About.com Rating
We've become accustomed to working on computers. But, it isn't always easy to take a computer wherever you go. Livescribe's Pulse smartpen can fill the gap. You can use it to take notes, record lectures and perform calculations.
The pen isn't without its quirks. However, it is ideal for students and those who spend long hours in meetings. And, when you get back to your computer, you can synchronize your notes and convert them to text!
Unboxing the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
The Livescribe Pulse comes with the pen and its dock. There are also several ink refills and a handy carrying case. A notebook has been included so you can start using the pen right away.
Livescribe has chosen not to include an installation disk with the pen. The software for the Pulse can be downloaded from Livescribe's site. This may seem like a hassle to some. However, it ensures that you get the latest version of the software.
There are versions of the software for both Windows and Mac.
The Livescribe Pulse Pen Design
The first thing you'll notice about the pen is its girth. It is considerably larger than an average pen. It is also slightly heavier. This can be uncomfortable at first. But, it doesn't take long to get used to the size and weight of the pen.
From a distance, the Pulse resembles most other pens. However, upon closer inspection, you'll notice the small screen, microphone holes, and earphone jack.
My biggest complaint with the design is the lack of a pen cap for the Pulse.
Fortunately, the carrying case will help prevent the ink from leaking in your pocket or briefcase.
The Pulse uses ball-point refills. It would be nice to have the option of felt-tip or roller ball refills.
The Livescribe Pulse Paper
The Pulse does not rely on a receiver to store your notes. Rather, they are stored on the pen's internal 1GB or 2GB memory.
While the absence of a receiver makes the pen easier to use, there is a drawback. You must use special paper that is covered with tiny microdots. It won't record your notes on other types of paper.
The fact that special paper is required raises a few issues. First, there is no guarantee that you'll be able to get the paper in the future. I encountered this problem with a competitor's smartpen. Also, the paper could come at a premium.
Livescribe has made things easier for you. The software for Windows allows you to print your own paper. Should Livescribe discontinue the pen or paper, you can continue to use your pen.
Certain commands and settings can only be activated via charts included with the Livescribe notebook. Be sure to retain these charts should you print your own paper.
Installing the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
Setting up the software for the Pulse smartpen wasn't as smooth as it should have been. I had to install and uninstall the software several times.
Once the software and drivers are installed, the pen must be associated with the Livescribe software. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to install everything in the correct order. The installation screens were a bit confusing.
However, once the software is installed, working with the pen is easy.
We've become accustomed to working on computers. But, it isn't always easy to take a computer wherever you go. Livescribe's Pulse smartpen can fill the gap. You can use it to take notes, record lectures and perform calculations.
The pen isn't without its quirks. However, it is ideal for students and those who spend long hours in meetings. And, when you get back to your computer, you can synchronize your notes and convert them to text!
Unboxing the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
The Livescribe Pulse comes with the pen and its dock. There are also several ink refills and a handy carrying case. A notebook has been included so you can start using the pen right away.
Livescribe has chosen not to include an installation disk with the pen. The software for the Pulse can be downloaded from Livescribe's site. This may seem like a hassle to some. However, it ensures that you get the latest version of the software.
There are versions of the software for both Windows and Mac.
The Livescribe Pulse Pen Design
The first thing you'll notice about the pen is its girth. It is considerably larger than an average pen. It is also slightly heavier. This can be uncomfortable at first. But, it doesn't take long to get used to the size and weight of the pen.
From a distance, the Pulse resembles most other pens. However, upon closer inspection, you'll notice the small screen, microphone holes, and earphone jack.
My biggest complaint with the design is the lack of a pen cap for the Pulse.
Fortunately, the carrying case will help prevent the ink from leaking in your pocket or briefcase.
The Pulse uses ball-point refills. It would be nice to have the option of felt-tip or roller ball refills.
The Livescribe Pulse Paper
The Pulse does not rely on a receiver to store your notes. Rather, they are stored on the pen's internal 1GB or 2GB memory.
While the absence of a receiver makes the pen easier to use, there is a drawback. You must use special paper that is covered with tiny microdots. It won't record your notes on other types of paper.
The fact that special paper is required raises a few issues. First, there is no guarantee that you'll be able to get the paper in the future. I encountered this problem with a competitor's smartpen. Also, the paper could come at a premium.
Livescribe has made things easier for you. The software for Windows allows you to print your own paper. Should Livescribe discontinue the pen or paper, you can continue to use your pen.
Certain commands and settings can only be activated via charts included with the Livescribe notebook. Be sure to retain these charts should you print your own paper.
Installing the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
Setting up the software for the Pulse smartpen wasn't as smooth as it should have been. I had to install and uninstall the software several times.
Once the software and drivers are installed, the pen must be associated with the Livescribe software. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to install everything in the correct order. The installation screens were a bit confusing.
However, once the software is installed, working with the pen is easy.
SHARE
