to heck with the kids, I WANT ONE

You know, CMU has been talking about perfecting a computer in a pen for at least ten years.... the last time I checked (about 5 years ago) they said it was still 10 years away.  Well, leapfrog beat them to it.

thats right, leapfrog the children's learning games company.

http://tinyurl.com/9a2sw

From Gizmag:

October 25, 2005 Sometimes we write about technologies well in advance of actually hands-on experiencing them. Such was the case with the PenTop computer and although we were enthusiastic based on the specifications, once we tried it, the gravity and sheer importance of the product really shone through. The Pentop is a new computer platform and it is a significant one. First announced in New York City last January, the new platform transforms pen and paper into an interactive computer. With many creative and engaging learning applications available, the FLY Pentop Computer is targeted primarily at technology-savvy tweens (ages 8 - 13) and their parents. This week the Fly Pentop Computer finally hits the shelves across America.  Developed by well known, technology-based learning products marketer LeapFrog Enterprises,the Pentop has opened up an entirely new class of learning opportunities that were seemingly impossible to conceive of until now.

"Our new FLY Pentop Computer platform has completely blown the doors off of any prior learning products for tweens," said LeapFrog President Jerry Perez. "It's all about making learning accessible, engaging and effective, and we believe the FLY platform can make a very positive and enriching difference in the lives of busy tweens."

The new FLY Pentop Computer, a variety of specialized educational applications, games and accessories are available beginning today in the consumer electronics aisles of Walmart, Target, Toys 'R' Us, Best Buy, K-Mart and Circuit City across the country.

Dr. Robert Calfee, Dean Emeritus at the School of Education at the University if California, Riverside, and Chair of the LeapFrog Educational Advisory Board, states, "I am so impressed by the educational value of the FLY Pentop Computer. This new computing platform gives students the ability to engage fully in problem-solving and thinking with an innovative, intuitive and smart 21st Century tool. I'm particularly impressed with the potential opportunities for students to do genuine work in science and mathematics."

I also saw a write-up in a business mag, as well as (i think) wired.