Review Livescribe Pulse SMARTPEN
Learn How to Use and Understand the Easy Computer Pen
Nov 12, 2008 Elizabeth Richards
Computers certainly make life easier but some of the newer technology can be confusing. However, one new computer device that is simple to use is the Pulse SMARTPEN by livescribe.
Computer pens take the most simple tool, the pen, and paper and make the format compatible with modern technology. Using the computer pen is very easy; just plug it into your computer's USB and begin writing on the special notebook paper, called dot paper. By tapping the tip of the pen on the dot paper, the pen begins working its magic.
What is a Smartpen?
Mightier than a sword, it's s a computer within a pen that captures handwriting and at the same time records audio and synchronizes it to the writing. Think of it as a TIVO or DVR for our writing. The Smartpen is actually a tiny computer, not just a peripheral device.
They've built a tool around the way people think, instead of making people think like a computer tool. It's an incredible asset for students or anyone who needs to keep track of data and information while they are working, which is just about anyone. Very affordable, the pen makes a wonderful graduation or Christmas gift.
How does the computer pen work?
Smartpen technology is amazing. In the tip of the pen is a tiny camera that takes 72 pictures per second as we write, recording everything. At the same time, a microphone inside the pen records audio. The sound can be adjusted to different quality levels and settings, such as "lecture hall."
Using special paper, we simply tap on our notes to replay what was recorded from the exact moment we start writing, so we never miss a word.
How does what we write get into my computer?
Smartpen links what we write to our computer but it's not a digital pen, or something that just captures ink and transmits. After installing the initial software from livescribe (which is done very quickly and easily), the computer in the pen transmits through the USB port and the document is managed through software that is easy to download .
Other things the Pulse Smartpen can do:
By writing in the special notebook, the pen can do amazing things:
- calculation; basic to advanced calculators are included with every notebook
- play a piano (really!) Simply draw nine lines and connect them, tap and you can play, compose and listen to your music (included with 3D earphones also, very high quality sound)
- watch video (limited capability)
- online storage of information
- translation Write in English, read in Mandarin, or vise -ersa. Or Spanish. Or other languages.
- many more applications are downloadable through the company website and will be expanded upon and consumer driven, based on need and request.
Affordability
Right now, the Pulse is available in two models; they cost anywhere from $149 US for the 1GB model, which provides storage for over 100 hours of recorded audio. The 2GB model doubles the storage capacity and provides more flexibility for downloading future applications and is priced at just under $200 US.
The Future of Computer Pens
This technology has so many possibilities. Right now, the pen is a little bulky to hold, but not too bad. Being first generation, the size and capabilities will no doubt become more streamlined and even more effective over time.
The Pulse's biggest advantage is that the technology allows us to carry a small computer writing and recording device anywhere and document and work without carrying a laptop or other equipment. At the same, internet access isn't needed to work either, because everything is transmittable later.
Livescribe is also implementing downloadable dot paper in the very near future, so consumers won't need to go out and purchase the notebooks. This type of computer technology is the perfect link between the past, present and the future for students and in work.
Knowing How to Use a Pulse Smartpen
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