Hi again in response to comments above re educational benefits: I have read reviews on the internet that the leapster games are more educational as in having more school related skills building/being more curriculum based than say the nintendo ds handheld unit or playstation, xbox etc.  I have been looking into these other gaming consoles also for their educational content for my kids in terms of what software they offer, and have found them lacking in comparison with the leapster which is very education oriented though it also uses edutainment and a gaming format.  I think the Wii is just now starting to get into these type of games with the release of a Jumpstart learning title.

Also yes you can get a lot of content for the PC these days which is very educational if you choose carefully according to the grade level and abilities of your child and cheaper than you can get with console type units like the leapster - but I prefer to give my kids a variety of tools to help them learn and they also use a lot of PC content.  The leapster has the advantage of being more portable and easier for young kids to manage than even a laptop and it is quite durable - I would not want to give an expensive laptop to my 4-7 yr olds as it may not be as durable as the leapster if they dropped it.  Plus if mum/dad/other are busy on the PC they can still do their learning on the leapster rather than watch tv.

As for how much the kids use it - my kids use it a fair bit and I put it away only when I think they are over using it and need to work on other areas such as reading and writing or subjects not covered by the leapster units.

Also I take an active interest in what games they use and choose content with specific purposes - eg. 2nd grade skill building in key areas - math and english etc and I ask them how they are doing often and I check their progress using the software reporting and see they work on the areas they need to more, hence I don't see the technology as replacing my responsibility/role as a parent to help teach my kids.  Kids have different levels of interest and styles of learning and I found with my older daughter she is far more keen to engage in learning skills and for a longer time period and in advancing her understanding with these edutainment tools and by using technology - The leapster, leappad, PC educational games etc, than she has with just worksheets and paper based activity books.  In her case I found these to be a very worthwhile investment as she was an early reader and went to school when she was 4 as she was ready and well upto new challenges and has been very strong particularly in reading and spelling and English since Prep/First Grade.  I really feel along with reading to her regularly when she was young that it is the My First Leap Pad books that helped motivate her to learn to read for herself as they are so engaging and interactive with lots of activities - I think similar to the new Tag reader that has now replaced it. 

There are a large range of leapster titles- most build critical skills in reading, writing, spelling, and maths - many have kids favourite characters like Dora and Diego, Spongebob, Spiderman, Batman, Disney Princesses etc to help motivate kids.  The cartridges I most recommend (most educational content) are: Letters on the Loose, Numbers on the Run, First Grade, 2nd Grade, 1st-3rd Grade Maths and Mr Pencil's Learn to Draw and Write. Other good but not essential ones are: I Spy Challenger/Treasure Hunt or Outwit (logic, problem solving and memory)

An advantage with the new leapster (and I think also tag reader) is its parent reporting feature that can alert you via email about your child's progress- though you need to connect the console to the internet regularly for this.

Although of course having something like the Leapster is not essential - it is a useful educational tool for engaging kids productively who are into technology and gaming - and an alternative to dvds/tv/pcs or other handheld or paper based learning materials.

As for price: I bought my leapster in Australia priced under $100 on special - not sure what pricing would be elsewhere but you can find out and get pictures of the unit and more info from www.leapfrog.com  I think generally the leapster2 has become a bit cheaper than the original leapster and the cartridges are better priced - hopefully making it more affordable for more people.  A worthwhile educational investment.  Also the leapster site offers specials from time to time - sign up to their newsletter (though seems to be only for US/Canadian customers).

What are the added educational benefits? My big kids (5 and 8) are doing very well at their school. They use computers etc with programs.

This article has  such a potential for becoming a great one - one that is received well by the community. I suggest editing to include the benefits. Why do you recommend it? Could you give axamples of the educational benefits? How much is it? How often do you let your child use it? I also think it'll add to your article if you include pictures.

What are the benefits of Leaptser over other similar hand held games?  In what way do you think children benefit from it?  I haven't seen one, our son just uses the computer and laptop, what added value would Leapster have over the myriad of free educational programs and games that he can access now?

I am afraid both my girls were given various Leapsters as gifts and they gather dust on the shelf. I think it depends on the child's interests and imagination.

I have one Dyslexic child so she obviously prefers the multi sensory approach one gets from board games, like Word Pool, Silly Sentences and Number Chains, where she can make enviromental interactions. She also needs the bigger fonts and colour screens as on the computer.

My younger 3yr old has no issues but also prefers games that involve group or one to one, her favourite at the the moment is Maisy's Colourful Counting Game where the child can choose between a dice or spinner,LOL.

I think these toys have their place and as with every thing, moderation,LOL

Other games such as computer games and platform games can be equally educational building sequential memory, fine motor skills and encouraging thought processing skills, but again in moderation.

Thankyou for sharing. Luv Winnie.x

i prefer to teach my kids to read and write by me than a computer. but that is my personal opinion. I am sure they are a good toy but I like toys that are fun and educational that doesnt take the parental role away

Also need to add - very durable toy, can take some dropping though be careful with screen as new Leapster 2 does not have a cover.  Place in a carrier that can be bought for it or a similar bag to protect it when not in use.  An ac adaptor or rechargeable batteries also will save buying new batteries often, although there is a recharging system it is hard to get and too expensive.  I have also bought cartridges 2nd hand on ebay - much cheaper (and larger range in USA) and all have worked well. However buy unit new from a shop with a warranty that you can easily return it to as I did have one unit that did not work. 

Good parents want their kids to do well at school and in life and although this toy costs a bit more upfront (though newer version a little better priced) it is well worth the investment I have found as my kids have learnt a lot and done a lot of review of their schoolwork with it that they may not have done if just watched tv or had just paper book with drills to do.  Plus it is portable unlike a desktop pc.