I just installed and started using the Livescribe Pulse smartpen. I read about it in the USA Today a couple of weeks ago and then watched the demo online and I was hooked.
The smartpen has a tiny camera that captures what you write. It will capture text, diagrams, doodles, basically anything you write. Of course, you have to use special paper with "microdots" that the camera uses as it captures your scribbles. Don't worry, the dots won't be visible in your text. Really, you have to squint very hard to even see them on the supplied paper (one pad).
Another interesting capability of the Pulse smartpen is that it can record audio as well -- and sync that audio with the notes you take. This makes it an intriguing gadget for capturing notes in a meeting, a presentation, or a class room.
My plan is to use it in several ways:
- I want to personalize my technical presentations by making crude drawings that I then capture and include in my Powerpoint slides. I thought this might lend my presentations a bit of warmth with a personal touch... and, as an aside, it'll make it easier to recognize when folks are using my slides in their presentations because I'll recognize my own scribblings.
- I hope to use it to take notes in important meetings where I may need to refer back to the actual audio of what was said. This can be especially helpful in technical product meetings and presentations.
- Maybe I'll use it when I attend sessions at conferences like IDUG, SHARE, and IOD -- at least for some of the sessions.
So if you see me in one of your presentations, speak up... I want to make sure the microphone on my smartpen captures every word you say!
If you are interested, the Pulse SmartPen is now available on amazon.com.