Fed up with your children leaving greasy finger streaks all over your iPad screen? Still want them to discover the emerging world of tablet gaming? LeapFrog may have the answer.
This summer the US company, known for its Leapster handheld gaming consoles, is launching the LeapPad, a durable mini-tablet complete with 5in screen, built-in camera, accelerometer and more than 100 available apps and games.
As with the usual bunch of LeapFrog handhelds, games are based around the national curriculum and feature phonics, maths and science themes, as well as geography and languages.
The company hasn't announced any brand tie-ins but most of its Leapster and Leapster Explorer titles are based around well-known franchises such as Toy Story, Ben 10 and Sonic the Hedgehog (my sons' favourite – it must be genetic). Children are also able to record and edit their own movies, as well as muck about with animation software. There's a stylus, too, for handwriting practise.
Size-wise, it's more smartphone than iPad, but then, you probably don't want your four-year-old tearing around the house with a device that features a 10in LCD screen. The LeapPad will be out this summer at £79.99.
