Ever found yourself adding a to-do list or general memo in a “Note” app on your smartphone and forgetting it ever existed? Wouldn't you want pen and paper notes to be as valuable as possible? Don't forget the frustration that goes with trying to type important thoughts and ideas into an app with that itty-bitty keyboard. Who wouldn't rather be able to easily write something down and have it tangible and accessible? A company called Livescribe has made Livescribe 3, their latest smartpen; a device perfect to for capturing your notes on paper then transferring them straight to the Livescribe+ app. You no longer have to decide between your pen and a digital device to write and draw because Livescribe allows all the sharing, instant access and search-ability possible to bridge that gap.

First and foremost the company decided to make this pen as elegant and high-end as possible. The look and feel is that of a ballpoint pen rather than piece of machinery. There is almost no technology in the pen at all, all that is needed is stored in your smartphone (currently compatible with iOS only). All you do is twist a ring on the smartpen and begin writing on the Livescribe dot paper, where it quickly appears in the companion mobile app through Bluetooth LE. You can also use the microphone on your phone to create “pen casts” that alter recorded words into readable notes. The app has been designed to be quite versatile, recognizing everything written in distinct sections, treating a page as a page all while categorizing a phone number or address as a separate entity. This organization makes for search-able content. Just write down an address and it immediately syncs so you can add it to your phone book or even drop it in a “Maps” app.

The ability to jot something down on pen and paper and view on your mobile device later is so convenient. No need to worry about forgetting your grocery list or handwritten notes to bring to work. If written with the pen and pad, you can access it anywhere you need to and even paste it into a word document if needed. The pen sends everything in such a quick instant that is saves on power, allowing a battery life of up to 14 hours. Even better, if it's dead while you are writing, it is still a pen, and will sync up when you connect it again. A simple LED indicator light will tell you if it's successfully paired with the iOS device. The current lack of compatibility with non-iOS could pose some criticism, however the company insists this is because most of Android does not support the needed Bluetooth LE. Finally, two versions of the Livescribe 3 are available. The cheaper option is a $149.95 black and chrome pen with a 50-sheet notebook, charging cable and black tungsten medium-tip ink cartridge. The Pro Edition is $199.95 and adds a portfolio with 100 sheets inside a hardbound journal, and a 1 year subscription to Evernote Premium. Pen and paper aren't going anywhere, and in a literal sense because when connected via Livescribe app+, they won't need to.