FLY Pentop Computer - Best in '06 - Leap Frog

Developed by the educational toy company Fly Pentop Computer is a PDA-type device for children. At first glance it looks like a futuristic pen. Although this assessment is correct, it actually overlooks much of what the pen can do. Thanks to the computer within, it offers a wide array of functions.

What can the Fly Pentop Computer do? The simple answer is: quite a lot. From keeping a calendar to playing and recording music, plus games and a calculator function, it truly offers many of the functions of a standard PDA (personal digital assistant). Plus, it even writes like a normal pen for extra convenience. The trick lies in the miniature computer processor and camera found within, combined with the use of special Fly Pentop Computer paper.

How does the Fly Pentop Computer work? The special paper on which the pen writes contains invisible dots which the pen uses as reference points. It is programed to recognize certain letters and signals as menu prompts. For example, a circled "C" means calculator. Users can literally draw a basic calculator on the paper and the talking pen can complete subtraction and addition problems.

Kids can also draw other interactive things, such as musical instruments, with the Fly Pentop Computer. To do so, users simply draw a keyboard and drum kit on a piece of paper, which they can tap with the pen to play musical notes. The pen can even tell jokes when asked! Simply writing the words "tell me a joke" is enough to prompt the pen to tell a funny story, making this a helpful educational toy, and an amazing way to get kids excited about learning.