Linux-Based Smartpen Heads For Kickstarter

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Linux-Based Smartpen Heads For Kickstarter

Posted by timothy on Tuesday July 9, 2013 @03:08AM from the veil-spass-beim-kuli dept.

DeviceGuru writes with a snippet from LinuxGizmos: "A Linux-based digital pen from German startup Lernstift will go live on Kickstarter on July 10 for about 115 Euros, or $148. The Lernstift pen incorporates an ARM Cortex processor, a WiFi module, and a motion sensor, and is designed to correct penmanship, spelling, and grammar errors as you write. A set of 3D motion sensors, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer help the smartpen's embedded Linux computer calculate the pen's 3D movements and generate 2D vectors. Kickstarter supporters pledging 99 Pounds (about 115 Euros, or $148 U.S.) will receive the first shipment of pens later this year, and standard pricing is expected to start at 130-150 Euros when production devices ship in early 2014."

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Yeah, but... by Smivs · 2013-07-09 03:14 · Score: 1

will it look like a penguin?

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Smivs on the intertubes!
not going to work by Anonymous Coward · 2013-07-09 03:15 · Score: 1

this is never going to actually materialize. you need some sort of absolute position detection, a la livescribe's special paper pattern and camera embedded in the pen.
Correct Penmanship, Spelling & Grammar? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-07-09 03:15 · Score: 1

I can fix my spelling & penmanship by typing everything into a computer. The grammar? It's never going to get better than it is right now because I'm old, I'm set in my ways, and I already have too many signs prepared telling people to get off of my lawn.
1. Re:Correct Penmanship, Spelling & Grammar? by gl4ss · 2013-07-09 03:21 · Score: 1
  
  I can fix my spelling & penmanship by typing everything into a computer. The grammar? It's never going to get better than it is right now because I'm old, I'm set in my ways, and I already have too many signs prepared telling people to get off of my lawn.
  well they had to think of something smart for it to do... just copying 2d shape saving is from last decade.
  
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  world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
I like nice writing implements, by intermodal · 2013-07-09 03:15 · Score: 1

and I love Linux, but I have no desire to combine the two. Writing by hand is just one of those things I have to do sometimes but not enough to invest in this kind of thing.

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In SOVIET RUSSIA... erm...NSA AMERICA, the Internet logs onto YOU!
1. Re:I like nice writing implements, by hawguy · 2013-07-09 04:39 · Score: 1
  
  and I love Linux, but I have no desire to combine the two. Writing by hand is just one of those things I have to do sometimes but not enough to invest in this kind of thing.
  I prefer to take notes by pen rather than computer - I find that I listen better when I write versus when I type.
  If this pen lets me write *and* will record a searchable electronic version of my notes including digrams and automatically uploaded via Wifi, then I think it's fantastic. I used an electronic notepad years ago that promised the same, but it required a Windows host, the OCR was horrible and even the digitized bitmap version of the page wasn't that great - as far as I know, it captured bitmaps rather than vectors.
  The grammar/spelling correction features of this pen don't sound that useful for me, since when I want prefect writing, I use a computer.
2. Re:I like nice writing implements, by intermodal · 2013-07-09 04:53 · Score: 1
  
  You make a lot of interesting points here, I was never much of a note-taker. I have always found such multitasking difficult and end up missing half the meeting/lecture and the notes are effectively useless as a result. But I can see where you're coming from. Now, this on the other hand:
  
  The grammar/spelling correction features of this pen don't sound that useful for me, since when I want prefect writing, I use a computer.
  I can't help with that one ^_^
  
  --
  In SOVIET RUSSIA... erm...NSA AMERICA, the Internet logs onto YOU!
Re:No italic-nib fountain pen option? by intermodal · 2013-07-09 03:17 · Score: 1

Agreed. I have a couple fountain pens and love writing with them, but I just don't write enough to constantly ink them. I absolutely hate most ballpoints, with an exception for some very nice gels I've found. Even then, I still prefer the fountain.

