The Perfect Pen

[jdboucher]

How about mixing those pens that digitize what you write....and you mix it with a fountain pen? That would be a dream come true for me. So here's my idea, create a system of wires that can digitize what you write, that can easily be put and removed from any pen, doesn't interfere with standard writing (doesnt get in the way of the grip, doesnt add too much weight onto a pen) and keep it relatively cheap. How cool would that be? Now i just need someone to create a way to design it.

[QM2]

A chip with a motion-sensoring device: you train it to recognise the letters spelled out by your hand motions, and it records them in the chip. End of the day, you remove the chip and insert it into a devise that turns it into a text file. The chip would be tiny, like a SIM card in a mobile phone.

[wege]

There is a pen out that does that already.. but wirelessley..

 

I saw the brand for the first time last week (via the net) but I am sorry, I don't recall the name of it... IOsomething.com

[JJBlanche]

This has been tried before, with varying degrees of success. Ultimately, most people don't mind writing on paper, then typing what's needed into the computer manually (ie: the device really isn't that marketable).

[jdboucher]

This has been tried before, with varying degrees of success. Ultimately, most people don't mind writing on paper, then typing what's needed into the computer manually (ie: the device really isn't that marketable).

 

if there is a device like this, please point me in a direction. it would be great for taking notes in class =]

[QM2]

There is a pen out that does that already.. but wirelessley..

 

I saw the brand for the first time last week (via the net) but I am sorry, I don't recall the name of it... IOsomething.com

 

 

We've all seen pen-shaped gadgets lately that do something similar, yes. But these are not even real pens; they are pen-resembling electronic devises. The whole point, is that what I described would not in itself be a writing instrument. It would be a tiny chip that you could stick inside the barrel or under the cap (if you write posted) or whatever, of any "real" pen. Any pen you want. So you would still be writing with your favourite fountain pens, and then downloading the digital transcript of your (real) writing.

 

 

QM2

[JJBlanche]

There is a pen out that does that already.. but wirelessley..

 

I saw the brand for the first time last week (via the net) but I am sorry, I don't recall the name of it... IOsomething.com

 

 

We've all seen pen-shaped gadgets lately that do something similar, yes. But these are not even real pens; they are pen-resembling electronic devises. The whole point, is that what I described would not in itself be a writing instrument. It would be a tiny chip that you could stick inside the barrel or under the cap (if you write posted) or whatever, of any "real" pen. Any pen you want. So you would still be writing with your favourite fountain pens, and then downloading the digital transcript of your (real) writing.

 

 

QM2

 

 

Fair enough. Now all you have to do is call Scotty, and have him beam one down.

[Pravda]

I think that pen used to.. hmm let me remember.. oh.. basically you scan text with it from any book/magazine and it reads it (memorize it in its RAM memory) and then you go home and plug it in your computer and it types out what it had read earlier..

 

I guess this is what is good for taking notes.. i mean, you go to the library and read several texts and the interesting parts of the text you highlight with that pen (taking notes) and then you have it for later..

 

 

 

 

[E39 98]

This has been tried before, with varying degrees of success. Ultimately, most people don't mind writing on paper, then typing what's needed into the computer manually (ie: the device really isn't that marketable).

 

if there is a device like this, please point me in a direction. it would be great for taking notes in class =]

 

Palm PDA can do this to a varying degree and it is pretty effective.

 

[Robert Hughes]

So here's my idea, create a system of wires that can digitize what you write, that can easily be put and removed from any pen, doesn't interfere with standard writing (doesnt get in the way of the grip, doesnt add too much weight onto a pen) and keep it relatively cheap. How cool would that be?

Sounds like you just wrote the job description for a secretary. Not only will he/she take your dictation, digitize your stuff for you, spell check your memos, update your appointment book, and properly organize your files, they'll screen your calls, and maybe even run the coffee pot! How cool would that be?

