The challenge to develop digital pens apparently started some 25 years ago. Today there are a number on offer, some use a camera technology developed by Anoto, others have a device that tracks the pens movement across the writing surface.
The description of a digital pen according to PC mag is “An electronic ballpoint pen that digitizes, stores and transfers what is written or drawn to the computer” The taking of notes is an important skill for many of us in a variety of situations, whether that’s at a lecture, meeting or important presentation. A digital pen is less cumbersome to use than a tablet or laptop & is less of a distraction allowing you to concentrate on what you write without dipping in & out of emails or surfing the net.
One of the latest gadgets around is Phree, users can scribble & make note on almost any surface, from the car dash to the office chair, you won’t have to reach for a pen or your phone to record your thoughts or an all important contact name or number. It will connect to your phone, TV or laptop, anything with a bluetooth connection. As a current Kickstarter campaign Phree isn’t expected to be ready for shipping until March 2016.
If you can’t wait to get your hands on a piece of this technology then you could check out the Staedtler Digital Pen. This intuitive ballpoint saves time by allowing you to record your notes or drawings by simply attaching the receiver to your page, when you’re ready transfer to a PC just download using a USB cable.
Other features
- Capture up to 100 A4 pages
- Refillable with standard D1 refills
- 3 settings – choose from mobile, mouse or online modes
- Recognises 30 languages
- Easily manage files
I see digital pens as another tool, ideal for taking notes where laptops, phones or tablets are banned or where there’s a need for taking copius notes that need to be written up & stored digitally or emailed. Whether they will ever replace a pen or pencil is anyone’s guess.
They’re write up my street!