A Computer in a Pen: Livescribe Pulse Smartpen

The Livescribe Pulse Smartpen is a computer in a pen! It features a Samsung ARM 9 (32-bit, 150 MHz) processor, 96 x 18 pixel OLED display, a high speed infrared camera that takes over 70 images/sec, dual embedded smartpen microphones for mono recording, 3D recording headset for stereo recording/playback, and an embedded speaker. It comes with 1 GB or 2 GB of storage.


The smartpen synchronizes the recorded audio with notes written on the Interactive Dot Enabled Paper with Dot Positioning System (DPS). Select the written text to playback the corresponding audio. Then transfer notes to your PC to backup, replay, and share them online. The Paper Replay Notebook costs around the same price as a regular notebook, and users can print their own dot paper for free on their PC printers.

Livescribe is also launching the Livescribe Developer Program to invite programmers to develop applications for the Pulse Smartpen. Some applications available soon include handwriting and audio conversion into digital text, Spanish translator, games, books, and special education tools for visually-impaired people.

Wow. I could’ve really used the smartpen to take notes in class!

[Livescribe via Ubergizmo]

Check out the Livescribe Smartpen CNET video: