Leapfrog FLY Pentop Computer

The Leapfrog FLY Pentop Computer is the perfect educational toy for the keiki in your life. It is aimed at ages 8 to 13 years, but regardless, I had fun playing with it at the store.

The FLY is a leading edge computing platform that is designed to bring together computer interactivity with pen and paper. It combines a scanner, computer and a pen together so that it sees what you write and responds appropriately. This is the first consumer device that gives real-time audio feedback as you draw on the special FLY paper. If you draw a piano keyboard, tap the keys and a small speaker in the FLY will playback the correct sounds. If you draw a calculator on the paper, tap the numbers and you can actually use it from what you drew.

FLY could be considered a pocket tutor. It helps keiki through guided instruction and practice with math, science, social studies, spelling and has a pocket translator. Additionally it offers quizzes for these topics.

The basic package comes with learning tools and games that can also be entertaining for adults. Add-on cartridges and games extend the FLY’s capability, making it excellent for study and play. The Leapfrog’s FLY Pentop Computer is available at Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Best Buy or Circuit City for about $100.