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The development of digital pens is comparable to the invention of email. This technology has just as much potential to revolutionize the way we share information and conduct business. Some businesses have been using the electronically-enabled pens for mapping, surveying, filling out forms, and other business functions for the last few years, but consumers are just scratching the surface in understanding the multi-purpose functionality of these pens right now. Expect big developments in this technology in the next few years.
Although different elements of the technology have been around for a while, none of the pens we reviewed have been in existence for more than five years. Some of the pens share technology components, while other components are unique. Some such as the Echo Smartpen, Pulse Smartpen and Capturx for OneNote require the use of special paper and contain a camera within the pen itself. For others such as the Mobile Digital Scribe, the recording/sensor technology is housed in an accompanying docking device that must be placed on or near the paper on which you are writing. All the pens we included in our review allow you to upload your hand-written words, tables and illustrations electronically to an application on your computer. Most convert the data to text which can then be imported into a Word document or the body of an email. Some provide online components to better help you share your electronic notes with friends and colleagues. Others record the audio of the meeting for which you are taking notes and include it in a Flash file with your hand-written notes.
Electronic pens are useful for college students, journalists and business people. Many pens are marketed for use in the educational environment, but Livescribe, manufacturer of the Smartpen, says that 70 percent of their customer base uses the computerized pens for business-related purposes. The pens are also fun for children.
Digital Pens: What to Look for
Ease of Use
Since this technology is modifying a rudimentary human skill that many of us take for granted, the pens must add value in a way that doesn't interfere with the process. In addition, the accompanying software must be practical and easy to use, so anyone can feel comfortable performing basic tasks regardless of computer knowledge.
Feature Set
The electronic writing devices we reviewed each provide a method for transmitting hand-written words, tables and illustrations in electronic form to your computer. Some provide state-of-the-art optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities. The best pens provide features that simplify or streamline common business tasks so they can become valuable tools for everyday use.
Performance
Even if pens are chock full of features, they must be easy and comfortable to write with, and the technology should reasonably capture the words you write.
Ease of Setup
Setup should be straightforward. Particularly because this is a new technology, pen manufacturers should offer detailed instructions to get you up and running as quickly as possible. In addition, initial product packages should include all the accessories you need for basic functionality.
Help/Support
Manufacturers should provide sufficient help and support including tutorials, FAQs, online technical support and contact information—including an email address and/or phone number—in which to contact customer service.
Computerized pens are very helpful for anyone who prefers to take hand-written notes over typing them into a laptop or PDA. Speaking of laptops, some bosses have banned them from meetings because of the tendency of those who bring them to play a more passive role. Without the ability to hide behind a computer screen, attendees are more likely to verbally share ideas and participate in the discussion. The electronic pens are less intrusive in a meeting, but they still allow meeting attendees to take notes which can then conveniently be imported to their computers for business use.
Email, instant messaging and texting capabilities today have caused daily, written communication to usually come in typed packages. Over the past few decades, we have seen a decreasing emphasis on perfecting handwriting skills in school as a result. Of course, as long as it's legible, handwriting will get the message across. Transmitting hand-written messages may seem unprofessional by some. However, there is a certain candor in handwriting that evokes friendship. The rarity of receiving a hand-written note actually draws attention to the message you wish to convey.
On this site, we have included reviews for six digital pens. We also have articles on
Digital pens will likely be a social revolution. Technology today provides for electronic writing devices that are comparable to the regular ink pens we are so familiar with. Handwriting in digital form allows for quick and convenient transmittal of messages to friends and colleagues.
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