Summary:
I just picked up the IOGEAR Wireless Digital Scribe (GPEN200) and find it to be an excellent value. (about $100 from the Dell online store)
There are a couple of versions of the device available, some which must be connected to the computer but the wireless model gives the ability to work in either mode.
When connected to a computer, the software shows a page on screen and any motion of the pen on paper is shown directly on the screen. There is also an easily entered “mouse mode” where the pen behaves as a standard mouse.
In standalone operation, the receiver unit sits at the top of the sheet of paper and records all pen movement. Up to 50 pages (8.5 x 11 or A4)of material can be stored, page by page.
When reconnected thru the computer’s USB port, the saved pages can be uploaded for storage or manipulation.
The software comes on two cd’s. The first contains the basic software to manage the pages, edit pages, convert them to JPEG’s, etc. The second contains character recognition software which can convert the handwritten notes to Word or similar formats. I haven’t had the need to use this at this point.
The pen itself requires two watch-type batteries (included) and the pen shuts off after several idle minutes.
The base unit has a rechargable battery which gets its juice when plugged into the computer via the included USB cable.
Comes nicely packaged, good online help and includes a stylus to replace the (standard sized) ink refill when using the mouse function for long periods. Have installed it successfully on XP and Vista….XP version gives a couple of additional features.