Odds that the Kinect will work outdoors should be quite low, as it relies on an array-based infrared system. Alternatively, a laser range finder uses a highly focused pulse of light at (nearly) a single point, which performs better in natural sunlight. It seems quite likely that Kinect will be popular in the near future for indoor robotics and robotics education, but indoor/outdoor robustness is strongly desired these days and scanning LIDARs won't disappear until robust Flash LADAR becomes common
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I know you're really here looking for pens, but I gotta point out that the TUL mechanical pencils I have are my favorite writing tool. The weight is well balanced, the grip is just right, and it just works. http://www.amazon.com/TUL-0-7mm-Mechanical-Pencils-Pack/dp/B002VL6960/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351778004&sr=8-2&keywords=tul+mechanical+pencil Beyond that, truth be told, you could do a lot by amassing the right stationary.
The "Send Feedback" button on plus.google.com (and some of their other sites) is really nice. I'd encourage you to try something like that.
Odds that the Kinect will work outdoors should be quite low, as it relies on an array-based infrared system. Alternatively, a laser range finder uses a highly focused pulse of light at (nearly) a single point, which performs better in natural sunlight. It seems quite likely that Kinect will be popular in the near future for indoor robotics and robotics education, but indoor/outdoor robustness is strongly desired these days and scanning LIDARs won't disappear until robust Flash LADAR becomes common
My old boss already did something like this! http://robots.engin.umich.edu/Projects/VAN