 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
FLY Pentop Computer
- FLY Pentop Computer
- Price: $99
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Computer housed in a pen will draw tweens.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this has limited play value as a standalone device for $99. It gets more interesting -- and expensive -- when add-on software titles are purchased including those that help with spelling, math, Spanish, and test-taking. As with any new system, parents should look at what add-on software is available, and what it will cost. And they must be willing to gamble that the system will take off, thus creating a demand for Leapfrog to develop additional software.
What's it about?
Leapfrog's FLY PENTOP COMPUTER, targeted at the 8-to-13 tween market, has kids create menu icons on the enclosed FLY paper. Writing the letter M and drawing a circle around it creates the Main Menu, for instance. By tapping on the encircled M, the FLY will voice the menu options, including scheduler, calculator, time, notepad, settings, and, the hands-down favorite, games.
To select an option, the user draws a checkmark next to the menu button and taps on it when the desired application is mentioned. Then the audio will instruct the users to draw additional menu icons relevant to operating the application selected. For example, let's say your child decides she wants to use the calculator application. The FLY will instruct her to draw the numbers 0 through 9 and basic mathematical symbols, and thereafter, when she taps on the numbers and functions, the paper and pen will behave like a calculator.
Is it any good?
Kid-testers were particularly drawn to the games applications. The FLY has three built-in games, and it comes with an additional pad of 10 interactive games and two fold-out game boards. The built-in FLYtones game was "awesome," according to testers, because it allows them to create a keyboard and drum set on FLY paper and then record their own music.
To make this product worth it, you've got to buy additional software. Eight add-on packages are currently available, each costing between $24 to $35, including FLY THROUGH SPELLING and FLY THROUGH MATH: MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION. Because FLY paper -- which comes in notebooks and pads that range in price from $6 and $10 -- looks like regular paper, kids can do their math homework on it. Overall, the FLY Pentop Computer is fascinating to explore and easy to use. It looks cool, and it's the perfect size to slip into a pocket or backpack.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about this game's novelty. How is it different than using other technology? Do they think this is the beginning of a new way to use computers? What else would you like to see it be able to do? Who do you think this is being marketed to? How do you know?
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AGE
The Best Gift EVER
This thing is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fun. I havn't put in the algerbra cartridge yet but i have tinkerd with the games and geography.
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AGE
The Ultimate Homwork System
This is geat!!!!!!!!!!!!
I use it every day and it really helps me with work, so I never get boared with algebra of writing
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AGE
Great and ingenius idea for the modernization of pens united!
Amazing idea for help with homework languages and other things.
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| Platforms: | FLY Pentop Computer |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Educational |
| Developer: | LeapFrog |
| Release date: | November 15, 2005 |
| Price: | $99 |
| ESRB rating: | E |
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