LeapFrog LeapPad is a Tablet for Kids

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Kids love borrowing smartphones and tablets, particularly for running attractive games and videos. This time around, you can minimize sticky finger smudges on your iPhone or iPad, as LeapFrog upgrades its LeapPad into a kids’ tablet.

While the LeapFrog LeapPad used to be a book-like device with some interactive elements, the latest upgrade will basically turn the device into a tablet. The 5-inch next-generation LeapPad is now a tablet computer meant for children 4 to 9 years old. The tablet has a touchscreen, rugged plastic case, camera, mic and 2 GB of internal storage.

The LeapPad doesn’t run any of today’s popular tablet operating systems (like Android), but the proprietary OS lets kids play educational games and applications, videos and ebooks. The LeapPad also accepts cartridges designed for the Leapster Explorer. The device costs $100, which isn’t too heavy on the pocket. However, depending on your kids’ ages, you might also want to consider other tablet or ebook reader alternatives in this price range, like the new Nook.

LeapFrog will start accepting pre-orders this June 29.