Edited May 20, 2008 by Robert Hughes

[bobfet1]

Do you have the technology to do this? Even though others may have tried it before, I think there's potential in the idea - but the main challenge really is creating the technology that will be sensitive and accurate enough to reproduce someone's handwriting from ANY pen.

[hardyb]

Mobile PC NoteTaker: http://www.pc-notetaker.com/

and: http://www.physorg.com/news123770071.html

 

 

What is it?

Mobile Notetaker is the first device ever to capture natural handwriting from any surface, and store it for future use. Based on a revolutionary electronic pen that uses ordinary ink refill and writes on any paper, the PC NoteTaker stores handwritten notes, memos or drawings for easy upload to any computer at your convenience. Additionally, if Mobile Notetaker is connected to a computer, handwritten text and drawings are displayed directly on the computer screen.

 

You can use the Mobile Notetaker everywhere without a computer. The device stores everything you write in its internal memory. When you are back at home/your office - simply upload it to your computer. The internal flash memory can store up to 50 pages (size A4). The Mobile Notetaker is powered by 2 AAA Batteries and has a unique LCD screen to confirm input..

If you already have the first version of the Pegasus electronic pen, the base unit will work with your existing pen.

 

PC NotesTaker Features:

 

The only digital pen that has internal memory and uses ordinary ink and paper- you can compose and edit notes ANYWHERE- later upload them to your computer and save them in digital form

Full editing capabilities allow easy modifications - you can highlight, annotate, add additional information, adjust ink color, ink width, and page color.

Create Sticky Notes on your desktop - keep reminders, to-do lists, and phone numbers close at hand.

Set reminders on specific notes - with the special reminder function that pops up notes at specified dates and times.

Export notes in JPEG format - share notes easily.

 

How to buy?

On this site http://www.pc-notetaker.com/, you can choose between two products:

 

Mobile PC NoteTaker – an advanced version of the PC NoteTaker. It is equipped with an internal memory and a portanle screen, and can function even when it is not connected to a computer.

PC NoteTaker – an optical pen which enables you to capture everything you write and upload it to a computer. This version needs to be connected to the computer in order to function.

 

Who can use it?

 

Students

Professors

Architects

Land surveyors/appraisers

Field engineers

Tourists/trekkers

Sales men

Business men

People who reside in foreign countries

 

Mobile NoteTaker is the first device that captures natural handwriting from any surface onto its internal memory, for use on any computer at any time.

Based on a revolutionary electronic pen, PC Notes Taker displays captured handwritten notes, memos or drawings, stores them for future use, and displays them on any computer.

Mobile PC NoteTaker is ideal for situations in which handwriting input is essential, such as in the health care, educational and financial sectors. Supplied with user-friendly software, PC Notes Taker is compatible with PCs and notebooks and supports Microsoft Office tools.

 

Specifications

Coverage area up to a letter (8.5" x 11")

Resolution 100 DPI

Communication USB

Memory 2MB flash memory

Power Pen: 3 x SR41 batteries

Mobile NoteTaker: 2 x AAA batteries

Standards Meets FCC, CE, and BSMI radiation standards

LCD Resolution: 128/64 pixels

Dimensions: 1.25" x 2.5"

System Requirements

Operating Sys. Microsoft Windows® 2000 or XP

Memory Minimum 64MB RAM

30MB available hard disk space

Screen Card Minimum 16-bit color quality

Compatibility Office 2000, XP, or 2003

Connection USB Port

Edited May 20, 2008 by hardyb

[goodyear]

I've used one of them (my dad has one). (Well, not exactly that one - the pen is identical, but the receiver unit is rather more compact.)

 

Surprisingly effective, especially for the relatively low cost

 

Of course, it's a little (very fine) ballpoint, so not really my cup of tea...

[jdboucher]

Again, the price is about $170. It would be interesting if you could create a device that you could put on any pen, instead of the ballpoint pen it provides.

 

 

Mobile PC NoteTaker: http://www.pc-notetaker.com/

and: http://www.physorg.com/news123770071.html

 

 

What is it?

