Today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire covers a pen that records your handwriting and any accompanying audio (see article below), two Web-based litigation support applications, an extranet built atop Microsoft SharePoint, and a device for securely downloading data from popular cell phones for discovery purposes. Don't miss the next issue.
A Backup System for Your Handwritten Notes
By Neil J. Squillante
Evolve or die, right? That's pretty much our only choice. It also applies to gadgets. Typewriters couldn't evolve so they died. Cars have evolved (though some of the companies that make them have not.) What about the pen? Supposedly mightier than the sword, we still use them, but for how much longer without a leap in functionality? After all, yesterday's sword is today's chef's knife.
Pulse Smartpen ... in One Sentence
Livescribe's Pulse Smartpen is a pen that captures your handwriting and can also record any accompanying sound associated with your note-taking.
The Killer Feature
How does every case start? With a client interview. Did you ever take notes during such an interview only to realize later that you missed something?
The Pulse Smartpen uses special Dot Paper that activates its functions via infrared. When you start taking notes, tapping the record button starts recording any accompanying audio using two built-in noise-canceling microphones.
When reviewing your notes later you can tap a line of notes to play back the audio at the moment you wrote those particular words.
Other Notable Features
Originally you had to purchase the Dot Paper (and you still can), but you can now print your own as well. The paper features a row of buttons along the bottom that you activate with the tip of the Pulse Smartpen — record, pause, stop, jump back or next, and bookmark.
Also included with the Pulse Smartpen is Livescribe Desktop, software for storing, reviewing, and sharing your notes and accompanying audio. You can also search your handwritten notes thanks to Livescribe Desktop's handwriting recognition software. Livescribe Desktop is currently available for Windows XP and Vista with a Mac version en route (you can use the public beta in the meantime).
What Else Should You Know?
A 1 GB Pulse Smartpen costs $149.95. The 2 GB model costs $199.95. For an additional $29.95 you can buy MyScript, which converts your handwritten notes into text that you can transfer into email, documents, etc. Learn more about Pulse Smartpen.
How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Wednesdays, TechnoLawyer NewsWire is a weekly newsletter that enables you to learn about new technology products and services of interest to legal professionals. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.
