LeapFrog LeapStart

[PinkJam]

Has anyone got this and what do you think?

I have been reading a lot of reviews past few days and still can’t decide.

Some people say they’re great for learning and hold the child’s attention well. They have plenty of choice in the books.

However other reviews complain of constantly needing to put in new batteries, that not many pages of the books are 3D and that it’s hassle to have to plug it into a laptop to get the books to work correctly.

Thanks to anyone that can help

However other reviews complain of constantly needing to put in new batteries, that not many pages of the books are 3D and that it’s hassle to have to plug it into a laptop to get the books to work correctly.

Agree with the comment about the batteries - we've just bought some rechargeable ones because of how quickly it's getting through them.

The other complaints, while valid, aren't a problem for us. DD has only two books, but they're enough to keep her entertained for hours and hours - particularly the numbers one, which is exclusively activities (as opposed to the Peppa Pig one, which is centred around a story). So I think it'll be quite a while before she's amassed and gotten bored of all the books that might interest her. And the laptop thing really isn't a big deal unless you own more books than the device can hold (5 or so) and have to swap them - otherwise it's just a one-time load when you buy the book, which takes no more than a minute or so.

Something to be aware of - the most basic "maths" book isn't really maths - it's just familiarity with numbers. It's still a good book, but if you're looking for addition and subtraction type stuff, you need a more advanced one.

I posted on the bargains thread earlier that the Leapstart itself is down to £28.99 on Amazon at the moment on a Prime day deal.

Oh sorry - just realised I misunderstood your point about the 3D features - I thought you were talking about the number of 3D versus 2D books, not the 3D pages within the book. I can't say that's something I've paid much attention to - there's certainly plenty of features that are 3D, so if there are pages that don't have that, I've not really noticed.

My DD got one last year. We love it. She has gone through phases of using it alot. She was on it alot through lock down, I'd say I've changed the batteries twice since we have had it but I'm not sure.. she can sometimes sit for ages on it on her own. I personally haven't found it too much of a hassle downloading the books, it's quite straight forward. Initially she found it hard to listen the the instructions as she doesnt have many electronic toys and she was really excited about all the sounds it makes, but now she is older she loves to play the games and she is really good and listening to it. It's good because you can get them books for birthdays and things. Over all I really recommend it, it's a fun gift as well as being educational. My DD calls it her computer haha

@PowerslidePanda and @micc Thank you both so much for all the info and advice. I really appreciate it.

Bought one yesterday while it was on the Amazon prime deal after reading your posts

How old are your DC guys? Would it be suitable for a three year old?

Yes - my DD got hers for her 3rd birthday

My DD was 3.5 when she got hers, yes it's good for that age but I personally found my daughter needed help with it until she was about 4 :) just because she didnt listen to the instructions for long enough, now she is more patient

Hi which would you recommend, the 2D or 3D version? Thanks