Comments on: Livescribe 2GB Pulse Smartpen APA00002

By: TimeIsMoney

TimeIsMoney — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Overpromises and underdelivers
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I have yet been able to get this pen to transfer the notes to my computer. The desktop software, that must be downloaded, does not connect to the device. Mine throws an error message with no options for resolving the problem. There is no help included to help me in distress shooting the problem. It appears that you can only connect the pen to a singular desktop system. This is an input device, not a PDA, and this design choice is tantamount to producing a mouse or keyboard that will only work on one computer system. So, if you want to use the pen for work and school? Too terrible, you’ll have to buy one for your work and one for school.

Also, be aware that you will spend a small fortune on paper products because the device relies on paper that has a grid printed on it, and even though they claim the desktop software will allow you to print your own grid paper, you’ll need to make sure that you have access to a Postscript capable color printer. If you are not a marketing department for a Fortune 25 company, you will not likely have one of these.

The remaining criticism that I have of this device is that it relies heavily on making sure that a network connection is present when syncing to the computer. Not only does this make me suspicious, it drives me insane because I am a mobile worker and don’t appreciate having to drive around looking for access points whenever I want to sync to the computer.

This product seems to be built upon a very specific use case, and unless you fit into their thought of how you should work, this product will disappoint you. If you need to capture handwriting and audio, I would recommend a scanner and a digital recorder. As soon as I return this, that is exactly what I plot on purchasing.

By: Lexi NJ

Lexi NJ — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Fantastic for recording lectures
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this to record 3 days of vital lectures (I wanted to be able to listen to them again). Even in a huge room, the sound quality was fantastic…beyond my expectations. It was simple to download the lectures to my computer. I was even able to keep the pen in my purse and it still picked up the lectures very well. I have not utilized the note-taking features very much yet, but it seems like it could be useful and it appeared to work well too. The battery life and memory was more than enough to record for 8 hrs a day with no re-charging needed.

By: Scott A. Nickerson

Scott A. Nickerson — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

WOOOOHHOOOOOO! I LIKE this pen!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have nothing but fantastic things to say about the pen. It does so much more than I expected, and suits my situation perfectly. I am in business, and I use it for everything. I use the flip pads for taking notes throughout the day. I never again have to worry about losing the notebook. It makes quick notes simpler because you can use the audio recorder for details that would take too long to write out. Just start recording and jot some key words while you are talking.

I use the spiral bound notebooks for meetings. I like being able to take notes, then load them on the computer (which takes about 10 seconds). Then just a couple key strokes in the software saves them as a pdf.

I had a minor issue with the software, and was AMAZED to be able to talk to a very knowledgeable customer service rep after waiting on hold for less than a minute. This company is serious about customer service!

By: Kadi

Kadi — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Liked at first, but lack of features getting ancient…
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
For [...] bucks I would expect that I could delete specific pages (blank ones) cramping up my desktop, but you can’t & when contacting customer service, there slow to respond just to tell you what you already know. It’s not simple to organize your work since it is done in “notebooks” not allowing you to file pages & with the cost of these notebooks, I just use the same notebook for the semester (but can’t sort out my classes w/o having to do a topic search)I like the thought, but I wish the company would get better w/customer service & make a better way to file your pages. Also it’s hard for others to access my class notes unless they download the desktop. Why isn’t there a website they can go to?

By: AtlantaTL

AtlantaTL — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Haven’t been able to sync since I bought it
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
What a clean thought this pen is! I installed the pen, went through the training and started using it immediately the week of Thanksgiving. After recording several hours worth of conference calls and pages of notes, I tried to sync it. It doesn’t sync!!! Well, it’s now December 20th and I have yet to be able to sync the program. I contacted support…took four separate conversations to get a patch AND the instructions for the patch. Patch didn’t work. I have sent numerous follow up emails to support…they won’t even respond to my emails anymore. I’m using 64 bit Windows 7…so don’t buy this pen if you have the same.