game system things

so for the girls birthday, we went from either buying the leapster explorer or the vtech mobigo... to the leapster tablet or the vtech tablet... to now dh is thinking it might just be better to just get them ipod touch's, and we can download free games... AND he's even looked at cheaper tablets that they can have as their own, and with downloading free games, it would end up costing less in the end, where with the leapster/vtech stuff, they have to pay for all games...
did this make sense?
what would you do?
and do any of you have the leapster or vtech tablet? or do you have a regular tablet and your kids play educational games on it?

 

We are planning on getting the new leappad for the boys for Christmas. I havent done a ton of research but feel it would be more durable than a tablet or iPod. Looking forward to hearing others input.

 

I don't trust my kids with ipads etc... so for us it will be the leappad as well.

 

We bought the leappad tablets for their birthday and the kids love them. I understand about the cost analysis and why you may want to consider getting an ipad instead. I was not willing to take the risk of the kids dropping an ipad and having to re-purchase/repair it. Have a look at the free downloads for the ipad and the games on the v-tech and and leappad and see which you prefer.

 

We have the Leapster Explorers and they play games on our iPhones. I prefer that they play on their explorers. They like both equally. I would like to think about getting them the leappads for xmas, but I don't think we'll have the money for that this year.

 

Same here. Except we have old iPhones with out sim cards that the girls use

 

We bought the leappad for this christmas, I thought they would be a huge idem this year so I bought them early, just need to get some games. I heard that either the explorer or the leapster 2 games work on it also, I need to find out.

 

My kids are all deprived. LOL We don't have any kind of game systems, not even for our 7 year old. :tomato: :laughing:

I'd say get the ones that are most durable and cost efficient...though I have no idea which that is.

 

We got our girls the Leapster Explorers for their birthday. I wish I had waited for the Leappads to come out. Now, I can't justify buying those for a while. They do like their Leapsters and they are helping Abby learn how to write her letters. It's crazy how good she is at it already.

 

Both Luke & Lila have the Leapster Explorer & they like them. They do, however, end up playing with the family ipad much more often. I have found that by setting some rules (must be sitting down, no running around with it, no eating or drinking while using it, etc), getting a good protective cover and with moderate supervision, we have had no problems with them dropping it or damaging it in any way (we have had it since Christmas with no problems).

 

We purchased Leap Pads for our kids for Christmas. My two would be too destructive for an I-Pod touch and I feel the Leap Pads would survive them better :laughing:
Good luck with your decision!

 

I bought a leappad for my 5 old for her birthday in september and she LOVES it! I'm also in the camp that I'd worry about them dropping/breaking an ipad. I don't even have an ipad yet, my kids aren't getting one before me

I'm planning to get the twins leappads for their 3rd birthday in february.

 

I have never seen a LeapPad before but it sounds like a lot of fun. My kids do enjoy reading kids books on my husband's iPad.

How are the apps that the LeapPad comes with? It looks like you can buy games for around $20. I am trying to get an idea of how much additional cost a LeapPad will entail beyond the initial system. Do kids seem to get bored easily and want to try new apps?

 

We have also been looking into leap pads, maybe for their birthday. I was going to get them leapsters, then the leap pad came out so I might just have to scrimp and save and get them. Any opinions on whether you need two?

I just bought a V-Tech V.Smile (I think is what it's called) from a consignment sale. It plugs into the TV so not really portable but the girls seem to like it so far. It came with 6 games, all for $20 so I figure if they end up not liking it or using it I can sell it at a yardsale and not be out much. (Also, the games that came with it range from preschool level to about 1st grade I think so we'll be able to use it for awhile. I also found several games for less than $10 at Amazon.)

 

thanks, all! i think i've managed to talk dh out of the ipods and ipads, and so now it's basically between leap frog and vtech. i will have to start a new post for this one! ha!

 

Dlong - yeah I think it's something you'll need two of... my kids would definitely fight over it.

 

my dh was like, "why do we need 2?" is he serious? i'm all for them sharing toys, but this is something *I* want them to each have their own of, so that if we are traveling, or somewhere where there is nothing for them to do, i don't have to keep hearing, "now it's my turn!" every. 2. minutes.

ETA: my kids do NOT have patience to wait their turn, so they definitely need their own.

 

I think something like that is definitely one they would need their own. I learned the hard way with Tag Jr.

 

Just wanted to let you know that they have a new value pack version for leap pad for the same price that includes a free game, of course I dont have this one. I already bought the ones without it, I will be taking the ones I bought back for the value pack....What a pain in the butt!!!!

 

Yes each needs their own!

 

I agree each needs their own! Ours game with 3 free games, and my dd (5) has finished the games we got already. I did buy her one new game and she's finished it and I've restarted it for her We'll buy her a few more games for Christmas.