways to play for kids ages four to nine. This bundle also includes the Globe Earth Adventures game and a carrying case for on-the-go play.
Games, Videos, and E-Books Build School and Life Skills
Winner of several industry awards, including Toy of the Year (TOTY) 2011, Leapster Explorer encourages kids to explore something new every day with over 40 games and activities that develop school skills while keeping active minds entertained. High-resolution graphics and well-loved characters from Dora to Buzz Lightyear to the Madagascar Penguins keep kids engaged as they develop reading, math, science, and geography skills and build life skills like music, health, and problem solving.
From games to learning apps, personalized play to progress updates, and on-the-go to online adventures, Leapster Explorer offers a wide variety of ways for kids to play and learn.
Easy Setup and Software Installation
Setting up the Leapster Explorer is easy enough for older kids to complete on their own. Younger ones might need help using a coin (nickels work best) to remove the battery compartment cover and inserting four AA batteries (not included). From here, kids choose their language, set the time and date, and create a player name for everyone who will be using the device. The device comes with a CD-ROM to install the LeapFrog Connect Application, which includes a free game and gives your child access to an online world of material and options.
Connect to Discover World of Fun and Learning
When children connect the Leapster Explorer to a computer via the included USB cord, they'll be able to download any one of the over 20 available learning apps they'd like to play by entering the code on the included Starter Leaplet download card (additional cards can be purchased online and in stores). Our testers liked that when kids download these apps, they first identify themselves by player name. In cases where siblings are using the same Leapster, everyone still has their own personal cache of activities. The one negative of this system, however, is that the thin Leaplet cards can easily get lost before they are cashed in online.
As children play, the Leapster Explorer automatically adjusts the learning level so kids can learn at their own pace and remembers play progress from game to game. It lets kids get practice and reinforcement via customized math and spelling skill lessons as they play.
Track Your Child's Play and Learning on Learning Path
The online connection gives parents access to what LeapFrog calls the "Learning Path," which shares details about which games and activities children play most often, what questions they're answering, and what different learning benefits these games and questions provide. New skills appear as little digital footprints that then become "stepping stones" on a child's "Learning Path"--a visual representation of everything he or she is learning. For instance, if she's been busy with math-focused games, the footprint may say "Math: Subtraction" and you can click on it to read more about that particular skill set.
Our testers found the Learning Path to be a convenient way to keep tabs on what kinds of games/activities a child chooses most often, as well as those he or she avoids. Armed with that information, parents can appraise their child's overall academic skill set, including areas of improvement.
Explore the World with Globe Earth Adventures
Designed for kids ages four to seven (preschool through first grade), the Globe Adventures game for the Leapster Explorer lets kids embark on an exciting mission to help build geography, map, and other skills. They fly a plane to different destinations using the D-pad and learn the names of continents by clicking on their place on the globe. Games include real-life photos to teach facts about the world so kids can build skills to become elite members of the GEO team. Playing this game also helps kids earn online rewards.
Carrying Case for Portability and Storage
The zippered carrying case protects the Leapster or Leapster 2 on the go and has a wrist strap for easy carrying, although it may be too big to stay on smaller wrists. There are also two mesh pockets and three elastic straps for holding up to five game cartridges and accessories. Durable and easy to use, this case helps parents encourage kids to clean up and take care of their system and games when they're done playing for the day.
What's in the Box
Leapster Explorer, USB cord, installation CD-ROM, Leaplet learning app download card, quick start guide, carrying case, and Global Earth Adventures game.
Product Description
Introducing Leapster Explorer, an extraordinary new learning experience that encourages children to discover something new every day with endless ways to play and learn--from games, e-Books, videos, and online play to customizable learning skills and more.
Features include:
•Use this case to protect your Leapster Explorer handheld as you take the fun and learning on the go!
•Get ready for an interactive adventure as you take your airplane around the globe
Customer Reviews
The system was packaged well and was easy to get up and running after installing four AA batteries, which were not included. There are ports on the handheld system for an AC adapter, earphones, and USB. The system fits perfectly in my children's hands and the buttons are well laid out. An attached stylus is also provided for gameplay and writing drills.
The games are very educational and engaging, providing hours of fun for my kids. Games containing logic, math, spelling, geography, and reading are all available for purchase. I love that games can be installed via the web, or can be purchased in cartridge form at stores. I can't finish this review without mentioning the quality screen that is on this little system. The picture quality is amazing and the touchscreen worked very well. Great job LeapFrog!
This device is clearly designed to compete with the Nintendo DS and also it ends up being in competition with smart phones like the iPhone. I think the main selling point of the Leapster Explorer is that it is designed solely for educational apps. This means that if you buy this device for your child, your child will be shielded from the sometimes violent games that are offered on the Nintendo DS and the iPhone (via the Apple App Store). So, you know that, no matter what your child plays, he or she will be playing something educational. Frankly, I think this is the main selling point of this device. You can get some educational apps for the Nintendo DS (not many though) and you can get a lot of educational apps for the iPhone, but only the Leapster Explorer offers these types of apps exclusively.
Finally, I would like to recommend that a potential buyer also consider the LeapPad Explorer. The LeapPad Explorer seems to be compatible with many of the educational apps that the Leapster Explorer plays but contains a bigger screen and a built in camera. (It is also more expensive!) Personally, I think that the Leapster Explorer is fun to use and my niece and nephew were not put off by its small size, indeed, it seems perfect for them, but I thought I should mention the options that you have.
Admittedly, our preschooler has gotten alot of learning and entertainment value from this unit and he has played with this Leapster Explorer practically everyday for the past month and a half.
However, here are some of the likes and dislikes I have regarding the Leapster Explorer...
Pros:
*While he's using it, it keeps our preschooler engaged and is both fun and educational for him.
*It offers good clean, wholesome educational and fun apps.
*Very rugged and tough.
*Carrying case provides excellent protection to the handheld and cartridges.
*The monitor displays excellent graphics and colors.
*When unit is left idle, it automatically powers down. I think I like this feature the most.***
Cons:
*This unit does not come with an AC adapter. It is an additional purchase. About $10.00 - $15.00 or you can get the rechargable batteries and the docking station for an additional $50.00+
*Although this unit is USB, it is for transmission only and does not power the unit.
*Cartridges are a bit pricey $24.00+ and the online web store is very limited on their selections. (We did find some Leapster Explorer download cards at Mal-Wart, on clearance, for $14.97 which contained two cards, each good for one downloadable app, ebook, game or video, through their online store. However, as an iPad 2 owner, we get access to thousands of apps, games and video for free... which in all honesty, puts this unit to shame.)
*The user agreement is extremely intrusive and you essentially agree to allow them to violate your privacy. We agreed, but we did not use any of our primary computers to install their software. (You may want to review or install their user agreement and software on a cleaned or scrubbed computer.) -1 star
*Loaded with lots of advertising. This direct marketing to children is absolutely shameful, deplorable and just leaves me feeling pretty sour about leapster. -1 Star
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