Logitech Io

We have to admit that the idea of a 'digital pen' did strike us as a bit of a gimmick. However, we can see that Logitech's Io could be handy for users in certain vertical markets.

The Io is a somewhat bulky ink pen that contains an optical sensor similar to that found in an optical mouse. This allows it to record the hand movements you make when you're writing. It stores whatever you write as a bitmap graphics file, and its built-in memory can take up to 40 A4 pages of text.

When you're ready to read your work on paper, just slot the pen into its little USB docking cradle and download the pages onto your PC.

The docking cradle is also where the pen's battery is recharged. The battery should last for about 25 pages before you have to charge it again.

The software bundled with the pen allows you to manage your downloaded files so you can link together notes that relate to a specific project or client.

It's an idea that could prove handy for people whose job requires them to take a lot of handwritten notes, such as teachers and lawyers - two of the main groups that have apparently been buying the Io since its US launch earlier this year.

The disadvantages are that Io is bulky, and writing with it can feel a bit clumsy at first.

You also need to use it with specially printed notepads and paper. Logitech has made deals with several of the main stationery companies, such as Oxford and 3M Post-It, so there's no shortage of options. However, this special stationery will obviously be more expensive than standard notepads, so the Io will mainly appeal to users who can put the cost of stationery down as a business expense.

Contact: Logitech 01753 870 900
www.logitech.com

Specifications:

• 100MHz processor
• Windows 98SE or later
• 128MB of Ram
• USB port