FLY pen creates buzz

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/08/2006 (7089 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ANY doubts the pen is mightier than the sword should be firmly put to rest.

How many swords can speak to you by name, calculate arithmetic problems, translate languages, keep the date and time, make music and play games?

The FLY pentop computer can do that and much more. The world’s first pentop computer is outfitted with a tiny camera, a computer chip, a speaker, a software cartridge and of course, ink. This isn’t your 29-cent Bic ballpoint, brother.

With the FLY, which costs about $100, you can write something that the pen can store and remind you of at a later date. Write a word in English and FLY can recite it in another language so you can get the correct pronunciation.

If you need a calculator you could draw one and tap the diagram, which will shockingly come to life.

It’s not as if you can draw a car with the FLY and go for a spin but you can sketch a keyboard or drum set and play tunes that can be recorded and played back.

I don’t quite understand it but my VCR is still flashing 12:00, so I’m no technology expert. Essentially, the FLY is a computer inside a pen, which eliminates the need for a keyboard. The camera, located at the writing end of the pen, “sees” what is being put on paper and sends the information to the computer.

Various FLYware (software) is available separately as cartridges inserted in the pen. There is a slew of educational offerings covering spelling, math, languages, science, and social studies.

Other FLYware creates greeting cards or notes that can be “operated” by another person using a FLY pen.

There are numerous accessories, from coloured faceplates to carrying cases and recharging systems. One of the best things is free with the pen — a SKRATCH pad with the images of a turntable and soundboard. Using the FLY, you can lay out your own DJ beats. It works wonderfully, with no delay, and sounds funky, not cheap.

The sticky web in this FLY’s flight line, though, is that everything must be written on special “FLY Paper” or else the pen won’t work. The FLY comes with a few pieces but it costs $10 for a notebook or $5 for pads of smaller sheets.

And everything must be written in block capital letters, which is awkward. It often gets letters and numbers mixed up (especially 5 and S, or H and 11), and you cannot add touch-up strokes to your writing or the computer gets confused.

And though it’s a small computer, it makes for a gigantic pen. Not the type to slip in your front pocket if you want to avoid sheepish looks and possible rude comments.

— CanWest News Service