The Pentop Computer – interactive pen that talks to you as you write

Like all computers, the FLY pentop computer will come with a range of applications. Initially those applications will be created specifically for LeapFrog's primary market of "tweens" and will focus on learning, communicating, and games, though other applications could conceivably be produced for any market segment, from very early learning to geriatric products.

The initial paper/software applications created by LeapFrog will aim to make it "cool, convenient and fun" for tweens to get homework help in maths or spelling, translate words into other languages, play baseball with interactive collectible playing cards, write in their journals, interactively master key concepts from school textbooks, compose music, and much more.

"We've created an intuitive user interface that provides instant navigation, from a blank piece of paper to a user's desired application. Our initial set of tween learning tools and games are designed to alleviate critical educational pain points for tweens, and to provide easy access to information and entertainment in synch with a tweens' lifestyle," added Marggraff.

Development of the FLY pentop computer was enhanced by a group of 50 tweens, aged 8 to 13, known as the Quantum X Team. These "kid developers" worked on a regular basis over the past year with LeapFrog product designers to provide input on the FLY platform and its applications. On Board Features

The FLY pentop computer comes ready-to-use with a sampling of the wide range of possibilities at hand. Cool games are on board, including Aliens, Hang (hangman), and FLY Tones (a music game). The user will also find several helpful tools built in to the FLY pentop computer, such as a calculator, an alarm clock, a math pad and note pad. Finally, the package includes special stickers that spring to life when activated by the FLY pentop computer, and a handy carrying case for the FLY pen.

Applications

Flyball - an interactive baseball game using authentic collectible UpperDeck baseball cards. With the FLY pentop computer, the Flyball game takes collecting baseball cards to a new level, allowing kids to integrate them into an interactive playing experience. The game teaches kids to thoroughly understand the game of baseball, and use critical thinking skills. The starter pack includes one playing field poster, 28 UpperDeck baseball cards, two strategy cards, 34 hot streak cards, two control cards and a manager's playbook. Booster packs are sold separately for kids wishing to supplement their card collections.

Dear Me Diary - an interactive diary full of more than 600 writing prompts to get girls excited about writing and self-exploration. The diary guides girls through challenging life skills and encourages girls to think and write about issues that are relevant to their lives. The product includes 50 blank pages, five sleeves that hold 10 photos, 600 plus writing prompts and a Code Maker activity. There are four different book cover designs at launch.

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