LeapFrog LeapPad Vs Epic
The advance in technology also changes the trend of our kid’s toys because they may be more interested in playing with smartphones or computers and it may expose them to topics that are too sensitive for their young age. To help parents monitor the children, we can try giving them tablets like LeapFrog LeapPad Vs Epic which are designed to be appropriate for young users. If parents are considering these options as well, let’s see what the two can offer and which seems more interesting.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- How to Make Tablet Safe for Children
- What are LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic
- How are the Design of LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic
- How are the Performance of LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic
- How are the Interface of LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic
- How are the Connectivity in LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic
- How are the Apps in LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic
- LeapFrog LeapPad Vs Epic
Tablet For Children
Children are always full of curiosity and they are very actively learning as well, sometimes there are subjects that can be too young for them to learn or not appropriate for their age yet. As their parents we want them to have the best time of their childhood since they will never experience it again as they grow bigger and older. Especially for parents whose kids are taking a liking to smart devices, we have to be very careful in monitoring their usage.
For example, like tablets, this compact device is very rich in information and as long as they are connected to the Wi-Fi, the kids basically can access anything the internet can offer and this can be quite dangerous for them. If your children are going to use their own tablet or your tablet, we have to make sure they can only access things that are tailored for their age and as much restricting them to use the browser without boundary.
First, if they will have access to the smart device whether it is at a certain time or all the time, we have to provide the device with children apps, if possible download as many interesting children-friendly apps as possible. It can be games appropriate for their age and learning apps such as reading, drawing, or math apps. There are plenty of free apps depending on the app store native to your operating system. For example there are even apps like Samsung Kids Mode which is programmable to limit the tablet’s functions for children.
In both Android and iOS based tablets there are child safety locks as well where you can lock the screen and set a password in their security settings. This function helps parents decide what apps can be used by the kids when the screen is locked. This prevents them from using various potentially dangerous apps such as the browser when they are using the tablet without the parent’s guidance.
LeapFrog LeapPad | LeapFrog Epic | |
---|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 0.99 x 7.5 x 5.1 inches | 0.59 x 8.54 x 5.94 inches |
Shipping Weight | 13 ounces | 1 pounds |
Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Besides from the software side, it is also necessary to protect the hardware too. Children tend to be careless and this is why we have to put extra protection on the device itself to prevent damaging it beyond repair. Make sure to enforce the unit with a rubber or hard plastic case so we don’t have to worry when they drop it or handle it roughly. Screen protection is also a great addition to keep the display from getting scratched. Read also: Barbie Dream House Vs LOL Dollhouse here.
About LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic
If these steps are too complicated, there is actually a simpler way to both give the kid an entertainment tool but also act as an educating device and this is by giving them a children tablet. They may sound unfamiliar for many parents but, there are some brands in the market designing tablets specifically for children and since they are tailored for young users, we can be at ease that there are no dangerous apps or features not appropriate for their age yet.
LeapFrog is one and probably the most popular kids tablets out there. With competitors like Amazon, there is certainly a less crowded market for this section and this is great to narrow down the options to let parents choose quickly. LeapFrog itself has been designing and marketing their kids tablets for a while after succeeding with many of its educational toys. What most parents love from their toys is that it is both entertaining and educational so their kids won’t get bored quickly with their toys.
They currently carry some of the best options as well and you can choose based on which seems to be the most ideal for your children such as between the LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic tablet. The two are very similar but in comparison, we are talking about the newest LeapPad because the original LeapPad that was released in 2004 is more of an audio book with interactive style. Currently, these two are some of the most popular kids tablets from their collection.
In comparison they are functioning like a regular tablet with Android or iOS system and essentially an Android based system too. But, they are modified to be more children-friendly such as with colorful themes, large icons, kids-appropriate app store, and much robust built quality. Between the LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic, the basic systems are the same but the Epic or Epic Academy version will be able to use more learning features based on the software so if you plan on letting the kid use the tablet for prolonged time, it is wise to get the Epic version.
LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic Design
Side by side the LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic are very similar but not exactly the same. They do have shatter-safe 5 and 7-inch screens respectively which seems robust but they are not indestructible because the screens are not scratch-free and it is probably better to put an additional screen protector too. The overall dimensions of these tablets are 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches compared to 9 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches with plastic as the main material and actually pretty sturdy when dropped.
The size is perfect for young children to hold and we see there is no issue about how they handle and navigate with the device; the only problem is probably how the screens are less responsive if they are used to regular Android or iPad tablets. You will get a stylus with the tablet and there are few ports as well on the unit but we want to mention that with Epic there is no slot for cartridge unlike the LeapPad variant thus, the only way to have or play games or apps is by downloading them.
LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic Performance
Now let’s see what the LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic can offer starting from the impression. We do think they are quite intuitive to use and similar to typical tablets but the animation is what makes it attractive for children. We are not sure what hardware they use for these tablets but these two are very slow to respond, far slower than entry-level or mid-range phones nowadays so the kids have to be patient. The systems can make several profiles however, if it will be used by more than one kid.
LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic Interface
The prominent difference we see is probably their home screen in which LeapPad is simpler, more straightforward, you can see the menu right after logging in and the UI has a neat layout just like regular tablets. With Epic, there is customized wallpapers or town scene where you can add characters on it, almost like a widget on our smart device, such as showing the weathers, a clock that can be fast forwarded, a function where kids can learn new word everyday etc. overall the Epic is richer in comparison.
LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic Connectivity
In terms of connectivity the LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic are connecting to your Wi-Fi and this is the only way the latter can download new apps because it doesn’t have the cartridge slot. The store is fully accessed by the parents however so we can make sure only the adults can decide what can be downloaded. This is an important part since one of the reasons why we like LeapFrog’s tablets is because their games and apps for kids are often cheaper than typical app stores.
They similarly have LeapSearch which is safe for children and only contains the content we parents approved for them. We can customize this browser such as blocking some sites to limit what the kids can see on the internet.
LeapFrog LeapPad and Epic Apps
Lastly on the learning app, the Epic is richer, however regardless of whether you are getting the Epic or Epic Academy version. There is this LeapPad Academy which unfortunately is only compatible with LeapPad Academy, Epic series, other tablets like Amazon Fire, and even computers or phones. This app is very interesting for kids. If you get the original Epic, we have to download this app however but with the Academy version it is already installed. Additionally the Epic is packing 16GB memory, expandable to 32GB instead of 4GB.
LeapFrog LeapPad Vs Epic
Both of them are good learning and entertainment systems for kids but are also different. The most prominent is the original LeapPad line in which now the LeapPad3 has a much smaller 5-inch display instead of 7-inch. It is also quite difficult to find in the market as LeapFrog are moving with newer products and now are focusing on modern education where Epic is. The latter don’t have cartridges anymore, relying completely on download. It has a customizable display and is compatible with LeapPad Academy.
Conclusion
In comparison we do think the newer tablets are better because LeapFrog put much improvement here and personally we also recommend getting the newer variants as well such as Epic or Epic Academy to enjoy these new features.