H.A.
I vote Leapsters too. My son had a Leapster and then a Leapster2 and really enjoyed both. They have a large selection of games and did a good job of blending educational skills in with the games. I bought a Diji (which they are discontinuing) and it is NOT recommended by me. The educational stuff is more like an intermission in the games, like... fight bad guys <pause> "Which of these is a triangle?" <unpause> fight more bad guys. I really didn't like it.
I think they have a new Leapster out? It would be on the LeapFrog website. I googled the site and the add said 20%
20% Off Site Wide With Promo Code LFFAMILY. Free Shipping Over $50 :) Looks like the new one is Leapster Explorer that you mentioned.
Good luck!