Others say...

"Getting there"
Logitech IO2 Digital Pen ( 965154-0403 )
I'm a doctor. More to the point I'm a doctor who writes a lot of notes and is working on a book. Many have heard the parody of doctors' hadwriting. I'm no exception. This pen finds my handwriting more legible than most secretaries.

I bought this pen to compare it with it's nearest competitor: The Fly Fusion Pentop Computer. Let me start off with the positives:
Plus points:
The logitech IO2 Digital pen ships with a cradle, a pen lid, a small (A5) notepad, three refils, and a driver CD. The refils and a notepad more more than enough to get anyone started.
Though the IO2 software takes a while to download, once downloaded is simple enough for many to use. A ten minute calibration period helps the software recognise the specifics of your individual letters and script. THis is different from the Fly Fusion which is sold in toy departments as it is meant for school children. School children have comparatively neater handwriting than physicians and are often discouraged from writing in a script-like (joind-up) manner. The Fly Fusion, a very good machine in itself, was able to identify complicated words (like mitochondria), like the IO2, but only when the letters were not joined up. The IO2 took it in it's stride. This means you can write faster with Logitech's product.

The ball pen is smooth and though cannot compare in smoothness to the likes of a Cross or Parker, is still better than many a drug-rep handed "freebie". The reason that both pens utilise biro technology is that the ink lasts a LOT longer than say, a roller-ball, which is to ink what a Hummer is to fuel- thirsty! F.Y.I. The IO2 was certainly smoother than the Fusion Pen-top Computer.

The IO2's software is articulate at translating written scrawl to typed text. I found the Fly Fusion software much more user-friendly though. Almost like an Apple Mac interface (and yes, I am a Mac-fan).

This brings me onto the negatives of the IO2:
The IO2, like the Fly guy is not compatible with Apple Macs (unless you have Windows loaded also). I have however heard from Logitech support that there maybe a Mac compatible pen/ software in development. Go Logitech!

Both pens are bulky to hold. They may describe them as a feel of a "premium pen", but alas this is not true. The IO2's oval cross section does make it easier on the hand than the Fly Fusion. However it feels like Logitech have gone out of their way to make an especially cheap and nasty feeling pen. I get better hand-outs from drug companies.
The Fly fusion is weighted better, but I feel this is because of Fusion's inbuilt speaker. But nonetheless the shape of the Fusion is large and bulky- tremenously un-ergonomic. Maybe the Fusion is developed for smaller hands. I also found the small twisty bit at the end of the Fly as a means of retracting the nib rather small and annoying. HOwever if you have more articulate hands than me, you may find it easier, and the transition from pen to broad stylus alright.

On with the negatives:
The Fusion is ~$80 whereas the IO2 ships at about $130. For your money the Fusion is very good indeed- if you don't have particularly illegible joined-up writing.

Both devices require their special notepads. I personally found that the Fusion's pads were developed with more thought. They take into account the many more applications that are available for the Fusion than are available on the Logitech. THe IO2 is a dedicated digital pen whereas the Fly computer is a translator, a music player, a digital-musical instrument simulator, a basic calculator, and others. The Fusion's notepads were also perforated along the edge and pre-punched - for the filing of the pages, should you want to.

The Fly fusion has two colours Black and silver. I should imagine that as it appeals to school children more colours would be on their way. I noticed two colours for the IO2 on Logitech's website, but alas I could only find the black & silver combination on offer.

Both are easy to procure online, however living in Cleveland, Ohio,I found the Fly fusion abundantly available in many shops. I had to order the IO2 online as there were no retailers to go in person and purchase it from.

To sum up. I feel if you are a working professional I would suggest the IO2. If you are a school aged kid wanting a twenty-first century product for a hard and fast twentienth century environment (school) I would suggest you go with the Fly-guy.

I am aware that Logitech do not support the use of the IO2 with Windows vista. People are reporting problems with the use of their IO2 on this OS. Mostly the fact that the pen stalls whilst uploading pages. Logitech do not have an affirmative answer for this. If you face problems I would suggest that you call Logitech support on Saturday (iirespective of what Logitech's website says). You should face MUCH less holding.

I believe that Maxell have a product call Pen-it which is allegedly Mac compatible. I am awaiting an answer form Maxell.





"Good or Bad, Depending on its intended use"
The title pretty much sums it up. I bought the pen because I was tired of spending hours each week typing up my notes (that I took in class). The problem with the pen (why I returned it) is that the handwriting recognition is a DISASTER. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I have the best handwriting in the world, but it takes some serious coding errors to interpret "this is a test" as "~de93, h;02". If you are someone in my position, I would recommend that you snub the IO2 for now and try out some digital scanners (btw, they are much cheaper).

"OK for XP, no good for Vista"
This digital pen worked pretty good while using Microsoft Windows XP. After changing to a Windows Vista computer it hasn't worked at all.If you are using the Vista OS, stay away from this until they have provided a program that will work with your OS.


"Excelente, Gran calidad"
Me gusta de verdad, nunca crei que tuviese tan excelentes funciones cuando lo compre, pero de verdad es algo genial

"A tool from heaven"
The Logitech io2 digital pen has changed the way I work and "play" -- if you can call keeping a journal play. It has greatly enhanced my productivity by turning my once mothballed, dead notepads into living documents that I can search, cross-reference and rapidly turn into memos, reports and published articles. I've always preferred creating written works by putting ink to paper rather than typing. Now I get the best of both worlds. As far as the OCR capability that turns handwriting into digitized typed text goes, I've had very good performance with the software. I have to be cognizant of the conversion process when I write. But only to the extent that I've instituted a bit more discipline in the neatness and spacing of my writing. Yet I haven't found this to be a burden at all. And the rewards for this minor bit of rigor is that I have pages and pages of every thought I've written, every doodle I've drawn, and every equation I've scribbled in one comprehensive set of searchable, printable, shareable notes! I'm thrilled. Give it a try.