Remarkable Tablet as a ship’s logbook

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

AA /RR BB/LLView attachment 146417

This shows the frequencies and 3-letter callsigns for the approaches to the runways, also that for the turning point at Biggin Hill.........

 

[Firefly211]

Apologies if this is a little of thread drift…

I’ve been using a Livescribe+ pen for many years, both at university and at work. As a consequence I’ve switched to using one and their various notebook for all boatie related tasks. I think it achieves the best of both worlds!

This way I’ve the paper log on the boat with all its benefits (I do like a physical paper copy) and full page digital versions synced to the app on my phone/iPad/computer. In this way, I can view logs and notes anywhere via the app or output as pdfs. It deals with multiple notebooks too…so log book pages and general notes about things to do, buy, fit etc are automatically separate.

On several occasions, it’s been really useful being able to reach into my pocket and grab my phone to double check on a measurement that I’ve noted all the model number of the bilge pump when buying service kits.

Battery life is several days and after several years of use my first pen is going strong. I’m hoping that Father Christmas will bring me a new pen this year! But this is only because the newer models are slightly thinner.

I have no link to Livescribe+ as a company. Just a very happy user.

Moleskin also do a similar product. In some ways, this is nicer as the pen Is a little bit more swish, but the notebooks are a little more expensive and can be harder to get hold of.

 

[RunAgroundHard]

... I’ve been using a Livescribe+ pen for many years, both at university and at work. As a consequence I’ve switched to using one and their various notebook for all boatie related tasks. I think it achieves the best of both worlds! ...

This is a good idea, best of both worlds. I had a look at their website, I assume the pen can be used without their smart paper. As you write, does it transmit via Bluetooth to your device so that the written text is now captured digitally, or must you use their smart paper? How long does the battery last in the pen?

Livescribe :: Never Miss A Word - Livescribe

Edit: Additional Info
Looked at the help files

What is a Livescribe smartpen?

At about the size and form factor of any regular pen, Livescribe smartpens digitally capture everything you write on Livescribe notebooks and store them in its memory. When the smartpens are connected with a supported companion device (mobile/ tablet/ desktops), they securely transfer the data to the Livescribe Apps in the device.

In addition to digitizing handwritten notes, Livescribe smartpens also record audio and synchronize the recorded audio to what you write. Depending on the smartpen, audio recording and playback is either done on the pen itself or with the help of the Livescribe+ App on a companion mobile device.

Can Livescribe smartpens be used on any paper?
No, Livescribe smartpens lose their ability to digitize handwritten notes and capture audio when used on regular paper. In order to enjoy true benefits of Livescribe smartpens, dot-pattern printed Livescribe notebooks (dot paper) are required.

What makes up Livescribe digital writing platform?

Smartpen: At about the size and form factor of a regular pen with advanced processing power, audio and visual feedback, as well as substantial memory for handwriting capture, audio recording (only on Echo), and additional applications. The IR Camera in the pen is what it makes it so special, as it optically tracks your handwriting on any Live-scribe ‘digital paper’.
Livescribe Notebooks: Livescribe digital paper uses regular paper printed with a unique pattern of tiny microdots. This tiny pattern works a lot like a GPS system for the smartpen. It allows the smartpen to capture everything it writes or draws on dot paper.
Livescribe Applications: Allows users to backup, search, organize, and share notes from their devices. Users can also convert their handwritten notes into multiple formats and automatically upload notes to multiple cloud service platforms. Notes with audio recording, called as “Pencasts,” can be easily shared as interactive Livescribe PDFs or as Video files.

What's a Livescribe smartpen? - Livescribe

I thought the pen was recording text as you write and converting that image to text on any device, but you actually need their smart paper for this feature to work.

 

[Firefly211]

This is a good idea, best of both worlds. I had a look at their website, I assume the pen can be used without their smart paper. As you write, does it transmit via Bluetooth to your device so that the written text is now captured digitally, or must you use their smart paper? How long does the battery last in the pen?

Livescribe :: Never Miss A Word - Livescribe

It can digitise as you write, i.e., as you write it automatically transmits via bluetooth and it appears on the instantly on the digital version. I don't tend to do it that way though as I find it works better for me to connect, say once every day or so and then it just squirts the data across in one go.

Battery life is good, I believe it says fifty hours of continuous writing somewhere. As I said, I also use it for work and in this case with heavy meeting/client notes I need to charge every two days or so and that seems about right with those claims. Also I bought this pen about ten years ago so I'm sure its battery is getting tired by now.

In both the Livescribe and Moleskin versions you are tied into their notebooks. If you look very closely at the page there are incredibly fine dots and the pen uses this to work out its orientation to the page (I think). You can write on any other paper as well, but obviously this does not get digitised. You can (or were able to) print your own Livescribe paper with a laserprinter. I recall doing it only once as I found it easier to buy the notebooks and that keeps it all together. The notebooks are more expensive and that is a disadvantage but I guess that's where they get the return as the pens are around £100.

One of the other helpful things is that the notebooks are page numbered. I know in a conversation with some serious logbook people this is important for some as evidence that no log pages have been removed. Not a big thing for me in terms of the sailing I do.

 

[Firefly211]

This is a good idea, best of both worlds. I had a look at their website, I assume the pen can be used without their smart paper. As you write, does it transmit via Bluetooth to your device so that the written text is now captured digitally, or must you use their smart paper? How long does the battery last in the pen?

Livescribe :: Never Miss A Word - Livescribe

Edit: Additional Info
Looked at the help files



What's a Livescribe smartpen? - Livescribe

I thought the pen was recording text as you write and converting that image to text on any device, but you actually need their smart paper for this feature to work.

You do need Livescribe paper for it to work. You can still create your own if you prefer that: see link below with a how too.


Livescribe :: Never Miss A Word