A newer technology that will make teaching and learning easier is the Pulse SMARTPEN www.livescribe.com. Like most new technology, I approached this “pen” with hesitation. So many items that are suppose to make life easier actually give me a headache when first trying to use them. So it was with apprehension that I opened my Pulse today.
I have to say, it was amazingly simple to start using. “Tap here,” and away I went. In about 30 minutes, I’ve become fairly proficient and am having a blast. ( Scroll down to read everything it can do and the specs) For students, this is invaluable. Not only does the pen record everything you write visably, it also records audio.
In fact, the SMARTPEN does more than I thought it would and the available information for learning how to use it makes it very simple; not the least bit intimidating, even for non-tech-savvy people like me.
By the way, it was really easy to plug the docking USB cradle for the pen into the computer after downloading and installing the software (very quickly, I might add) and it was ready to rock-n-roll.
I’m afraid this little pen is going to go from something to write about to something addictive- and will make an awesome gift for a few writer friends and an engineer husband. I am thoroughly impressed!!
The pen is a link between my laptop and what I jot down. Very valuable for taking notes, interviewing or keeping track of things. Later, you can go back and search for things in the documents you create. For instance, if a student wrote the word “test” and the date somewhere in their notes, they could go back and search ”test” later and find it.
| Hardware |
| Product Design |
Sleek ergonomic design with anodized aluminum housingCharcoal blue with silver band & black accents |
| Processor |
Samsung ARM 9 (32-bit, 150 MHz) |
| Screen |
96×18 OLED Display |
| Camera |
High speed infrared camera (over 70 images/sec) |
| Storage |
1GB NAND (over 100 hours recording time)*2GB NAND (over 200 hours recording time)* *Actual available memory will be less.
*Actual recording time varies by audio quality setting. |
| Battery |
300 mAH rechargeable lithium (non-removable) |
| Audio – Record |
Dual (embedded) smartpen
microphones – mono recording3-D Recording Headset – binaural or stereo recording |
| Audio – Playback |
Embedded speakerAudio jack (2.5mm) for 3-D Recording Headset |
| Computer Connectivity |
USB mobile charging cradle |
| Size & Weight |
Length: 155mm (6.1 in.)Width: 14mm or 0.55 in. (bottom) to 16mm or 0.63 in. (top)Weight: 36 Grams (1.3 oz.) |
| Desktop Software |
| Livescribe Desktop |
Computer Desktop Software (download)
- Page Viewer to search, view and replay notes
- Pen & application management
- Gateway to your account, store, and online community
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| Online Community |
| Web Apps & Services |
My Livescribe Account250MB Online StorageCommunity for posting and sharing content
| Bundled Smartpen Software |
| Paper Replay |
Record and replay synchronized ink & audio |
| Notes |
Ink capture (without audio) |
| Quick Record |
Quick access audio recording application |
| Printed Calc |
Printed calculator for scientific, financial, and statistical equations |
| Quick Calc |
A simple calculator that can be launched and used on any dot paper |
| Other Utilities |
Time, Date, Storage, Battery and other settings |
| Nav Plus |
5-way navigation and menu system using pre-printed or drawn plus sign |
| Demo Card |
Includes: smartpen movies, 3-D audio samples, translator demo, and paper piano |
| Additional Software |
Additional applications will be made available for sale at livescribe.com |
| Included Paper and Accessories |
- 100 sheet dot paper college-ruled notebook
- Smartpen case
- 3 black fine point ink cartridges + 1 stylus cartridge
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| System Requirements |
- Windows XP™ SP2 or Windows Vista™ operating system*
- 600MHz CPU or higher
- 300 MB minimum free disk space
- Available USB port
- Internet connection
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* Note to Mac™ users: We are actively developing a native Mac solution and will have a public beta available for download in early December 08 (Works with Intel Mac OS X 10.5 or later). Please note that our product is not currently compatible with Parallels or VMWare.
* Note to Windows™ users: 64-bit versions of Windows Vista™ will be supported by a scheduled update available in mid November. 64-bit versions of Windows XP™ are not currently supported. |
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