When OS X Lion was released there were some key pieces of productivity software that did not yet work with the update. As Mike noted, among the incompatible software was Livescribe’s desktop for OS X. It posed a bit of an issue for me since I needed a document that was on my Echo Smartpen last week. Fortunately Elana’s MacBook Air had yet to be Lion-ized and I was able to get what I needed off the pen. Well Livescribe sent word today that an update for their desktop software is available and ready for download. If you use a smartpen and have upgraded to Lion you can grab it here

One of the unexpected benefits of starting to use the iPad in place of my MacBook is that it has made me feel far lighter than ever before. No, I don’t mean “lighter” in a
“techno-geeky I’m so happy to be using this magical device…” way. No, I mean lighter as in “using the iPad means I carry a lot less in my bag”. In fact I can now carry a far lighter bag now thanks to the iPad.

I set out to figure how much weight I had “dropped” and even I am surprised. Here is a quick, rundown that is actually conservative in its estimation of what I carried… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I like my Livescribe PulsePen… a lot. It is, in fact, one of my most used gadgets and is up there as one of my best purchases of the year, if not the decade. The pen offers tons of “wow that’s really neat” the first (or one hundredth) time you use it, but also has real, practical uses that fit right in with my work style and needs. In additional, the device has constantly been improving (the desktop application is much better now than it was previously) and the system has constantly been adding functionality (such as screen casts).

Now Livescribe has won me over in another way. They have my respect as a company that does things right. Thanks to their straightforward, honest, no-excuses way of handling some recent issues I’m even happier to recommend the device to anyone who does any serious note taking.

Here’s what happened…… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

One of my favorite gadgets purchases of 2009 was the Livescribe Pulse smartpen. The pen records each stroke that is made on special paper. It also records what is said. Then, at a later date, I can display the text or hear what what going on in the room at the time I wrote a specific note. It really is quite remarkable and is now something I use each and every day.

Livescribe is currently running a holiday promotion that looks like a great deal. From now until the end of the year you can get a 4GB Smartpen ProPack for just $229.95. (Normally this bundle, which includes a special edition 4GB black Pulse… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

It seems like everyone has an App Store these days. And why not? As Apple has shown, great apps extend the power and functionality of a good device into realms no one could ever have dreamed.

Not wanting to be left out of the “App-Parade”… Livescribe has just announced the beta launch of their own application store. The store will provide Livescribe users…

with the ability to download more than 30 paid and free applications, which extend the functionality of the Pulse smartpen beyond its core feature of recording and linking audio to handwriting. Applications range from productivity and reference tools to games and entertainment to travel and education.

The initial releases are nothing too too exciting. They include a few versions of Hangman, a “Sexy Oracle” (don’t ask!) and a series of apps to help with the traditional chanting of the Hebrew Bible (called Magic Yad: Hebrew Chanting Made Easy). Still, it is great to see the functionality of this awesome device extended through the addition of apps.

I love my Pulse Smartpen and use it every day. The added functionality some of these apps can potentially bring will only make a great product better.

The full release follows.

Pulse Smartpen application reviews begin… later today. … Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I love my Livescribe Pulse Pen. I use it all the time to take notes and record random thoughts. I now have a Livescribe pad on my desk at home and one in my work study. That way I never actually need to CARRY the large notebooks. Instead I just write what I need with the Pulse Pen and then, when convenient, recreate the notes in my computer. I slao carry a small, light notepad in my briefcase for quick jots on the go. It has truly become invaluable to me and has allowed me to completely cut my ties to Windows XP Tablet.

Now Livescribe has upped their game with new and improves products.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I was shopping today for back to school supplies for my daughters at Target.

In true gadget head fashion I took a stroll down the electronics forum.

What did I spy? One of Dan’s favorite gadgets, the Livescribe Smartpulse Pen.

It’s gone viral… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I’m as big a fan of the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen as ever . The incredible device records pen strokes (so long as you use their special paper), records whatever is said and even syncs the text with the recording so you can see AND hear what was going on at any given moment. No matter where I go I always bring my Pulse and a notebook along. It is THAT useful.

