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Duo brings pen-based computing to almost any display
An intermediate step between Livescribe and a touchscreen, the Duo by KCI Communications lets you use a stylus on your standard desktop or laptop display. It works (on devices up to 17-inches) by using a base station to track the XY coordinates of the pen as it makes its way around the screen. If that weren't enough, the pen also features functionality similar to Livescribe -- you can keep notes on traditional paper and transfer them to your PC later. Currently, this bad boy is only available for WIndows machines, but Mac drivers are in the works. Now, we haven't had the opportunity to play with one of these things, but maybe you'll want to take the plunge? If so, hit the read link -- shipping now for $119.95. But not before you check out the commercial after the break -- it's a classic. [Via CNET]
Livescribe shows off Leapfrog Fly-esque pen computer for grown-ups
It looks like those intrigued by Leapfrog's Fly pentop computer but turned off by its "toy" status will soon have an option that's a little more in line with their sensibilities, as The New York Times reports that a former executive at Leapfrog has now branched out on his own to produce a similar device aimed at adults. Set to make its debut at this week's D conference, the pen from Jim Marggraff's newly-founded Livescribe company is apparently a "more advanced" version of the Fly computer, relying on the same dot-laden paper to capture whatever you write or draw with it. The pen also packs two microphones to record what it hears while you writing, which can be played back simply by tapping on the paper. Marggraff thinks that'll make the pen particularly well-suited to students, although he not surprisingly sees virtually endless uses for the device, saying that it'll appeal to "anyone that is writing notes on paper." While the pen's only just making its first public appearance now, it doesn't look like you'll have to wait too much longer to actually get your hands on one, with it set to be released sometime this fall for under $200.[Photo courtesy of Peter DaSilva/The New York Times]
