I got to thinking about how I use the pulse smartpen, and I made a shocking discovery. I really didn’t need the pen and the paper. After the break how software and some hardware you might already have can help you simulate the Pulse smartpen and LiveScribe desktop.
Here are the Caveats to my solution. You must not need the ability to record audio for replay via the paper. This solution is only for those people who like the concept of taking your writing into the electronic sphere.
Step one: Software. You will need some sort of product that stores other files and keeps track of tags for each file. Then it allows you to search your files through tags, titles, etc. EagleFiler is my choice for this.
Step Two: Hardware. You will need a scanner, especially one that can duplex. Make sure that the scanner has software that allows you to put your output into a specific folder. Also make sure that the scanner software can output the files in whatever format you want. If you don’t need PDF, I recommend JPG format. You can get each page into a small byte size. If you need multipage, then PDF might be the way to go. Have the scanner output go to the “to Import” folder of the EagleFiler library you wish to scan your handwritten notes. Then open EagleFiler and the files will be brought into the Library.
Step Three: Analog Hardware. You’re going to need to find a notebook, or paper pad that you wish to use as your note taking paper. If you use spiral bound notebook, get one whose pages are perforated. These sheets are going to have to be able to go through the scanner feed system. May I suggest these pads from Levenger.
Step Four: Take Notes. Start taking notes. From time to time scan the notes into your computer. Tag the imported files with appropriate tags. Because the notes are in jpg format you will see the preview in the EagleFiler preview pane.
This technique simulates the use of a Pulse Smartpen. Of course if you don’t have a duplexing scanner, then it might be cheaper to buy the pen, but most TechnoWarriors should already have a duplexing scanner. EagleFiler does the work of the Livescribe desktop. REmember this works only for those people who do not need the audio recording part of the SmartPen.
*Edit* – The above solution is for Macintosh. However if you find something to replace EagleFiler for windows, then the above solution will work even for Windows. That same for Linux.
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