Paper or "number"? Both: review of the NeoLAB Convergence Neo smartpen N2 smart pen

The NeoLAB Convergence Neo smartpen N2 smart pen is an interesting experience to combine paper notes and digital notes into a single whole. NeoLAB decided to create a competitor to existing solutions - such as Livescribe 3 and Equil Smartpen 2. The Neo smartpen case combines a conventional pen with D1 type paste and a digital device that captures all user records and then converts these records into digital data.

In this case, the device for normal operation requires the use of special paper, the manufacturer of which is also NeoLAB. The device comes with a small notebook, spare paste and a charging micro-USB cable. The handle is available in black and silver.

Design and Sizes

Neo smartpen N2 is made of aluminum, with a plastic cap on the end and a plastic cover on the other end, where the micro-USB port is located. The weight of the pen is only 22 grams, the length is about 16 centimeters. It is quite convenient to hold it, no problems arise.

By the way, inside there is also a dual-core ARM 9 processor, plus a Bluetooth 4.0 communication module. There is also a camera that captures the entire process of the user’s work, digitizes the image, and transfers it to the mobile device in its own application.

Exploitation

Designers and engineers did their best - there are no problems when working with a pen. It is convenient to hold it, all the details of the applied image or text are recognized perfectly. Watching the transfer of digital data is very interesting - you can draw something in a notebook and at the same time watch the appearance of the image in the application.



If there is no connection with the mobile device, the pen will memorize information, and synchronize the stored data when a connection appears. There is enough memory to store about 1000 pages, which is enough with the head.

In addition to the main function, there are additional ones. For example, an application can search for entered text on the Web or digitize handwritten text, turning it into electronic (15 languages ​​are supported). The speed of such a conversion is quite high. In addition, the user can add audio memos, send an e-mail message with just written text or a created picture.


Comparison of Neo smartpen (in the center) with Livescribe 3 and Equil Smartpen 2

As for specialized paper , the pen works in this way similar to Livescribe 3. The developers went to this to get rid of the need to use an additional element - a clip-on sensor, which is attached to the sheet paper where the user is currently working. This option is also there - it's a penEquil Smartpen 2 .

The paper has special elements, markup, which allows for accurate tracking of records and drawings. Recognition, as mentioned above, is practically error-free. But working with a clip-on sensor sometimes causes problems.

Compatibility

NeoLAB Convergence Neo smartpen N2 is compatible with both iOS and Android. But Livescribe 3 currently only works with iOS devices. As for Equil Smartpen 2, Android and iOS are also supported here.

Pen paper

NeoLAB company produces several varieties of notebooks and notebooks with which a smart pen can work:

• N memo notebook –in line / 148mm x 83mm / 50 pages
• N pocket notebook - plaid / 144mm x 83mm / 62 pages
• N ring notebook - in line / 210mm x 150mm / 152 pages
• N plain notebook - 176 - 250 mm / 72 pages / 80g paper /
• N idea pad - in a line 210 x 297 mm (A4) / 100 pages / 100g paper (notebook of lined paper of size 8)
• N A4 notebook - blank sheets without lines / 210 x 297 mm (A4) / 50 pages / 70g paper / (adhesive sheets)

By the way, Livesribe 3 has the ability to print markup on its own, without buying company paper. The company itself provides such an opportunity by posting paper with markup on the Web . To print, you need a color laser printer. Most likely, the Neo smartpen N2 also has a similar technique, but this requires verification.

Specifications

• Battery Type: Rechargeable lithium polymer battery.
• Autonomous work for 5 days without recharging, when using the pen for 1-2 hours a day.
• Charging time: 2 hours to fully charge
• Internal memory: Nand Flash 90MB
• Saving records in internal memory: 1000 A4 pages
• Image Sensor: 120fps / 1100DPI
• Handle Continuous Use Time: 5 ~ 8 hours
• Dimensions: length - 157 mm; thickness - 12 mm
• Weight: 22 gr.
• Pressure Sensor: 256 Levels
• Colors: black; silver white
• Aluminium case

Where is this miracle sold?

You can buy a Neo smartpen N2 smart pen in Russia from Medgadgets.