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In SOVIET RUSSIA... erm...NSA AMERICA, the Internet logs onto YOU!
hey by Anonymous Coward · 2013-07-09 03:21 · Score: 1

unless it sucks my dick then it costs too much
Or... by Sparticus789 · 2013-07-09 03:25 · Score: 1

I could buy 10,000 ball point pens from Office Depot. Which do you think will last longer?

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sudo make me a sandwich
1. Re:Or... by somersault · 2013-07-09 03:27 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Sometimes it's not about lasting longer. At least, that's what she said.
  
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  which is totally what she said
2. Re:Or... by WillAdams · 2013-07-09 04:15 · Score: 2
  
  and all of those ball points would wind up in a land fill.
  Glad to see that this supports options which include a fountain pen unit --- I go through roughly a bottle of ink year --- the glass bottle gets recycled and I purchase another one.
  
  --
  Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow.
Not for geeks by DougOtto · 2013-07-09 03:35 · Score: 3, Interesting

From TFA, it's a learning tool for kids.

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Solving Unix problems since 1989...
Re:No italic-nib fountain pen option? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-07-09 03:36 · Score: 2, Funny

Maybe you should RTFA? "The device supports exchangeable pencil, ballpoint, or fountain pens, and is available in multiple colors."
Hurf durf, just had to get that first post didn't you?
Does not work by Errol+backfiring · 2013-07-09 03:38 · Score: 1

The main problem with gmarr/\/\/\/\/ grammar checking is that the error is already written if the pen vibrates.

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Nae king! Nae laird! Nae yurrupiean pressedent! We willna be fooled again!
Livescribe by EmperorOfCanada · 2013-07-09 03:43 · Score: 3, Interesting

I have a livescribe pen and love many of its features. But their software is a bag of cloud crap. Basically in order to use the pen I have to sign in to their cloud stuff. Then they really try to get me to use EverNote (of hacked account fame). Then there is the fact that I need to buy their notebooks. And then on top of all that the tiny screen on the pen basically vanished on a recent firmware upgrade.

All I want to do it make notes and turn them into PDFs. If I want to "cloud" them then I will do that myself.
If this Lernstift pen gets good reviews and they keep it simple then there is a 100% chance that I will be upgrading to their product. Seeing that I love my Livescribe despite its serious flaws I would fall deeply in love with a pen that didn't require special paper, looked nice, and didn't stray from the core functionality of recording my scribbles. Most importantly if it didn't make me log in to some stupid cloud stuff.
1. Re:Livescribe by Dcnjoe60 · 2013-07-09 06:50 · Score: 2
  
  I have a livescribe pen and love many of its features. But their software is a bag of cloud crap. Basically in order to use the pen I have to sign in to their cloud stuff. Then they really try to get me to use EverNote (of hacked account fame). Then there is the fact that I need to buy their notebooks. And then on top of all that the tiny screen on the pen basically vanished on a recent firmware upgrade.
  All I want to do it make notes and turn them into PDFs. If I want to "cloud" them then I will do that myself.
  If this Lernstift pen gets good reviews and they keep it simple then there is a 100% chance that I will be upgrading to their product. Seeing that I love my Livescribe despite its serious flaws I would fall deeply in love with a pen that didn't require special paper, looked nice, and didn't stray from the core functionality of recording my scribbles. Most importantly if it didn't make me log in to some stupid cloud stuff.
  I, too, use livescribe all the time and it is great except for the issues you point out. That said, you are able to print off your own notebooks, which mitigates one of the complaints. Maybe it is because I'm older, but I find that I can take notes much quicker with pen and paper than with a laptop or tablet (and I do type 60 wpm). That plus the audio recording is fantastic.
  The only real complaint that I have with my livescribe is that there isn't a linux client. At work we run Windows so it isn't a problem, but at home, I have to run a copy of windows under vbox to access the pen. The other issues, like evernote are more of a nusiance than a complaint. While I'm happy with my livescribe, I would certainly be interested in the lemstift pen, particularly if it works with a fountain pen tip, which is my writing instrument of choice.
2. Re:Livescribe by Dcnjoe60 · 2013-07-09 07:00 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  After further reading, the lemstift pen is nothing like a livescribe. It doesn't store or transmit documents and doesn't appear that it is intended to do anything more than to work on penmanship, spelling and grammar. Too bad, at $145US per pen, there aren't going to be many school kids who can afford such a device. Something at that price point that made up for the shortcomings of livescribe, might catch the attention of business purchasers, however.
WTF? by gstoddart · 2013-07-09 03:54 · Score: 4, Interesting

