LeapFrog upgrades its kid tablet with LeapPad2

— -- LeapPad2, LeapFrog's newest version of its award-winning kid's learning tablet, is strutting improvements to last year's model. There's an extra camera, faster processor, more memory and better battery life.

Encased in a protective green or pink plastic case, the LeapPad2 costs $99. This 7- by 5-inch device features a 5-inch touchable screen and can play motion-based games . In addition to a built-in four-directional control pad, the tablet has an attached stylus. There's also a microphone, a port to connect headphones, front and back cameras and video recorder. You connect it to your computer, using a USB port to download content.

The LeapPad2 sports 4 GB of memory, twice that of last year's model; and its processor is speedier. Battery life is about 9 hours, surpassing last year's LeapPad by about one hour. The LeapPad2 runs on four AA batteries; but families can now purchase a new internal battery system and recharger pack ($39.99), so that the tablet can be charged by simply plugging it into the wall.

While the LeapPad2 can be a gaming system that plays the Leapster Explorer cartridge games ($24.99), it is also a creativity center and book reader. With purchase you get the following five apps: Art Studio, Pet Pad, Music Player, Cartoon Director and a download of your choice from four other apps.

With the Art Studio, kids have a virtual place to create art, filled with art supplies. The Pet Pad lets you design your own pet and then play with it. These two apps were found on last year's LeapPad. The Music Player is new, and it lets kids listen to songs.

The Cartoon Director is the most exciting new app for the LeapPad2. It lets kids ages 5 to 8 direct their own cartoon . The app invites you to choose from six premade settings, including outer space, mad scientist, robot world, birthday party, wacky world or an amusement park. But you can also decide to use the camera to film a setting you have created.

Then it is on to adding in characters and props. You can superimpose your own photo onto the face of any of the premade characters. You move the characters around to animate them or use premade emotions. Last, you record your voice telling your story, or select from pre-recorded phrases. The app puts all the parts together to create a finished product that is exciting to watch.

As for the free downloaded app, my favorite is the new Roly Poly 2 game, where you help the Roly Poly family find lost treasures by answering math problems. These characters roll up into balls, and you tilt the tablet to roll them over numbers and other items in response to specific requests. Another good choice is the Music Studio app, where kids create their own music, using virtual instruments or singing into the microphone.

As with the LeapPad, the LeapPad2 plays LeapFrog's unique Ultra eBooks which sell for $20. They can be read on three levels of difficulty. The levels will adjust automatically or parents can adjust them manually. The Ultra eBooks provide phonics help when kids tap on the words to hear them sounded out; and some words can be defined. The books embed games within the stories that help with reading comprehension. The illustrations animate; and touching on things on the screen will result in something happening or a character talking to you.