LeapPad is a range of tablet computers developed for children. Various models of the LeapPad have been developed since 1999. Development history The device, resembling a talking book, took 3 years to develop and was introduced to the market in 1999. In 2001 (sales $160 million) and 2002 it was the best-selling toy in specialty stores. Sales in 2003 reached $680 million and were only eclipsed by sales of the book and cartridge add-ons. LeapStart is in red, Leap 1 is in orange, Leap 2 is in blue, and Leap 3 is in green. LeapPad was invented by Jim Marggraff and developed by a team from Explore Technologies, Inc., which was founded by Marggraff and acquired by LeapFrog in July 1998. It uses the same patented "NearTouch" technology developed for the Explore Technologies Odyssey Atlasphere. Investigation and development was started in December 1997. Models Various models of the LeapPad were developed between its launch in 1999 and 2020: LeapPad (original model) LeapPad Plus Writing Read and Write LeapPad LeapPad Plus Microphone (also known as Read Aloud LeapPad) LeapPad Pro Quantum LeapPad (also known as Quantum Pad) LeapPad Plus Writing and Microphone Learn & Go LeapPad Cocopad (released only in Japan) LeapPad Explorer - The device is similar to Apple's iPad, but unlike the iPad, users can only download proprietary LeapFrog apps. The device has the capability to capture movies and take pictures. It was released in the summer of 2011. LeapFrog won the Platinum Award for LeapPad™ from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio in September 2011. LeapPad2 (released in the summer of 2012) LeapPad Ultra (released in the summer of 2013) LeapPad3 (released in the summer of 2014) LeapPad Platinum (released in the summer of 2015) LeapPad Ultimate (released in February 2017) LeapPad Academy (released in the summer of 2020) Spin-offs incompatible with the mainstream series The LeapPad's popularity helped spawn other LeapPad branded devices that are incompatible with the mainstream LeapPad series of players. These devices were meant for younger audiences who are not ready for the mainstream LeapPad's titles. My First LeapPad - Targeted for preschoolers to Kindergarten-going children, the design of the LeapPad is different from a regular LeapPad in that the books are flipped upwards. The unit was later redesigned to be shaped like a school bus. A British-voiced version was also available in the UK. LittleTouch LeapPad - Targeted for babies to toddlers, the unit operated