Back in college, I used to have a fairly tough time remembering every bit and piece of explanation professors had for certain specific items within their lectures, which was sort of frustrating, especially when learning for an exam. And now, I really wish Livescribe would have invented their Echo smartpen a lot earlier, since this tiny device records everything consumers hear and write and provides quick and accurate access to important information by simply tapping on the written notes either directly on paper or on a computer using the Livescribe Desktop software.

The Echo smartpen features a sleek ergonomic design with a rubberized grip and anti-roll surface. It is available in 4GB and 8GB models, recording approximately 400 and 800 hours respectively. This new smartpen also features industry-standard connectors, micro-USB and 3.5 mm audio jack, to enable customers to use their favorite ear buds for private listening as well as share common USB cables with other mobile devices.

Users will also be able to pre-load these devices with various applications, ranging from rich reference tools like a complete 120,000 word American Heritage Desk Dictionary to simple games and study aids, available from Livescribe's Beta Application Store, which now includes more than 60 applications.

Other features worth mentioning include password protection, which ensures the fact that recorded audio on one's smartpen remains private and safe, as well as the possibility to assign a custom smartpen name.

Last, but certainly not least, we'll also have to mention the Livescribe is preparing quite a large number of software applications that will enhanced collaborative work done with the help of the smartpen. For example, they plant to roll out the new Connect software, which enables customers to send notes, audio and Pencast PDFs quickly and easily from smartpen and paper to a wide range of destinations including email addresses, online sites and other popular third-party consumer, education and business applications. The Information is automatically sent when the smartpen is docked to a Mac or PC.

With Pencast PDF, customers will also be able to author and share pencasts in an industry-standard Adobe PDF document directly from smartpen and paper. Livescribe will also introduce Paper Tablet, powerful new collaboration software that lets consumers communicate in real-time, directly from a Livescribe notebook to a Mac or PC using an Echo smartpen and a standard micro-USB cable.

The new Echo smartpens are available at various retailers for $169.95 (the 4GB version) and $199.95 (the 8GB flavor), which are some fairly decent price points, all things considered.


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