★ Alternative: The Neo Smartpen Dimo ($59) is the cheapest and uses replaceable batteries instead of a rechargeable one. This pen doesn't record audio, but if that's something you want, Neo sells a separate recorder that pairs with the pen. You can change the color of the ink and thickness of the lines right on the page as you go, or you can switch them up later and edit the colors of what you've written.

The Neo Studio app (available on iPhone and Android) is nice, with an easy-to-navigate notebook system and the ability to search for pages by page number or date. You should be able to find whatever size and style of notebook you need, like spiral-bound college-ruled ones, as well as planners. The Neo Smartpen M1+ is the thinnest and lightest of all the pens I tried, which makes it feel a bit more like your standard pen and-more importantly-comfortable in your hand. The pen will still write, but it won't digitize anything. ★ Remember: You have to keep your pen charged and ready, so you don't run out of battery mid-sentence. You should be able to transfer data later, but transfer frequently so you don't run out of storage (or in case you lose the pen).

Export files from the app as PDFs, Google Docs, Evernote files, and more.

Transcribe your notes into text files, making them easier to read and manipulate.

We'll try it as soon as it's available (hopefully by the summer). However, at CES 2023 we saw the Nuwa Pen ($279) that promises smart notes on any paper. Like regular pens, these do also require ink refills eventually.įor now, you won't be able to use your favorite paper notebooks, which is a bummer for those of us with serious notebook feelings. You then use a Bluetooth connection or USB port to transfer the files to your computer.

As you write in the notebook, dotted grids plot the pen's movements. An infrared camera near the pen's point tracks your writing strokes. You'll also need a special notebook and an accompanying app. A smart pen doesn't act alone (at least not yet).

Iphone writing pad