This looks a pretty cool gadget. It is a digital pen that uses normal ink and can be used on any type of paper.
Digital pens have been around for a while but this is the first one I’ve seen that can be used on any type of paper. It captures your handwriting and stores it on the pen’s internal memory. This can then be transferred to your computer either straight away or a later date.
I was expecting the pen to look big and bulky but it actually looks quite usable. It is manufactured by IOGEAR and is called the Digital Scribe.
The box shown in the picture above is the USB receiver. This is used when you want to capture written notes onto your PC straightaway.
How many times have you been in a meeting where you’ve written notes down on paper? This would be a great way to store meeting notes and transfer to your PC at a later date.
Here are the full list of features:
- The only digital pen that has internal memory and uses ordinary ink and paper- you can compose and edit notes – later upload them to your computer and save them in digital form
- Full editing capabilities allow easy modifications – you can highlight, annotate, add additional information, adjust ink color, ink width, and page color.
- Create Sticky Notes on your desktop – keep reminders, to-do lists, and phone numbers close at hand.
- Set reminders on specific notes – with the special reminder function that pops up notes at specified dates and times.
- Export notes in JPEG format – share notes easily.
UPDATE: This pen does not have an internal memory. It must be connected to the computer at all times.
Buy the IOGear Digital Scribe from Amazon.
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10 responses so far ↓
1 John H // Feb 14, 2007 at 5:19 pm
The key feature unmentioned is the ability to do handwriting recognition. If it can’t do that, all it’s doing is saving on notepads…
2 IOGEAR Digital Scribe Update // Mar 7, 2007 at 7:37 pm
[...] month I was reporting on the IOGEAR Digital Scribe. It looks like it may soon be available for sale? The product description page no longer shows the [...]
3 D Hinton // Jan 4, 2008 at 1:01 pm
“The only digital pen that has internal memory and uses ordinary ink and paper- you can compose and edit notes – later upload them to your computer and save them in digital form ”
This is the claim in your review. There are no instructions on how to do this. Can you assist with instructions?
4 Dean // Jan 4, 2008 at 4:36 pm
This was just an overview article rather than a full review of the product.
I would like the opportunity to fully review one of these products at some point, but your best bet is to contact IOGEAR directly.
Sorry I cannot help with instructions for you.
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6 D Hinton // Jan 6, 2008 at 10:46 am
Your comments regarding the pen having an internal memory are INCORRECT. I have contacted Iogear who inform me that the pen must be connected to the computer at ALL times for it to function.
7 Dean // Jan 6, 2008 at 2:01 pm
As I mentioned in my earlier comment, this was not an item I reviewed. I was merely reporting what was published on numerous other web sites.
There are several retailers incorrectly stating that the pen has an internal memory. You are indeed correct that the device needs to be connected to the computer at all times, something that lowers the appeal of this device a lot in my opinion.
Thanks for clarifying the situation. Let’s hope IOGear can release a truly portable version of this device in the future.
There were plans to release a wireless version called the GPEN200N, which DOES have an internal memory for later uploading to your computer. Not sure if that ever became available though.
8 Tom Sisk // May 13, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Just to update things, I just picked up the IOGEAR Wireless Digital Scribe (GPEN200) and find it to be an excellent value. (about $100 from the Dell online store)
There are a couple of versions of the device available, some which must be connected to the computer but the wireless model gives the ability to work in either mode.
When connected to a computer, the software shows a page on screen and any motion of the pen on paper is shown directly on the screen. There is also an easily entered “mouse mode” where the pen behaves as a standard mouse.
In standalone operation, the receiver unit sits at the top of the sheet of paper and records all pen movement. Up to 50 pages (8.5 x 11 or A4)of material can be stored, page by page.
When reconnected thru the computer’s USB port, the saved pages can be uploaded for storage or manipulation.
The software comes on two cd’s. The first contains the basic software to manage the pages, edit pages, convert them to JPEG’s, etc. The second contains character recognition software which can convert the handwritten notes to Word or similar formats. I haven’t had the need to use this at this point.
The pen itself requires two watch-type batteries (included) and the pen shuts off after several idle minutes.
The base unit has a rechargable battery which gets its juice when plugged into the computer via the included USB cable.
Comes nicely packaged, good online help and includes a stylus to replace the (standard sized) ink refill when using the mouse function for long periods. Have installed it successfully on XP and Vista….XP version gives a couple of additional features.
9 Dean // May 20, 2008 at 9:16 am
Thanks for the detailed write up Tom. Much appreciated.
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