LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate

(LeapFrog $80.99 and up)

LeapFrog’s updated LeapPad, the Ultimate model is not that different from the award winning Platinum Seal version. If you have that, you don’t need this one. If, however, your kids have just arrived at that moment when having a tablet is on the agenda, you’ll want to consider this rugged, built-for-kids hardware instead of handing-off your more delicate and personal tablet. The LeapPad Ultimate has a built-in bumper and 7- inch shatter-safe screen to withstand the predictable ups and downs in the hands of young children. With a touch screen and stylus, this tablet allows parents to manage and customize their kids screen time by pre-selecting games and videos that kids can access. This version comes loaded with over a hundred dollars worth of software that makes it an age-appropriate device without giving them entre to the world-wide web and the many connections you have on your own tablet. Not only that, you can go online and buy more of the well-developed apps in LeapFrog’s extensive library of games, videos, and learning tools. It’s available in green or pink. We suggest the neutral green, so it can be handed off to younger sibs or cousins, of either gender. Marked for 3-9 year olds, we’d say the real sweet spot is most of the software is more like early school years, 5-8.