The Lernstift pen incorporates an ARM Cortex processor, a WiFi module, and a motion sensor, and is designed to correct penmanship, spelling, and grammar errors as you write
Let me start of by saying "what the hell?", and move on to pointing out that auto-correct on mobile keyboards is a pain in the ass, and in a pen would only be worse.
There's no way in hell a pen is gonna help with my atrocious penmanship. This sounds like a solution in search of a problem to me.
But, hey, it's vaporware, runs Linux, and is on kickstarter -- which means someone is going "oooh, gotta get me some of that".
Now get off my damned lawn, you kids and your fancy wi-fi pens. You'll put someone's eye out!

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Lost at C:>. Found at C.
1. Re:WTF? by jones_supa · 2013-07-09 06:01 · Score: 1
  
  That's why he wants "the kids with their fancy wifi pens" off his lawn. ;)
Re:Obviously, 2013 will be .. by DougOtto · 2013-07-09 03:58 · Score: 2

At least it'll finally be on the desktop.

I kid, I kid....

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Solving Unix problems since 1989...
Re: Slashdot by iamhassi · 2013-07-09 04:05 · Score: 1

You know kickstarter was suppose to change the world, finally The People could fund our own projects. Unfortunately it's run by idiots that only allow their own pet projects to be posted. Where's the revolutionary ideas that kickstarter was suppose to give us? Been on /. for over 15 years and I don't own anything that launched on kickstarter

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my karma will be here long after I'm gone
Glad to see a italic-nib fountain pen option by WillAdams · 2013-07-09 04:13 · Score: 1

I did look through the entire article in the first link, and regret having missed the small textual entry of ``fountain pen'' and admit that in retrospect, I should've clicked on the company's link, the first image of which (currently) shows a fountain pen insert.
Mea culpa.
William

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Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow.
1. Re:Glad to see a italic-nib fountain pen option by arth1 · 2013-07-09 05:30 · Score: 1
  
  I have some questions as to how well the feedback method (vibrating) will work when using a fountain pen insert.
  It's also way too fat.
2. Re:Glad to see a italic-nib fountain pen option by BluBrick · 2013-07-09 10:53 · Score: 1
  
  Peasant: What I object to is you automatically assume superiority.
  WillAdams: Well I do write with a fountain pen!
  Peasant: Oh, fountain pen? Very nice! An why do you do that, then?
  WillAdams: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft MontBlanc from the bosom of the water. Signifying by divine providence that I, WillAdams, shall be placed above the hordes of Bic-toting plebeians. That is why I am your better!
  Peasant: You can't expect to become an elevated being just because some watery tart threw a pen at you.
  WillAdams: Be quiet!
  Peasant: Strange women lying in ponds distributing writing implements is no basis for a system of class distinction.
  WillAdams: Shut up!
  Peasant: I mean, if I went round saying I was enlightened because some moistened bint had lobbed a Schaeffer at me, they'd put me away!
  WillAdams: Shut up, will you. Shut UP!
  
  --
  Ahh - My eye!
  The doctor said I'm not supposed to get Slashdot in it!
Shudder by H0p313ss · 2013-07-09 04:14 · Score: 2

Is it just me or does any sentence with "linux-based" "smart" and "kickstarter" scare the willies out of you too?

