Model:
Fly Fusion Pentop Computer
Release Date:
2007
Original Price:
$80
Processor:
proprietary 32-bit processor @ 96 MHz
Memory:
64 MB Flash ROM
OK... this one isn't in my collection yet, but maybe one day.
Gotta love eBay! $20 buys a brand new Fly Fusion, with an unopened
notebook and a new Journal application.
The model here is actually the second generation of this completely
unique computer. "Computer?" you may be asking, "All I see is an
oversized novelty pen." You couldn't be more wrong! Inside this
"pen" lives a powerful computer just waiting for you to release
it's full potential.
Aimed at school-aged children, the Pentop Computer, as it's creators
call it at LeapFrog, the majority of the software available is
written to help students learn. Packages include French, Spanish,
Algebra and Writing to name a few. However, there are also games,
such as The Harry Potter Marauder's Map, and even a Music Studio
where you can create and record your own musical masterpieces.
Software applications and even MP3s are loaded on your Pentop through
a USB connection to your desktop or laptop computer.
Using a small digital camera built in to the tip of the pen, the
Fusion reads microscopic reflective dots on special notebook paper
to determine where and what you are writing or drawing. It then uses
this information to react accordingly. For instance, in Notes mode
the computer is able to recognize and store your handwritten notes
which you can then upload to your computer later. Reading what you
have written, it can also speak over 70,000 words using
phoneme-to-speech technology.
Since there's obviously no monitor or even a simple LCD screen, you
may be wondering "How do I interact with this crazy thing?" That's
a very good question. I'm glad you asked! There is a special fold
out panel on the inside cover of every Fly Fusion notebook that
has special 'buttons' drawn on it that you use to answer questions,
control MP3 playback (did I mention that this little pen is also an
MP3 player - but then again, what isn't these days, right?), change
system settings and even interact with a virtual calculator. But
what fun is that - using someone else's 'Control Panel'? They
thought of that, too. You can just draw the buttons that you need
anywhere in the Fly Fusion Notepad and then click on those buttons!
Need a quick volume control? Draw one! Need help? Draw a Help
button! Now you tell me that is not cool!
And if you are going to carry a computer in your pocket, it might as
well act as a date book and an alarm clock, right? Check. It does
that. Bored sitting in the principals office or in that Monday Morning
Meeting with the boss? Why not draw a quick keyboard and tap out a
totally rocking new riff? You can choose from a piano, synthesizer,
flute, marimba (whatever that is!) and a turntable or you can pick
from prerecorded sound effect or orchestra hits.
If you're not impressed yet, then I don't know what to say!
Update: After having used this , I can tell you that it is
pretty cool. The only major drawback that I can see is that the
special dot-encoded paper is proprietary. From what I've read, there
is no way to print your own, like you can with the LiveScribe. So,
once the product is discontinued (as it has been), the device will
become useless once the supply of specialty paper dries up. :(
>>
Click here to download the User Manual (5.9 mb)
>>
Click here to download the Reference Card (3.4 mb)
>>
Click here to download the FlyWorld Application User Manual (2.3 mb)