Logitech IO2 Digital Pen ( 965154-0403 ) | List Price: $228.72
Discount Price: $133.98
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Brand: Logitech
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 2 years warranty
Features: - Convert handwriting to text -- your handwritten notes will look as if they typed on a keyboard
- Easy editing -- Change color and width of your ink strokes, select portions to remove, combine handwritten documents or paste information to existing documents
- Search for words and phrases in your handwritten notes, by date, type of document or file name
- While in a meeting, add To Do items or schedule new meetings by simply writing them down
- Post-It notes and Franklin Covey's iScribe software and digital planning pages keep your new ideas and comments organized
Good or Bad, Depending on its intended use [Posted on 2007-11-30]
The title pretty much sums it up. I bought the pen because I was tired of spending hours each week typing up my notes (that I took in class). The problem with the pen (why I returned it) is that the handwriting recognition is a DISASTER. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I have the best handwriting in the world, but it takes some serious coding errors to interpret "this is a test" as "~de93, h;02". If you are someone in my position, I would recommend that you snub the IO2 for now and try out some digital scanners (btw, they are much cheaper).
Getting there [Posted on 2007-12-12]
Logitech IO2 Digital Pen ( 965154-0403 )
I'm a doctor. More to the point I'm a doctor who writes a lot of notes and is working on a book. Many have heard the parody of doctors' hadwriting. I'm no exception. This pen finds my handwriting more legible than most secretaries.
I bought this pen to compare it with it's nearest competitor: The Fly Fusion Pentop Computer. Let me start off with the positives:
Plus points:
The logitech IO2 Digital pen ships with a cradle, a pen lid, a small (A5) notepad, three refils, and a driver CD. The refils and a notepad more more than enough to get anyone started.
Though the IO2 software takes a while to download, once downloaded is simple enough for many to use. A ten minute calibration period helps the software recognise the specifics of your individual letters and script. THis is different from the Fly Fusion which is sold in toy departments as it is meant for school children. School children have comparatively neater handwriting than physicians and are often discouraged from writing in a script-like (joind-up) manner. The Fly Fusion, a very good machine in itself, was able to identify complicated words (like mitochondria), like the IO2, but only when the letters were not joined up. The IO2 took it in it's stride. This means you can write faster with Logitech's product.
The ball pen is smooth and though cannot compare in smoothness to the likes of a Cross or Parker, is still better than many a drug-rep handed "freebie". The reason that both pens utilise biro technology is that the ink lasts a LOT longer than say, a roller-ball, which is to ink what a Hummer is to fuel- thirsty! F.Y.I. The IO2 was certainly smoother than the Fusion Pen-top Computer.
The IO2's software is articulate at translating written scrawl to typed text. I found the Fly Fusion software much more user-friendly though. Almost like an Apple Mac interface (and yes, I am a Mac-fan).
This brings me onto the negatives of the IO2:
The IO2, like the Fly guy is not compatible with Apple Macs (unless you have Windows loaded also). I have however heard from Logitech support that there maybe a Mac compatible pen/ software in development. Go Logitech!
Both pens are bulky to hold. They may describe them as a feel of a "premium pen", but alas this is not true. The IO2's oval cross section does make it easier on the hand than the Fly Fusion. However it feels like Logitech have gone out of their way to make an especially cheap and nasty feeling pen. I get better hand-outs from drug companies.
The Fly fusion is weighted better, but I feel this is because of Fusion's inbuilt speaker. But nonetheless the shape of the Fusion is large and bulky- tremenously un-ergonomic. Maybe the Fusion is developed for smaller hands. I also found the small twisty bit at the end of the Fly as a means of retracting the nib rather small and annoying. HOwever if you have more articulate hands than me, you may find it easier, and the transition from pen to broad stylus alright.
On with the negatives:
The Fusion is ~$80 whereas the IO2 ships at about $130. For your money the Fusion is very good indeed- if you don't have particularly illegible joined-up writing.
Both devices require their special notepads. I personally found that the Fusion's pads were developed with more thought. They take into account the many more applications that are available for the Fusion than are available on the Logitech. THe IO2 is a dedicated digital pen whereas the Fly computer is a translator, a music player, a digital-musical instrument simulator, a basic calculator, and others. The Fusion's notepads were also perforated along the edge and pre-punched - for the filing of the pages, should you want to.
The Fly fusion has two colours Black and silver. I should imagine that as it appeals to school children more colours would be on their way. I noticed two colours for the IO2 on Logitech's website, but alas I could only find the black & silver combination on offer.
Both are easy to procure online, however living in Cleveland, Ohio,I found the Fly fusion abundantly available in many shops. I had to order the IO2 online as there were no retailers to go in person and purchase it from.
To sum up. I feel if you are a working professional I would suggest the IO2. If you are a school aged kid wanting a twenty-first century product for a hard and fast twentienth century environment (school) I would suggest you go with the Fly-guy.
I am aware that Logitech do not support the use of the IO2 with Windows vista. People are reporting problems with the use of their IO2 on this OS. Mostly the fact that the pen stalls whilst uploading pages. Logitech do not have an affirmative answer for this. If you face problems I would suggest that you call Logitech support on Saturday (iirespective of what Logitech's website says). You should face MUCH less holding.
I believe that Maxell have a product call Pen-it which is allegedly Mac compatible. I am awaiting an answer form Maxell.
NO LONGER SUPPORTED [Posted on 2007-12-25]
Just opened as a Christmas present and went to Logitech website for some info - NO LONGER BEING SUPPORTED !! Paper only available UNTIL SUPPLY RUNS OUT!!
Great little gadget! [Posted on 2007-12-28]
I bought this pen for my daughter to take lecture notes at university. It works like a charm. My only concern is that I have to keep buying the digital notebooks. The pen software loaded fine, and it works very well. Didn't take long to train it to read her handwriting.
Logitech io2 pen [Posted on 2008-01-21]
Pen is great for school but am dissapointed that it does not work with Windows Vista so i cannot use on my computer
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