The Pulse is an ideal device for the student or for the professional who is headed back into a busy season after a period of summer quiet and there are two developments related to the Pulse that are worth noting.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

UPDATE- THE SYSTEM IS LIVE AND WE’VE ADDED AN EXAMPLE!!

Okay, I promise that my Livescribe obsession will end… I’m not sure when but it will end some day. THAT day, however, is not this day. This day I have some exciting news for old, new and soon to be Livescribe  users.

The good folks at Livescribe reached out to us last week, and shared the news that as of today,  Tuesday, May 5, Livescribe users will be able to embed “pencasts” directly into any Web site or blog just the way you embed a YouTube video. Prior to today pencasts could only be viewed on Livescribe’s Online Community (as displayed in the above video); now they can go everywhere. … Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I’ve been writing quite a bit about the Livescribe Pulse pen in recent days. It is a phenomenal device, and apparently there are many people who agree. I’ve received a number of private emails from people who have been using the pens or have just ordered them. (I’m pretty sure they’ll be happy the decision!)

I went to a seminar yesterday, and a friend who is not known for her technological prowess, proudly held up her Pulse pen and said “Have you seen this before? I love it.” I reached in my pocket and pulled mine out. We had a good laugh and then compared notes. We agreed, the Pulse pen is a keeper! A keeper… but not perfect.

One of the biggest downsides with the pen is the fact that it requires special paper in order for the pen to work its magic. Sure, you can print your own paper at home and use that, but that’s pain, and quite frankly, I really don’t bother with it. Fortunately, there are a variety of types of paper available from Livescribe. I’m using four different types of Livescribe Paper. The different types of paper each serves a different purpose, and there are different times when each is useful.  I thought that we might take a quick look at each.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

It is one thing to review an item and quite another to actually use it in the real world. As I wrote in my initial review earlier this week, I am thrilled by the Pulse pen from Livescribe and am finding it to be one of the most useful tech-tools I have ever used. My days of longing for my tabletpc are largely over and, like my iPhone, this device is now a constant companion.

My main focus had been the pen’s ability to capture my writing and recreate the page in electronic form on my Mac. Because I was “writing-focused”, once I decided the pen was a keeper I ordered and received a variety of pad types. (Livescribe offers a nice selection and an overview is in the works.) What I DID NOT expect was how impressive the voice recording feature of the pen would be, and how quickly I would begin using and relying on it.

Here’s one real-world experience that may just have turned me from a “true-believer” into a hard-core evangelist.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I ordered a Livescribe Pulse Smartpen a few weeks ago after seeing an ad for it. Having now used it for a few weeks I can honestly say that, other than my various Apple products, this may well be my favorite technology purchase ever.

It certainly has all of the qualities necessary to stand out as a tech “home run”. It certainly has the “cool gadget dimension handled. Likewise it has the “technology that makes your life easier and you more efficient” market covered. And to think, I sat looking at the sealed box for two days after it arrived from Amazon debating whether or not I would actually open it.

Let’s take a look at this remarkable gadget… I mean… Work device. Let’s take a closer look…… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Livescribe has a new set of trendy papers that work with their electronic note taking pen. If you haven’t used Livescribe it’s a smart pen that remembers both the audio and written words from your note taking sessions. Using specially graphed paper you make notes during meetings which are later synchronized to your computer for easy recall.Their 3″ x 5″ Flip Pad retails for $12.95 and features a pink or black cover. Their Mini-Wrap Journal is $12.95 as well and about the same size (3.5″ x 5.5″) and a bit fancier with a magnetic closure flap and hand tooled cover.

How often do you go to meetings and forget to take notes on every important word that’s said? Since the Livescribe… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I’ve read where people describe the Livescribe pen as Tivo for the written word. If you are someone who takes a lot of handwritten notes – you will want a Livescribe pen. This pen computer remembers what you’ve written, records the audio and uploads both (audio and writing) to your computer and to Livescribe’s web site for (optional) sharing.

One of the ways I’ve used Livescribe is to record school conferences and events. When one parent cannot attend having a “Livescribed copy” of the event allows them to review a full copy of what was said (as well as read your notes). And since everything is digital – there’s no notes to photocopy – simply email a link to your notes/audio… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...