Handheld Gaming Device

The Leapster is a great start but Nintendo DSI has a lot more game options. You can find educational games for both. There's a Nerf cover that will protect the DSI from braking when dropped. Over the years, my kids have used the DSI most but will still occasionally use the Leapster. They're great to keep them entertained when traveling. I typically rotate activities (books, coloring, toys) and limit electronics to no more than 30 minutes at a time. If used appropriately (and in moderation), these devices are actually great for learning colors, shapes, letters, math, problem-solving, eye-hand coordination, etc.

I'd advise against, 4 years is too young. Bring snacks, books, games, and if possible portable dvd player for a movie.

Leapster, and if you have the money, an iPod Touch or iPhone if you have one.

both don't require your helping the child constantly, it is very intuitive, and self-led.

Both my kids LOVE it. And it is educational.

all the best,
Susan

At that age my kids LOVED their Leapsters. The games have educational value--that's a big plus! I bought the rechargeable battery for it--I didn't want to spend the extra for that, but it was totally worth it considering how many batteries they would have gone through. The games are a bit expensive, but they often go on sale. Oh, and you can plug in earphones. We used the Leapsters on numerous road trips and airplanes. It was wonderful!

PS--My son's in 3rd grade and played it all throughout 2nd grade. We just got him a DSi for Christmas, and now he plays that. My daughter is in 1st grade and she got a DSi also, but still asks for the Leapster. The DSi is good, but not quite as educational.

Leapster. And the rechargable battery pack to go with it.

We had one when our youngest turned 4. (The L-Max). It was fantastic. She is almost 9 yrs now, and she has had a DS for about 2 years now. The Leapster is FAR FAR more durable than the DS. She has dropped the DS several times (even at age 7 and 8) and while it still works, the hinge on the cover doesn't work properly anymore, which makes the screen on the top flicker in/out. Also, the games are tiny (like a camera memory chip) and she has lost a few. At $35 a pop... that isn't something to disregard. The Leapster games are $5-10 cheaper, on average, but they are bigger so easier to keep up with.
My daughter still drags out the old L-Max every once in a while...even though she has the DS and a Wii....

My daughter is 4 1/2 and she loves her Leapster. She also likes to play games on my iPhone, so if you have one of those (or other such device), you can download games for your child. My daughter has had the Leapster for a couple of years though and she still takes it with us when we have to go places where we'll be sitting a lot (like doctor appointments and long car rides)

I vote Leapster. :) I think of all the options it is the most age appropriate. Have a great summer and safe travels!

The Leapster is great and has all educational games, but they outgrow it really fast. Our daughter is 9 and has a DSi and it's great! Lots of games for all ages and you parents can use it as well. It's more costly at about $170, or about $120 for the DSlite, but like I said, it'll last you a long time.

my son has the nintendo ds, and loves it! He had the vsmile pocket, and lost interest pretty fast.
He has had it since he was 5.

My daughter has a Vtech Smile and loves it and she recently got a Leapster and she loves it as well! We keep the Lapster in the car and the Vtech at home. Lots of educational games on both.

My 4 year old son loves his Leapster... we got the Cars one, but if you get a Leapster, definitely get the rechargeable battery for it. It ate batteries like they were going out of style and that's not cool when your child wants to keep playing for longer periods of time.

My 4 year old loves our Ipod Touch!! I had considered looking into handheld gaming devices, but he just plays that so well and really enjoys it. The absolute best thing about it is: the games are limitless and LOTS of them are FREE!! He can't dowload anything without one of us putting in the password and you can even have movies downloaded on there for them to watch! It's actually a really smart way to go!

We have a Nintendo DS with a hotwheels racing game that my 4 year old loves.

I like the Leapster, too. Lots of good and interesting games. Make sure you get good earphones!

We got a Leapster for our 4 year old and he loves it! The games are educational and have recognizable age appropriate characters such and Dora and Diego and a slew of others! It also uses batteries which for travel are a lot easier because you can change them if they die rather than having to find a place to plug them in and charge them theb waiting for it to charge!

Another vote for the Leapster! My son got his first one at 3, it has helped with with small motor skills, abc, counting, sequencing etc. The games for your sons age are all learning games...so why wouldn't you want them to have fun and learn at the same time!
I was considering this past christmas to move him to a DSI (he is 6 now) as his older cousins have them and a couple of friends too. However the DSI is more games, less learning. Also, I think the DSI is pricey. My son drops his Leapster and misplaces the games. ( i have everything in an old camera bag to put everything into). The DSI games are tiny! and they are expensive. I'm sure he would lose them.
So I gave him the Star Wars version of the Leapster (its black) and looks more "big boy" looking. He also got Star Wars Reading and Math games.
This version of the Leapster you can plug into your computer and get more things, however we haven't done that. He is content just playing the games on the Leapster.
I would suggest buying a new one, as our son's first Leapster is a little quirky, sometimes it won't play a game. It is resolved by cleaning the contact with rubbing alcohol. Read the reviews on Amazon. It seems it effected some of the older models. You can get a basic one for around $35 and the games from $15 - $25.
It is the go to toy for all travel, plane, car etc. Also, when I need him to be distracted, like going to the dentist to get teeth cleaned, grocery shopping. I never feel guilty about it because I know he is learning along the way. Have a great trip!

I like the Mobigo better than Leapster.