Simultaneously records audio while writing, excellent recording quality and volume, easy to use, third-party app store, pencasts

Thicker and larger than a regular pen, cap is easily lost, software isn't the most intuitive

If you regularly take notes, the Livescribe Echo smartpen is almost a must-buy. Excellent recording capabilities, ease of use and an app store that will only grow make it a wise investment.

Ideal for students and journalists who want the best of both note-taking worlds. New 3.5mm headphone jack is now compatible with most headphones. Tons of dot paper options that are relatively cheap. Echo comes with a 50-page notebook. Learn foreign...

Pen is still bulky and awkward. Plan on sitting in the front class if you want clear audio records. Wireless uploading would be nice. Still no built-in handwriting-to-text conversion

Simultaneously records audio while writing, excellent recording quality and volume, easy to use, third-party app store, pencasts

Thicker and larger than a regular pen, cap is easily lost, software isn't the most intuitive

Livescribe's latest is a good addition to its smartpen family: the Livescribe Echo is thinner and more comfortable than its predecessor, and it will certainly appeal to students who have a penchant for falling asleep in lecture. It's one of those rare...

The Livescribe Echo is a niche product if ever we've seen one. If you're just into making quick doodles in a pad while out and about or looking to keep a personal diary, this tech filled pen is almost certainly surplus to your requirements. However,...

If you regularly take notes then this is a must-have device. It has the ability to enhance your note taking by adding extra functionality and will work with either a Windows or Mac system. The system requirements for Windows call for a 600MHz...

Is it an improvement on the Pulse? The new shape stops it rolling off the desk, but the microphone seems more sensitive to pen-on-paper scrape, and the small all-too-losable pen cap is a poor substitute for the Pulse's large "cigarcase" protector....

Captures lecture or meeting audio and links it to your written notes; notes can be shared as Flash, PDF orAAC files

Heavier and larger than a typical pen; lecturers may not want lectures recorded

The Livescribe Echo Smartpen is an excellent tool for capturing lecture or meeting audio and linking it to the notes you take. While the pen is a bit hefty, especially for smaller hands, the Echo Smartpen is a worthwhile addition to the tools you use...