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XML is a known as a key material required to create SMD: Software of Mass Destruction
1. Re:Shudder by Anonymous Coward · 2013-07-09 04:34 · Score: 1
  
  It's just you.
So there are still people using pen out there ? by Cybernot · 2013-07-09 04:37 · Score: 1

So there are still people using pen out there ?
What penmanship? by Turmoyl · 2013-07-09 04:40 · Score: 1

I haven't handwritten anything in almost 20 years except for Doctor's interview paperwork, and a couple of essays for a Luddite community college professor. I even take notes on a tablet now. This device seems to be at least one human generation out of usefulness
Another thing to keep charged... by jafo · 2013-07-09 04:55 · Score: 1

I'd love to write you a letter but my pen needs charging.
inertial motion sensing not enough by Anonymous Coward · 2013-07-09 05:00 · Score: 1

They don't say it in their video, but the picture has a smart phone that has a perfect copy of the handwriting in its app. That isn't going to happen with inertial sensors - they just don't accurately measure position... I bet they can try to recognize letters, etc. but the real value of a smart pen, in my opinion, would be to capture the pen strokes - I'm sure that's what their backers are hoping for. The whole project seems slightly misleading to me.
Re:No italic-nib fountain pen option? by AliasMarlowe · 2013-07-09 05:03 · Score: 1

Ball points just don't work for me, gel pens are barely tolerable, felt tips and markers are okay, but the only writing tools which I really enjoy and am pleased to use are fountain pens (preferrably with italic nibs).
My fountain pen has a Comic Sans nib.
Perhaps you should patent such an exotic thing. The fairly mundane italic nib is quite well known to afficionados of fountain pen nibs.

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Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
Re: No italic-nib fountain pen option? by filthpickle · 2013-07-09 05:14 · Score: 1

It's a dead language. It's why Early Cuyler quit school in the second grade. Refused to allow the government to force it upon him.
Might actually be good by TheSkepticalOptimist · 2013-07-09 05:44 · Score: 1

If it comes with a spell checker and undo option, I am all in.

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I haven't thought of anything clever to put here, but then again most of you haven't either.
Wow, cool. by Jawnn · 2013-07-09 05:53 · Score: 1

A solid state, gyroscopically controlled, wireless input tool. Why, if we'd had that technology back in the day, we'd still be making and selling buggy whips, I tell you.
Achtung!!!! by ctrl-alt-canc · 2013-07-09 06:02 · Score: 1

This pen corrects grammar errors and comes from Germany, for sure it has been designed by a grammar nazi!!!
Re:Obviously, 2013 will be .. by Crudely_Indecent · 2013-07-09 06:02 · Score: 1

No No.... It will be the year of Linux on the notebook... the SPIRAL BOUND notebook!
Before any knickers get twisted - I use Linux almost exclusively (I do IOS development on a Mac)

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"Lame" - Galaxar
QQQ by ne0n · 2013-07-09 06:11 · Score: 1

I recall these being used with disastrous results by Rita Skeeter. Hope the autocorrect is better than the abomination installed in every iPhone since the beginning.

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$ :(){ :|:& };:
neat trick by stenvar · 2013-07-09 06:23 · Score: 1

The Gumsticks boards themselves are $100+; offering a whole pen based on it for $149 seems rather ambitious.
Kickstarter Link by hierophanta · 2013-07-09 06:35 · Score: 1

Where the f is the link to kickstarter? How hard would have been to include that in the summary? these type of amateur write ups are annoying as hell
115 vs 130 Euros by Overzeetop · 2013-07-09 07:07 · Score: 1

So I can save ~20 and take a (1 in 3, 1 in 4?) chance this will never actually ship - or ship so late somebody else will have done it better? You're going to have to give me better odds than that.

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Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
DeviceGuru by RatanGharami · 2013-07-10 07:55 · Score: 1

I haven't handwritten anything in almost 20 years except for Doctor's interview paperwork, and a couple of essays for a Luddite community college professor. I even take notes on a tablet now. This device seems to be at least one human generation out of usefulnesshttp://computersbds.blogspot.com/">please visit it