The Toy Tablet Wars: LeapPad vs. InnoTab
Two of the hottest tech toys to crop up this holiday season are theLeapFrog LeapPad Explorer ($99.99 list) and VTech InnoTab Interactive Learning App Tablet ($79.99 list). Both toys are meant to mimic an iPad-style tablet, and both are targeted at the 4- to 9-year-old set. But which one is better? Depends on what you're looking for. We break down the specs of each system for you.
The LeapPad measures 5 by 7 by 1 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.9 pounds. The InnoTab is bigger and slightly lighter at 9 by 10 by 1 inches and 1.8 pounds. Both are made of plastic (with two color options), but the LeapPad feels a little sturdier in hand. The InnoTab has an innovative built-in kickstand that allows you to prop the device either in portrait or landscape mode. The LeapPad comes with two stylus pens, one with a string attached. The stylus can be stored in a magnetic slot on the right side of the device. The Innotab's stylus can be stored in a slot to the bottom right of the device. Both the LeapPad and InnoTab take four AA batteries.
The LeapPad offers 2GB of onboard memory, but there is no memory card slot to expand storage. In contrast, the InnoTab offers only 64MB of onboard memory, but has an SD card slot that takes 2GB to 16GB SD cards. Having more onboard memory, in my opinion, is a better option. While SD cards are certainly inexpensive these days and having the option to have up to 16GB of storage space is a boon, it can be annoying to require a memory card to download any games on the InnoTab. The LeapPad comes with a camera and video recorder built in, and can store any photos or videos taken in the device. While the InnoTab lacks a camera, users can connect the device to a VTech Kidizoom Camera to view photos and videos.
The LeapPad is $20 more expensive than the InnoTab, but the game cartridges available for both are priced identically at $24.99 (list), and the titles are similar (Dora, SpongeBob, etc.) You can also download apps for both devices from an online app store, for approximately $5 to $15 each. Apps include books, games, and videos, though LeapFrog adds Ultra e-books (interactive books with games) to its repertoire.
For more comparisons, check out the table below.
For more information on the greatest gifts for youngsters this holiday season, check out our take on the Hottest Tech Toys for Kids.
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