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‘Pen Top’ Computer Promoted as Tool for Learning

Makers of the LeapPad plan to pilot new gadget in school districts soon.

It may look like a pen. But it adds, subtracts, plays music and games, reads your handwriting aloud, reminds you to do your homework, and translates English words into Spanish. And oh, yes, it can write, too.

After months of industry buzz, LeapFrog SchoolHouse, the struggling division of the educational toy company LeapFrog Enterprises Inc., debuted what it is calling its Fly pen-top computer in stores last week. The company says it will start piloting the $99 device in school districts early next year.

LeapFrog, once a dot-com darling, has spotlighted the Fly at several recent education conferences. Officials of the Emeryville, Calif.-based company say that the gadget is not just a toy, but also a...