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An old computer truism states that the first version of any program or hardware is going to be fraught with problems. Conventional wisdom dictates that it is best to wait for the second version before making a major commitment to anything in the computer industry. First adopters, those that must have the latest and greatest, they are the notable exceptions. In the case of the Logitech IO 2, the revised version is a much superior product. Plus, Logitech has learned from their mistakes with version one.
Recapping the product for those unfamiliar with it, the IO 2, like version one, is a device that allows the user to write notes (notes on specially prepared paper available from Logitech and other vendors) and then store that information digitally inside of the pen to be downloaded into the end-user's PC. There is no Mac version. Once downloaded the handwritten text can be stored on the computer, or be interpreted by software and then made editable in programs like Word or Word Perfect.
The only problem with the first version of the software was that the important ability to translate handwritten text into digital text was not a part of the original purchasing price. If you wanted that capability, you had to ante up a few more dollars to convert the timed out software into full functional software. Granted, the cost was not extreme, but if you have just paid nearly two hundred dollars for a pen, being asked to shell out thirty to forty more for the all important translation feature appeared to be a little mercenary. From what I read online, some folks were fuming over the omission of my script notes from the mix.
Quickly realizing the error of not including my script notes, Logitech has made a point of making it a part of the software combo, gratis. But that is not all with regards to the new new IO 2.
Easily the most discernible change with the pen is its size. Greatly diminished from before, now the pen looks and handles more like a large Mont Blanc. Less cumbersome and more stylish than its predecessor, Logitech has packed their distinctive aesthetic styles into a device that was in need of a make over.
The fun does not end with the dimensions of the pen. The recharging stand and download point for the pen is not only appreciably smaller, it is collapsible. Folded down, the new base is less awkward looking and demands far less desktop real-estate than the previous version. If that were not enough, the new IO2 can be recharged via the USB port. The need for an extra device that has to be plugged in claiming outlets is now history.
On the performance front, the stats are more or less the same as before, as are the functions of the pen. The major changes between the older and the newer model are in dimensions, the inclusion of my script notes, the smaller docking station and the ability of the pen to recharge without requiring an additional outlet.
Does all this make for a compelling upgrade? Actually, yes, particularly if you are fond of this type of functionality and require this type of device in your daily business.
The "wow" factor of the new pen is amazing, if not more so than in the previous incarnation. If the old IO gathered onlookers, this one will grab even more.
Another flaw addressed in the IO2 is the ability of the cap to stay on the end of the pen. Believe it or not, the older model's cap could not be placed on the end of the pen. You were forced into putting it down somewhere. A curious flaw, and one made note of by many IO users, that problematic issue is also passé.
As the old maxim goes, the first version of any program is going to be filled with flaws. While Logitech got the basics down with the first version, version two is a greatly matured product. Having included the ability to recognize handwritten notes, and the ability of the software to make that editable, this feature is worth the price of admission. It is the IO's strongest selling point.
While having to purchase special paper to write on is a pain, the cost for this consumable has appreciably dropped from the days when they started at ten dollars a pop. Now they hover in the four to five dollar neighborhood. Taken as a whole, the IO is a much improved and much more value packed product that should help make this a more popular offering, at least among the dedicated gadget lovers.
Once you use the IO pen, you can not help but be taken by the novelty of the device. As for practicality, it does have some very useful places for students, office professionals and others that depend on notes and note taking. For the casual user, its application could be limited to say the least. Sure, there are points in time when it may not be so, but this is very much a specialty device for a niche market. For gadget lovers, this is one of those, "sure I may not need it, but wouldn't it be great to have around the house" type of devices. As such, the IO may find a home.
As it stands right now, Logitech has made much needed improvements to the product. Considering what it does, and the state of the technology at this time, this is really about as good as it gets. Finally, they ironed out the rough spots on a device that is just so very cool.
Before closing, in answer to the question how solid is the handwriting recognition software, that very much depends on how consistent you are, and how well you trained the software. Overall it is not bad, but the technology is far from perfect. While it will save time for those that type less than thirty words a minute, for the speed typists in the sixty words and up category, this may not save a lot of time. Consider the technology very much in the infancy stage of development.
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