In case you're wondering, there's still no wireless connectivity to be found, meaning tethering to your computer is a must for loading and off-loading digital content.
Better yet, the device is now rated for youngins as little as three years old, and LeapFrog says it'll have software to match. Sure those specs might seem weak up against the last smartphone, but its more than enough juice to run 325 (and growing) apps LeapFrog has for it, not to mention that the new unit really is noticeably quicker.
Internally, the unit now packs enhanced bracing for better durability, 4GB of storage (up from two) and a 550Mhz processor (up from 400). We did notice that the screen had a much warmer look to it, but we're told that the color-calibration is still being worked out. According to a LeapFrog rep, this allows for an extra hour of battery life from that of the previous generation. Aside from that, it still features an accelerometer and a resistive 5-inch touchscreen (480x272), but we're told that this time around the screen is less power-hungry. Moving around the device, all of the ports have remained the same and it still includes a stylus, but now there's a secondary front-facing 2MP video and stills camera for easier self-portraits (the rear shooter has also been upgraded to the same resolution). While the LeapPad two looks nearly identical the original LeapPad Explorer, there are some notable enhancements. Join us after the break for a brief rundown of what's been improved and our initial impressions of both.
On that note, the same can be said of its latest Leapster, the GS Explorer - a $70 Gameboy-like portable unit focused more on educational gaming. If you'll recall, it was just yesterday that the company announced its second iteration of the device, the LeapPad 2, and today we were able to spend some time with near production-quality engineering samples. Not only did it ensure you'd never have to your precious iPad loose into rigors of the adolescence (read: having it tortured by kids in unimaginable ways), but it also packed LeapFrog's developmental education know-how into all of its apps. Since last year, the company stepped things up a notch by offering up its LeapPad tablet breed for youngsters and pricing it at just $100. If you've got little ones of your own, you're probably familiar with LeapFrog's various learning devices for children.