Writing pen manufacturer AT Cross is launching a digital ‘notepad’ called the CrossPad that allows the user to write notes that download to a PC, using just normal paper and ink, albeit in a specially developed pen. The pen has a radio transmitter built into its ink cartridge, which is activated when the pen is pressed onto the paper. The pad can store around 50 pages of written notes in its internal memory then the data can be downloaded to a PC and converted into text by recognition software, developed by IBM Corp. The company claims that the handwriting to PC data conversion rate is around 85% – although we guess that would depend on the user’s handwriting. The South China Morning Post reports that the device – which is marginally larger than an A4 notepad – has just been released in Hong Kong and costs $3,180. The ink in each cartridge lasts for around 50 pages, a replacement pack of cartridges costs $50.