Mobile Notetaker is the first device ever to capture natural handwriting from any surface, and store it for future use. Based on a revolutionary electronic pen that uses ordinary ink refill and writes on any paper, the PC NoteTaker stores handwritten notes, memos or drawings for easy upload to any computer at your convenience. Additionally, if Mobile Notetaker is connected to a computer, handwritten text and drawings are displayed directly on the computer screen.

 

You can use the Mobile Notetaker everywhere without a computer. The device stores everything you write in its internal memory. When you are back at home/your office - simply upload it to your computer. The internal flash memory can store up to 50 pages (size A4). The Mobile Notetaker is powered by 2 AAA Batteries and has a unique LCD screen to confirm input..

If you already have the first version of the Pegasus electronic pen, the base unit will work with your existing pen.

 

PC NotesTaker Features:

 

The only digital pen that has internal memory and uses ordinary ink and paper- you can compose and edit notes ANYWHERE- later upload them to your computer and save them in digital form

Full editing capabilities allow easy modifications - you can highlight, annotate, add additional information, adjust ink color, ink width, and page color.

Create Sticky Notes on your desktop - keep reminders, to-do lists, and phone numbers close at hand.

Set reminders on specific notes - with the special reminder function that pops up notes at specified dates and times.

Export notes in JPEG format - share notes easily.

 

How to buy?

On this site http://www.pc-notetaker.com/, you can choose between two products:

 

Mobile PC NoteTaker – an advanced version of the PC NoteTaker. It is equipped with an internal memory and a portanle screen, and can function even when it is not connected to a computer.

PC NoteTaker – an optical pen which enables you to capture everything you write and upload it to a computer. This version needs to be connected to the computer in order to function.

 

Who can use it?

 

Students

Professors

Architects

Land surveyors/appraisers

Field engineers

Tourists/trekkers

Sales men

Business men

People who reside in foreign countries

 

Mobile NoteTaker is the first device that captures natural handwriting from any surface onto its internal memory, for use on any computer at any time.

Based on a revolutionary electronic pen, PC Notes Taker displays captured handwritten notes, memos or drawings, stores them for future use, and displays them on any computer.

Mobile PC NoteTaker is ideal for situations in which handwriting input is essential, such as in the health care, educational and financial sectors. Supplied with user-friendly software, PC Notes Taker is compatible with PCs and notebooks and supports Microsoft Office tools.

 

Specifications

Coverage area up to a letter (8.5" x 11")

Resolution 100 DPI

Communication USB

Memory 2MB flash memory

Power Pen: 3 x SR41 batteries

Mobile NoteTaker: 2 x AAA batteries

Standards Meets FCC, CE, and BSMI radiation standards

LCD Resolution: 128/64 pixels

Dimensions: 1.25" x 2.5"

System Requirements

Operating Sys. Microsoft Windows® 2000 or XP

Memory Minimum 64MB RAM

30MB available hard disk space

Screen Card Minimum 16-bit color quality

Compatibility Office 2000, XP, or 2003

Connection USB Port

 

[jhsiao]

David Pogue reviewed a smartpen called the Pulse Smartpen...

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/08/technolo...ch/08pogue.html

 

...where the major feature benefit is recording the audio while taking notes--perfect for the student. Likewise, you can tap a word that you've written and the pen will playback audio of what was recorded when you wrote that word down on the page.

 

The caveat is that recording and transferring the written notes to the PC is dependent on using special paper with microdots printed on the page. A camera in the pen tip sees the paper's microdots and determines position. Kind of like those laser trackballs that use a specific pattern on the ball.

 

While Pogue states there are some smartpens that are not paper dependent, they don't record audio.

 

Of course, there are bugs but it seems like promising technology. You can watch a video.

[wege]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/APCOM-DIGISCRIBBLE...2993752-2691044

another style of a similar product.. well. perhaps a different brand?

 

But very similar to what I had seen.

For me?

Nope.