The Neo Smartpen works by connecting to the Neo Notes app via Bluetooth. Write in the Neo Notes stationery, and the pen's camera will convert your penstrokes into digital form.
However, the pen doesn't have to be paired with the app in order to capture notes. Once switched on the pen will capture and store anything written and will then sync this to the app when you have a Bluetooth connection.
The pen itself is fantastic to write with: the black ballpoint ink doesn't skip and penstroke transmission to the app is instantaneous. You don't even need to remember to turn the pen on - just tap the ink nib on the page and the pen will auto-start.
The Neo allows you to write normally and have your notes digitised, without having it feel like you're 'writing on glass'.
The main downside is that the Neo Smartpen is compatible only with Neo Notes stationery. The stationery range includes pocket sized notebooks, traditional A5 and A4 spiral notebooks and pads, along with plain pads that are ideal for drawing.
The paper is designed to help the app automatically detect what page you're on, so it knows when you start a new page, if you go back to a previous page or forward a few.
The pen's battery life is outstanding. You can use the pen icon at the top right of your app screen to control your pen's auto on-off and other settings so your battery isn't wasted. You don't even need to have the app open all the time, because it will be able to update its digital notebook later - as long as your pen's power button is on while writing. For More
NOVEMBER 2015 SARA BARKER