If you can afford it, I'd go with ipads. I thought it was an insanely expensive gift for a child, but it has gotten more use than any toy ever, often for educational games. And, while I'm sure something new will come out before too much time goes by, it isn't a toy that I expect my kids to outgrow anytime soon.

We bought the leappad twice and returned it. First was totally defective and wouldn't even turn on. Second the touch screen was so unresponsive as to render it useless -- you would have to press the screen 6+ times to get it to respond. Even setting that aside, after 10 minutes it was obvious it just wasn't anywhere nearly as good as the ipad apps, in particular the drawing ones since the screen is very small. Ipad also has tons and tons of free aps, and since for a 5 year old you will go through them quickly enough as they outgrow the aps, you will definitely save money over the $20 cartridges for the leappad.

There is slim to no chance your kids will be interested in the leap pad a few yrs from now...

New poster here: We were also contemplating a LeapPad purchase. DH and I both have iphones and we have a laptop, but no real intention of buying an iPad or mini for several years. I was thinking about buying a LeapPad for my kids (3 and 5) to share for a few years til we take the plunge and but an iPad. The reason that I'm pretty sure we're going to go ahead and get it is because the main times I would want to use it (i.e. when one child and I are waiting for their sibling during dance class or soccer practice,) I don't want to give them my iPhone because I'm using it!

Anonymous wrote:Another parent whose kids ditched the LeapPad for apple products. If you are considering this and looking at costs, one thing to know that apps are really cheap compared to cartridges.

Me too. Got DD one last year. Yet all she wants is my iPad. LeapPad barely used.

Another parent whose kids ditched the LeapPad for apple products. If you are considering this and looking at costs, one thing to know that apps are really cheap compared to cartridges.

My DD got a leap pad 2 for her 4th birthday. She also uses many apps on my phone.

Yes, the leap pad apps are definitely more expensive, but there are some advantages in that they are more complex and take longer to play through a full game cycle. Many also have more skill levels and address a greater variety of skill than most apps.

I feel like the leap pad is helping develop a longer attention span -- she focuses on the same thing and longer. With the iphone/ipad she will play for a long time, but there is a lot more switching between apps.

There are some great ipad/iphone apps out there and many are inexpensive, but I find they need more review on my part. The leap pad apps/stories we've purchased have all been educationally sound-- can't say the same for all the ipad/phone.

An advantage for the apple products is the same apps can be loaded on up to 5 devices - so you can share apps more easily. With the leap pad if you buy cartridges they can be shared, but if you download them I think you can only put them on one (not completely sure on this though).

We use the phone for short times, and the leap pad for longer trips and play with friends.

I have an Leappad sitting in my closet never used. Not a fan at all.

I would go for the Mini over the touch as the screen size is better. I found with the apps and ipod/ipad, it is cheaper in the long run than the Leappad. You could also consider a Kindle if you don't already own tons of apple apps. (we only own apple but there are other good options)

I'd go with an iTouch or the iPad if you can afford it. We get SO much use out of our iTouch with 4 yo DD. There are some great, cheap apps. It's nice to have tons of music handy, and if we're somewhere with wifi, the Internet access is a huge bonus. It's something she will use for a while.

My 7 year old still loves her Leappad. I am not comfortable getting her - or my 10 year old - and iPad yet. I am getting both of them ipod touches for Christmas. The games are different from the Leappad games and they will use both.

Tip: You can get ipod touches refurbished on the Apple website for much less than the new ones. I am getting the refurbished ones latest generation they have for refurbs (3rd?) in the smallest memory size on the theory that, in a few years, we are probably looking at an iphone/ipad or both for the older one.

DS is turning 5 next month. He got a leap pad last year. It was a huge hit for a while but now doesn't play with it much and much prefers the iPad and iPhone

My sons 5 and getting an ipad.

He has a leapster buta prefers my phone with apps.

Updating pp, my kids are 11,9 and 7 and we do have a ds too but they prefer the apple products

My nephew is 4 and loves the LeapPad. We had the earlier versions when my kids were that age. All the Leapster items have been wonderful!

As for the ds or itouch or iPad mini, I'd pick an apple product because apps are so much cheaper. You can buy so many games for .99 each! Then you just have to weigh how much you want to spend on either the touch or the iPad. We have 2 touches and 2 full size iPads. The kids use the touches and we use the iPads

Kids ages 8, 7, and 5 all want electronic toys for Christmas. Aside from Wii (and my iPad) we don't have any yet. Am wondering about the LeapPad for my 5 year old. Anyone have experiences to share?

Also debating about DS versus iTouch versus iPad mini for the older (or maybe all of the) kids. Opinions welcome!