FLY Fusion Pentop Computer
© 2007 LeapFrog
The FLY Fusion Pentop Computer is the second generation FLY. It looks more serious than the original design and feels more like a pen—similar to a magic marker with a ball point pen tip. While all the core "dotted media" technology is the same, this update has a USB connection to a computer (which also charges the battery, meaning no more cartridges to loose or batteries to replace), much more internal memory (up from 16 to 64 MB), a built-in MP3 player, and the ability to store digital copies of print—up to 100 pages, in memory. This last feature is the most interesting. We were able to scribble a few words and then transfer it to the computer screen by way of a USB wire. A software installation package displays the notes on the screen (they look like a scanned copy) and then attempts to translate them into a word processor-friendly file. This means, quite literally, "digital notes." All FLY applications are sold online as downloads, and FLY paper notebooks have been reduced in price. See the previous FLY Pentop Computer review for more details on how the FLY works. So, you're asking us -- does it work? Why no ratings? That's because the Fly is a platform, and each title needs its own set of ratings. We've tested about 10 Fly titles in cartridge form, and found that they vary in quality. If a child has a specific topic or subject that he/she needs help with, Fly can help. But note that the walk-through tutorials can be very specific, and don't always align well to the homework problem in the book. As a general student resource, however, this pen is well worth consideration. See also the Pulse Smartpen.
$80, FLY
Teaches: an educational utility