This year will mark an exciting year for fans of LeapFrog and their products. We've already mentioned the Leapster2, didj, and Tag systems, but all of these focus on younger children, age 8 and under. Besides the Fly Fusion, what else has LeapFrog done to "age up the brand" as they've intended?

The Fly Pentop Computer marked their first entry into the older market, followed by its successor, the Fly Fusion. (Employees at LeapFrog often use Fly Fusion Pens in meetings to take notes, so they definitely have value for those beyond middle school.) But what have they done for older kids lately?

Enter the Crammer. In Fall 2008, LeapFrog will release this homework/music/gaming device targeting age 8-14 years, already on display on their site. Integrated with the LeapFrog Learning Path, the Crammer is essentially a flashcard-based studying device, but students can use the included USB cord to easily transfer vocabulary words or other material to the device. LeapFrog will also make available a series of cartridges with study games based on leading textbooks.

The device also includes an mp3 player, heightening its appeal to tweens, but this may have an unintended side effect, since many schools do not allow devices with mp3 player capabilities, thus leaving students unable to use it during study halls.

We'll have a full review of the Crammer when released this fall.