Mobilize Your Written Notes With the Equil JOT Smartpen

The smartpen has always presented convenience as its big asset - write normally, then instantly transfer all your notes to the digital domain. But the reality of getting your notes into the computer, and the special paper often required to do so, isn't as rosy. Also, most smartpens only sync to desktop or laptop PCs, an approach out of step with the mobile present.

The Equil JOT is a different kind of smartpen. It doesn't use special paper, but instead relies on a combination of ultrasonic and infrared rays to pinpoint the pen's position on paper of your choosing, then sends that information straight to a mobile app on your iOS device. Using this technique, the pen can be used on any type or size of paper: a standard sheet, an A4 notebook, or even a cocktail napkin. And you get your hand-inked notes in digital form on your iPhone or iPad as soon as they've been written via Equil's accompanying note-taking or sketching apps. You can then share your notes via email, Dropbox, or other apps.

There's a tradeoff with JOT's hardware design though. Instead of all the tech being embedded in the pen, making it the only piece of hardware required, you also need to place a small rectangular receiver at the top edge of the paper you're using. It's a lot like the Wacom Inkling, and it's meant to be clipped at the top of whatever pad you're most comfortable scribbling on. So, it's more than just a pen. It's a pen and a clip-on receiver.

However, this means the pen is actually pen-sized and comfortable to hold. It's triangular, and a combination of white and translucent white plastic with a single button on one edge. The receiver makes a light buzzing sound while it's in use, not unlike (but certainly not as loud as) one of those ultrasonic bug zappers.

When it's time to wrap up, the receiver and the pen slot into a compact triangular carrying case and charging station, enclosed with a soft, magnetic cover reminiscent of like Apple's Smart Covers for the iPads. The case is small enough that it's easy to carry in a purse or backpack, but also uniquely shaped, so that when you're digging around in the depths of said bag, your hands can find it quickly. The case charges both halves of the device at once via a single micro USB connection.

Equil JOT is $150 and available today.