<p>I've heard the smart pen isn't compatible with Vista though. My friend is looking into getting one.</p>
<p>Well, if it isn't compatible with Vista, it's probably not compatible with Mac OS X :(</p>
<p>I beta-tested the Livescribe last spring. It didn't work well in a room that holds 100 or more students as it picked up too much extraneous noise. You're probably better off with a digital recorder or sitting up front.</p>
<p>Besides, I can't hold on to a pen more than 2 weeks before losing it which is why I only buy cheap pens. I lost the shipped product about 2 weeks after I received it.</p>
<p>Livescribe is working on OCR and when that happens it will be a pretty good product. It is compatible with Vista.</p>
<p>Are digital recorders illegal at UVa? If not, do some teachers not allow them?</p>
<p>You need to ask permission before using a recorder. So far, none of my professors cared. Some even posted their lectures (audio) to a class web site.</p>
<p>I've tried transcribing lectures using voice recognition software but it didn't work too well. Too many flaws in instructors' speech and the vocabulary was too specialized.</p>
<p>Thanks Shoe, I already tried the 5 star flex. Problem is, as you pointed out, I need to file my stuff and not just jam it in my backpack.</p>
<p>Canuck, I tried the smart pen yesterday. Super easy to use, but I think MechWahoo makes a great point. I used it on conference room mode inside the house. Worked perfectly. It has lecture hall mode but obviously I don't know how it will work. I have to go to the Ipod store to get a repair done. There will be more than 100 ppl in there on a Sunday so I'll try to do a small test. Usually a lot of mad people in that store making noise so I'll see how it does.</p>
<p>Hazel, the smart pen is compatible with Vista, and I will be able to confirm that tomorrow when my laptop finally arrives, but it is not yet compatible with MAC. While playing with the pen it "told me" that I will be getting a free software upgrade with new features. Hopefully the ones Mech is referencing.</p>
<p>Mech, like you I am not great at holding on to my stuff. I need to handle this thing like I do my cell phone. Wish me luck. What problems other problems did you have when you tested it?</p>
<p>If anyone knows any other defects let me know and I will test for them. If the thing seems faulty, and so far it's great, I will let you know and return it to Amazon.</p>
<p>Jask, before I bought the pen someone pointed out to me that permission was needed to record. I emailed several profs and they said they had no problem. Have to wait for Spanish prof to approve it, but other than that no problems.</p>
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I've heard the smart pen isn't compatible with Vista though. My friend is looking into getting one.
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<p>Hazel, I installed livesscribe on my new XPS today. Seamless install on Vista.</p>
<p>cool, glad it was just a rumour.</p>