Gizmo Pen
The Fly Pentop Computer has been on the Bestselling Christmas lists across the country. The technology is derived from an optical scanner that “sees” everything you write and scan on the special dot-matrix FLY paper. It has a built-in computer processor and has the ability to read outloud what you’ve written. What’s most amazing is the fact that you can draw a schedule and the pen will remind you of upcoming events. You can solve math problems on a calculator that YOU drew. You can draw instruments and to MAKE MUSIC off those drawn instruments. You can even download music to listen to and furthermore, you can create your own interactive games with friends.
However, unlike the PDA stylises, the flypentop is actually a pen and requires ink refills but needs to be recharged in order to maintain its electronic capabilities.
The technology actually reminds me of the Leapfrog electronics for younger children. My three-year-old cousin owns one and loves it. Created to enhance the learning process for growing kids, the system consists of a writing tablet with an insertion slot in the back. Programs consist of books, learning programs, etc. My cousin has book insertions and every word you press on the page is read aloud by the “smart” pen connected to the computer.
The Leapfrog products have been a huge hit with parents and children however I have a feeling the Fly pentop will only enjoy a fleeting success. Whereas the Leapfrog is targeted to young children and reads aloud to them and is a useful “toy” in educating kids, parents are also the main consumer market for this product. The success of the Leapfrog does not depend on whether toddlers enjoy the toy but whether parents find them useful and whether the parents like it. Furthermore, the parent/child interaction, numerous choices of programs, and the fact that the Leapfrog has programs for varying age groups helps keep them to keep their customers for several years. On the other hand, I am assuming the Fly is marketed towards elementary à middle schoolers (specifically 8-14 yr olds). First of all, most kids are too lazy to draw out a calculator especially when they own one. All children are given free school planners so there’s no point in drawing one out. Yes, it is cool that someone can draw a keyboard and then actually play it but who can draw one accurate enough and also have the patience of doing so when you could instead just go straight to one?
With the increasing, fast paced advancements in technology, and with the short-attention span of the consumer market, the Fly pen top will not last very long in the race against other technologies. Furthermore, the technology is not cheap. For one pencil it costs $100. This of course does not include the charger, ink pack refills, speakers, backpack, case, batteries, special notepads, and interchangeable face plates. Parents most likely will find the item a waste of money and as kids grow older, their laziness increases and by the time the next generation comes around, the technology will be replaced by something cooler.
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