Logitech io Personal Digital Pen

by Logitech

Product Details

Data Sheet [64kb PDF]

• Item Weight: 1.9 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006JP23
• Item model number: 965102-0100
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #89 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Accessories > Keyboards, Mice & Input Devices > Digital Pens
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 18, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description Using MyScript Notes software, the io Personal Digital Pen transforms handwritten notes into computer readable files, including text, tables, and drawings. It recognizes natural handwriting, numerous geometrical forms, arrow and tables. With the Logitech IO personal digital pen, your handwriting becomes an effective tool for the digital world--without changing the way you work. Write or draw on special digital paper and your words and images are both inked on the paper and stored in the pen's memory. To transfer these handwritten documents to your PC, place the pen in its cradle and download them. Then, easily share, store, organize, and retrieve them.

The Logitech IO digital pen remembers everything you write when you are away from your PC. In addition to a regular ink cartridge, it includes an optical sensor that captures your words and drawings. A built-in processor digitizes your handwriting, storing up to 40 pages in memory between downloads. Based on functionality from Anoto, the Logitech IO digital pen encodes on the basis of microscopic dots printed on the paper. Since it always knows exactly where you are, you can even accurately edit the original page at a later time. Use Post-it Notes and Cambridge Limited notebooks enabled with the Anoto functionality to capture your thoughts.

Protect your information with electronic copies, so you'll never forget or lose handwritten documents again. Find the information quickly with your PC's indexing and searching functions. Even have your handwritten notes available on the road. Simplify your organization by writing calendar entries into your electronic organizer and adding handwritten tasks to your electronic to-do list.

Improve communication by circulating hand-drawn sketches and drawings and meeting or class notes without photocopying. Write e-mail when you're away from your computer for automatic sending on download. The Logitech IO digital pen comes with a rapid-charging USB cradle, an AC adapter, helpful software, five ink refills, one Mead Cambridge Limited Notebook, one 3M Post-it Notes Pad, and a two-year limited warranty.

How it works
The Logitech io digital pen looks and feels just like an ordinary ballpoint pen and you use it in the same way. There are no keys to press and no display. You activate the pen simply by removing the cap and deactivate it by replacing the cap. Then you write on digital paper the same way you write on regular paper. The main parts of the digital pen are a digital camera, an advanced image-processing unit, and a communication unit. It also contains an ink cartridge so that you can always see what you have written or drawn.

Optical sensor captures everything you write Processor digitizes your words and images Rapid-charge USB cradle transfers digitized data to your computer Ink cartridges let you write like you normally do Memory stores up to 40 pages between transfers Battery lasts up to 25 pages between recharges Cap controls on/off -- remove to turn on, replace to save battery

Your handwritten notes are quickly and easily converted into text.

FAQs

How does the Logitech io digital pen work with digital paper to capture handwriting?
When using digital pen and paper, a tiny camera in the pen registers the pen's movement across the grid surface on the paper and stores it as series of map coordinates. These coordinates correspond to the exact location of the page you're writing on.

How much memory does the pen have?
The pen has 2 megabytes (MB) of memory, of which 1 MB is dedicated to storing pen stroke information and paper definitions. The remaining memory is used to store handwritten documents and can be erased when you download your handwritten documents.

How many handwritten pages does the Logitech io hold?
The pen can hold up to 40 pages of handwritten content before needing to download the content to the computer. A page is defined as 29 lines of handwritten text.

Will I lose any of my documents in the pen if the battery dies and I don't recharge it right away?
No, the information is stored in a non-volatile flash memory, meaning the contents remain until you download the documents to the computer or reset the pen using a Master Reset procedure.

What type of ink refills should I use with the pen?
You can get ink cartridge refills at local office supply retailers, provided the refills are ISO 12757-1 D1 compliant. Only use ink refills that do not contain carbon because carbon ink can hide the dot pattern on the paper. You can always purchase ink refills from Logitech that are guaranteed to work with your pen by visiting www.logitechio.com.

Does the cradle have to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work?
Yes. You must make sure that the cradle is plugged in to both an electrical outlet and your PC. You'll know everything is connected properly when the battery status LED indicates that the pen is charging.

Is the pen for left- and right-handed users?
Yes. Whether you are a left- or right-handed user, you can write with the pen.

Do I have to hold the pen in a special way?
You don't have to hold the pen in any special way, but it is important to make sure the pen is positioned so that the sensor is in back of the ink cartridge tip, not in front of or on the side of the ink tip. As long as the sensor is in back of the ink tip, you can tilt it in any direction and the pen will still record your writing.

If my pen is lost, can someone else see the information I've written with it?
No. The information cannot be downloaded without the supplied cradle and AC adapter. However, if your pen, cradle, and power adapter are also lost, then the information can be downloaded.

