Leapster L-Max Learning Game System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My 4 and 7 year old kids have the Leapster L-Max and the regular Leapster. The only reason we have the L-Max is because we couldn't find the regular Leapster and the guy at Walmart said they were phasing out the regular Leapster.
The selling point of the L-Max is it can be hooked to the television. We did that maybe a few times, but we find that it really defeats the purpose of a handheld game. It's supposed to be portable so we can take it everywhere. Hooking it to the tv is too much hassle and doesn't really add to game play. I put the cord away and the kids don't miss it. It is in every other way exactly like the regular Leapster.
If you're worried about durability, don't. Our Leapsters have been dropped and thrown in fits of anger and they are still working like the day we got them. The only way to break it is to have an elephant step on it, but it might even survive that.
All the Leapster games work on the L-Max. It is a terrific educational tool. My kids have learned math, spelling, science, critical thinking skills, art and more from Leapster games. It is the best investment I've ever made in a toy. The only drawback is the cartridges we have to buy for them but even that is worth every penny.
If you have a choice between Leapster and Leapster L-Max, I'd go with the Leapster just to save money. The L-Max feature isn't worth the extra cost. I'm sure they are phasing both out now in favor of the Leapster 2, which connects to the computer to show the child's progress.
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UPDATE: I still believe this is the best investment in a learning toy I have ever made. My dad bought my son a Didj, which only kept his interest a few months. The Nintendo DS will probably make the Leapster a thing of the past this year, but we've had these a good three years. Both our Leapsters are still running like new and my kids have learned so much. Sometimes, they'll say somehing and I'll ask where they learned it and they'll tell me Leapster.

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LeapFrog® Leapster® Learning Game Thomas & Friends Calling All Engines Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We just got this game and I have to say it's a hit with both the children and myself. (My children are boy and girl; almost 4 and almost 6).
One of the features I like is that there are places for three different people to sign in. Some of the other games have just one place and everyone else is "guest". Not terribly useful if you are trying to accumulate points.
With this Leapster Book you have five basic activities. The games have two levels. Level One is pretty much on the preschool level, while Level Two seems to be geered more for Kindergarteners. Level Two of the Making Tracks with Thomas game, for example, involves simple mathematical equations.
Story Options
There are two story options.
With the "Read with Me" option, the narrator reads the story with help from our Train friends.
With the "Read and Play" option the story does not progress without you clicking on either the forward or backward arrows. This version of the story lets you click on characters to see what they have to say, and there are also games interspersed to keep little ones from getting bored. (Valuable Blue tickets are hidden here.) You can also click on individual words and hear them pronounced.
***Games***
Harolds' Barrels
The storm has scattered drums and crates all over the harbor. Using the arrow pad (and the A-button when you are over the right crate) you. This game teaches listening skills, letter recognition and work building.
Cranky's Cargo
Cranky has to load cargo onto the right cars. The challenge here is to get the right cargo in the right hold. Number sequences, patterns and skip counting are taught here.
Making Tracks with Thomas
Tracing the track, you take Thomas to the correct location. Children do pre-writing practice (tracing the track) and learn numbers. On Level Two they will be using equations.
Pocket Watch
Your child can learn about clocks and time using Sir Topham Hatt's pocket watch.Train Depot
Elsewhere you earn red and blue tickets. This is where you spend them, adding extra trains (you start out with Thomas), additional track (you begin with just a circular track), and special features such as a water tower, chocolate factory, etc.
Children learn/practice counting, and one supposes the value of money.
Five Stars. Graphics are typical of LMAX. The game features our favorite Steamies plus Harold and Sir Topham Hatt. Children have the opportunity to learn about time, money, numbers, patterns, and telling time. There are two levels of play.

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Join Thomas and Friends on the Island of Sodor for fun learning games and an exciting interactive story. This Leapster Electronic Book teaches essential pre-kindergarten and kindergarten reading, story comprehension and math skills. Use with Leapster Learning System or L-Max (sold separately).

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