Space Age Writing: Livescribe's Pulse Smartpen

Ok, hold on tight, folks. This is Space Age, high-tech stuff. Wait until you read this...

Livescribe has created a pen that allows you to take notes, create sketches and graphs, and record audio at the same time. Before I get into the details of how it works, just think of all the uses of this gadget!

No More Missed Information!

With the Pulse^TM Smartpen, you can take notes, and the pen will record the audio of the meeting while you write! Perhaps you're listening to a keynote speaker say, "It's important for the future of our organization that all employees remain at the office for a minimum of 8.5 hours every day." All you wrote down in your notes was something about having to stay in the office too long. Was it eight hours or nine? Don't fret! If you tap your Smartpen on your note about that topic, it will play back the speaker and you'll hear him say the correct amount of time. So cool!

A Scholastic Advantage

Picking up an extra class to expand your professional knowledge? Unless you have an endless supply of caffeine, chances are that you're going to nod off and miss important information. Cut down on what you actually write! Instead, write the topic of the moment, such as: "How to create a new Excel spreadsheet," and let the pen record the next five minutes for you. Later, when you're reviewing for an exam, simply tap your note and the pen will replay that portion of the lecture. If you learn by writing, doing and hearing, you'll have a real advantage.

Creative beyond Imagination

When I was a little girl, I watched a cartoon where a little boy could make things come alive by drawing them with a piece of chalk. Get this: If you draw a piano with the Smartpen, it will play music. No joke! If you drew a stack of $100 bills, I wonder whether the bank would let you deposit them into your account?

How It Works

To use the Smartpen, you need two things: A computer and the special dot paper that Livescribe sells on its site. The paper has microdots printed on its surface that literally act as a tiny navigation system for your pen, called a DPS (dot-positioning system). As the Smartpen glides over the dot paper, a tiny, infrared camera takes snapshots, mapping what you draw/write/scribe and sending it to the software on your computer.

The image is recreated, and your eyes translate it through your brain exactly how you wrote it down. Also, the dots are nearly invisible to the naked eye, and the paper feels completely normal. When saved to your computer, the files can be saved, searched or shared with others who do not have a Smartpen.

The Learning Curve

There is a learning curve associated with this cool pen. But, have no fear - the Smartpen comes with very clear, interactive instructions to help you along. However, if you lose pens as often as you lose your keys, you might want to stick with your Cross® pen.

The Cost

The Pulse Smartpen retails for $149 for the 1GB model, which allows 100 hours of recording time. For the 2GB version, which doubles the recording time, it sells for $199. Transfer files to your computer with a USB cradle that also serves as a charger. Check out the Smartpen and see how it might be a timesaver for you!