Does the Logitech io work on a Macintosh?
Currently, the pen is supported only on the PC platform.

Can the memory by upgraded to store more information?
No, the pen's memory capacity has been optimized for its intended use.

How long is the warranty?
The Logitech io features a two-year warranty.

Product Description

Logitech io Personal Digital Pen - The most basic of communication devices has now gone digital, with the Logitech io Personal Digital Pen. The io, and it's included digital notebook, function like any normal pen & notepad - using ink & paper to let you write down information. However, using digital technology, what you write into the special notebook is recorded in the pen's memory. Up to 40 pages worth. From here you can transfer your notes to any PC via the included cradle. Use the pen for backing up your notes, or use them in digital communications for a personalized touch.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

218 of 223 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Updated Software makes This a Sho-Nuff Keeper, October 1, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Logitech io Personal Digital Pen (Personal Computers)

...The box ships with version 1.1 software, but Logitech released version 2 in early September 2003. Learned that via researching the product a few weeks ago. The newer software (d/l from Logitech) bundles an integrated (fully featured 30-day trial version) of a (MyScripts-based) handwriting recognition engine. That's for the entire page, folks, not just the little blocks at the bottom, as was the case previously. It ain't perfect, but neither is my chicken scratch. The box includes a 20% off coupon if you register at Logitech. Apply that to purchasing Logitech's version of MyScripts, ...

Most importantly, you can take your notes, drop the pen in its well-like cradle, and configure the "Desktop manager" to take one of several automated actions. I chose to convert the pen notes to text, and save as RTF. ... But you could save as a standard MS Word .doc file instead if desired. Now, whenever I want to locate particular notes, I just click open InfoRapid and run an incredibly speedy search thru the rtf files I've compiled, courtesy of the IO package. E-Heaven y'all !!

A quick word about the pen. Yes, it's larger than usual, but the grip area is comparable to a highlighter. It's also textured and curved, making for a delightfully comfortable writing experience (even for this woman with very small hands). On the down side, I wouldn't place it in a shirt pocket, for the same reason I've learned not to place loose change there. The pen can be clipped to the pocket for stability purposes, but the size of the bottom portion overwhelms the smaller top part, tending to unexpectedly detach itself. Undiscovered, that's a recipe for battery drain. There's only one other "grrr", but it too is of minor concern: there's a "keyword" deal with the software-- I suspect it's a hold-over from the initial version. Complete pain in the skleeboop, as you have to add the keyword to a list first, rather than on the fly. Thankfully, we can avoid the whole hassle, now that the full-page recognition/conversion capability is available, obviating the need for discreet searchable keywords.

That brings me to the issue of revisions, after the recognition process kicks in. I can't imagine an easier process. Your handwritten notes appear in one pane, post download. A nicely sized popup box shows the plain text translation. Thus, a quick comparative glance tells you whether you really "need" to correct anything. Personally, I purchased the pen with the goal of searchable notes, not letter- or brief-writing. Hence, as picky as I am (attorney- so I truly require precision in most instances), I rarely "need" to make revisions, since the accuracy is good enough to permit the searchability I've long craved. If there's a question later, I have the luxury of a backup via the handwritten notebook-- with no extra strain whatsoever. (Huge sigh of contentment!)

You can view very precise discussions at the Logitech IO Pen users' forum: I found it especially enlightening to learn there that many user comments were taken to heart by Logitech, as most have been incorporated into the upgraded software. One cautionary note though-- on my XP/SP1 machine, I couldn't get the version 2 software to install. My stupidity, as the materials tell you that version 1.1 of the .Net Framework is required. I failed to focus on the fact that my long ago installed version was merely 1.0. Duh! A quick scurry to the MS site to download v 1.1, and I was set. Once that requisite was satisfied, I elected to install the CD version, and immediately thereafter, the newer version 2 downloaded package. Smooth as silk during installation, and every day thereafter. (I've been a notetaking little demon for the past 10 or so days straight, so if there were glitches, trust me, I'd have bumped into them by now.)

You'll likely fall in love with this beauty. But, since a writing utensil is such an intensely personal choice, an Amazon.com purchase would be wise.......

In the box:
-- pen
-- 5 pen refills **
-- 50 or so sheets/notebook (regular = 80 pages/160 sheets)
-- little post-it note pad
-- well-shaped cradle, with physically attached USB cord
-- power adapter (read: brick) ( probably can leave it at home for 4-5 day trips though)
-- munchkin how-to booklet -- READ IT :-) for install specifics before you touch anything, to avoid snafus
-- 20% off coupon
You'll wanna grab the new software while awaiting your package:
...Digital pen & paper >> IO Digital pen (NOT MyScripts)

** The refills: you'll notice that the clip segment of the pen (silver) has a small hole. You situate the current ballpoint into that hole, then twist to remove it. Nice touch.

