6. LeapFrog Fly Pentop Computer: Not Just A Kid's Toy

Reviewer: Barry Gerber

OK, we know what you're thinking - namely, "This guide is for Father's Day. What's a kid's toy doing in this lineup?" Though we first approached the LeapFrog Fly Pentop computer as a half-serious/half-joking use of technology, we quickly learned that the technology in and around this device is no joking matter. In fact, it's finding its way into applications from note taking to prescribing medications to inventorying to SMS message composition and transmission.

The Fly Pentop Computer - shown here with the Spanish Pocket Translator application cartridge plugged in - hides sophisticated computing capabilities inside a small and innocuous package.

The Fly runs on a single AAA 1.5 Volt battery, and can morph into a calculator, notepad, scheduler, musical keyboard with rhythm section and drums, journal, math and social studies teacher and two-way English-Spanish translator. It offers helpful voice guidance as you create and use various applications.

Though targeted at 'tweens (ages 8 to 13), this device has got enough smarts and capability to capture the interest of anybody who's technically minded, including many dads. The Fly uses sophisticated pen-based computer pattern recognition software and can even accept plug-in application cartridges that add to the device's already considerably built-in capabilities.

Companies such as HP, Disney, Sony, Upper Deck, and NBC News, among others, have already announced their intention to develop other applications for the Fly involving games, printing and imaging, cartoon personalities, sports and games and news media. At just under $100, this may be one of the coolest combinations of stone age and bleeding edge technology you'll ever gift to any dad on his day.