Despite writing about high-tech technology with processors, software, IoT, artificial intelligence news everyday, I’m still very much a pen and paper kind of guy when it comes to taking notes.
But this morning, I figured out it’s possible to digitize your notes on the cheap without having to use actual ink and paper, as 8.5″ digital LCD writing pads now cost as little as $10 shipped, and although those are pretty dumb devices with just an erase button and no connectivity nor storage, you can “scan” your notes using CamScanner app for Android and iOS.
Specifications for the $10 model:
- 8.5″ LCD display with 25%-30% reflective ratio
- Pen Input pressure – 10-20g
- Power Supply – CR2016 button battery (included)
- Dimensions – 228 x 147 x 5mm (ABS plastic)
- Weight – About 110g
This will reduce the amount of paper you use and store, and possibly have a positive impact of the environment, although estimating the latter is always harder than it seems. But you should definitely save some spaces whether you used to store your notebooks. Battery life should be good for around 50,000 erase cycle. If you find a 8.5″ pad is too small, you’ll find models with various sizes on Aliexpress or other sellers.
As mentioned in the introduction, you can’t save your notes using the pad (no storage), not transfer them over Bluetooth of WiFi. Instead, you can leverage your phone or tablet’s camera and CamScanner app which will make your notes or sketches appear like actual scans rather than photos.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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