The software is for Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows 98.

253 of 270 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great idea ... hidden costs ... some 'gotchas', November 8, 2002

By 

Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Logitech io Personal Digital Pen (Personal Computers)

I was an early, frustrated adopter of the A.T. Cross-Pad. The concept was intriguing, and the engineering was an interesting combination of traditional paper, special ink and handwriting recognition software. Where that product fell short, in my opinion, was the painful and frustrating sessions in which you attempted to train the software to recognize your handwriting. A second barrier was the serial interface (USB was on the horizon at the time, but not mainstream). I wrote off the technology (no pun intended) at the time after failing to find a use for the technology, so when Logitech introduced the Personal Digital Pen it seemed time to give technology another chance.

The Logitech Personal Digital Pen makes no claims to transform handwriting into text, which was a major selling point for me. I wanted to scribble notes and get them into a computer in the easiest possible manner. The USB interface that is included makes this easy - merely set the pen in the holder and everything you wrote on your pad is quickly in your computer and faithfully reproduced (in my case, near-illegible handwriting and all). The pen has 2 MB or RAM and can hold approximately 40 pages of notes before you have to upload it to your computer.

Up to this point I was pleased with the device, but did some quick math and discovered that the cost of owning the pen was high - it only works with special electronic pads that are relatively expensive. Currently there are two manufacturers for the paper (3M for the PostIt Notes and Mead for the writing pad). Logitech does claim that any electronic pad that is marked with an "Anoto functionality" logo will work.

The show-stoppers for me, and the reasons why I returned the product were: (1) the pen's software required Internet Explorer (I have it completely removed from my system for security reasons), and (2) also mandates the use of Microsoft's .NET framework (I have privacy and security concerns about that). However, if you use Internet Explorer and are already using the .NET framework with applications such as Hotmail, MSN, etc. you shouldn't have the same issues as I with this aspect of the product. If you can live with the total cost of ownership that is imposed by the requirement for special electronic paper, you will find the Personal Digital Pen to be a handy tool and a great value.

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hard Core User - Business Analyst Review, April 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Logitech io Personal Digital Pen (Personal Computers)

BACKGROUND:
I use this tool everyday in my work as an IT Business Analyst. I write between 100 and 300 pages of handwritten notes per month - not including those captured on my laptop. My writing includes meeting notes, requirements, process workflows (data and business), planning, ideas, etc. I've been using the product for 3 months.

MY REQUIREMENTS:
#1 - Stop Rework: eliminate re-typing critical handwritten notes into my laptop.
#2 - Easier Access: file notes electronically instead of trying to find notes in the voluminous stacks of folders I'm forced to create and maintain.
#3 - Portablity: need to have my notes with me at all times to be able to recall information quickly.
#4 - Information Sharing: distribute much needed detail information gathered to all parties involved in a project. Provide critical reference information about a project for those who are tasked with future enhancement or maintenance on the software products / services that were developed.

PRODUCT REVIEW:
#1 Stop Rework:
Greatly reduced the amount of re-typing for non-critical information I capture - i.e. information not widely distributed.
For my purposes, notes captured that require wide distribution, need to be converted to text so recipients can read them. The product makes the claim that MyScript Notes will convert words and diagrams into text and objects. The text / object conversion is completely (100%) unusable. It actually takes much longer to make corrections to a 'text/object-converted' page than to completely rewrite the document from the beginning.
#2 Easier Access:
Big improvement. Allows the user to name documents, create folder structures within the IO software and store documents in one place.
#3 Portablity:
If you have a laptop - your notes go with you. For me - this has been a big advantage. I have my formal documents (e.g. Scope, Requirements, Workflow documents, etc.) composed on my laptop and my additional notes with me at all times.
#4 Information Sharing:
Good for team members who you work with daily - i.e. they get used to reading your handwriting. Unusable for distributing to a wider audience because the text/object recoginition is ususable - (i.e. unprofessional sending handwritten notes, users have trouble reading, not good for future reference documents).

SUMMARY:
I call this product a 'Poor Man's Tablet PC.' I continue to use it everyday because it has helped me stop to piles of paper I used to have to organize and store. I have everything in one place now - on my laptop, where I need it. I held off purchasing the IO Pen when it first came out until 'text/object' recognition was available. When it did become available - I bought it. I couldn't have been more disappointed with this critical feature (text/object recognition), and have vehemently let both Logitech and MyScript know about the critical requirement to make this feature usable - no action to date. If they solve this problem - it will be hard for me to justify the need for a Tablet PC.