Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

Take Notes Digitally

by Tobey Grumet Segal on August 11, 2009

Remember when taking notes meant simply putting pen to paper? Today the basic concept of putting pen to paper is the same, but the pen is digital. Here are two digital pens, the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen and Hantech Siso Tablo, that can make life a little easier this school year.

Livescribe 1GB Pulse Smartpen

Livescribe Pulse Smartpen

The 1.3-ounce Livescribe Pulse Smartpen works like an ordinary ink pen—enabling you to take written notes on notebook paper. The pen takes on extra capabilities, though, when used with Livescribe paper (100 sheets included and you can print your own). The paper is loaded with tiny dots that the pen uses as reference points for its infrared sensors to capture your handwriting.

As you take notes in class, the 2GB pen can also record the lecture (up to 200 hours). Your notes and the audio recording are linked, so you can tap on a word or drawing to hear the audio clip that was recorded at the same time. That means you can write a key word or two for every point your professor makes and the pen takes care of the rest.

All the controls for the audio recording, like playback speed or adding bookmarks, are found at the bottom of each notebook page. There’s even a calculator tool printed on the inside cover, letting you tap the numbers and see the answers on the pen’s tiny display.

When you dock the pen later, you can download and save your notes on your computer.  The Livescribe desktop application will let you organize your notes, serarch for key words and play back the related audio.

Hantech Siso Tablo

Hantech Siso Tablo

Another option for digital note taking is Hantech’s Siso Tablo. It simply turns any laptop into a tablet PC, letting you write or draw directly onto the screen with the stylus (which can also be used as a mouse).

Switch to a pen tip (included in the box) and clip the sensor onto any regular notepad or piece of paper to capture handwritten notes or diagrams. The Tablo works with Microsoft Office and a handful of other programs.


Topics

Computers and Software, Computers & Accessories, Accessories, Family and Parenting, Kids, Back to School, Time Savers

Livescribe 1GB Pulse SmartpenLivescribe 2GB Pulse Smartpen ($149): Buy Now at Amazon.com

Hantech Siso TabloHantech Siso Tablo ($99): Buy Now at ncixus.com


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.