Since the Livescribe Echo was introduced last month we’ve had a lot of questions about the differences between the two pens. Should I stay with the Pulse, upgrade to an Echo, which is the better model?
In this post I’m going to discuss some of the core differences between the existing Pulse Smartpens and the new Echo range.
Smartpen Product Line Changes
By now you may have noticed changes to the product line up. With the withdrawal of the 4GB Pulse pen, the products available here in Australia and New Zealand include:
- 2GB Pulse
- 4GB Echo
- 8GB Echo
As always, the Pulse and Echo Smartpens are offered with the option of MyScript for Livescribe.
Differences in the Product Packages
The introduction of the Echo Smartpens coincides with a number of new accessories being introduced to the Australian market.
This has resulted in a number of changes to what is included in the basic pen package. The following chart compares the two Smartpens for you and shows what has changed.
Comparing the Livescribe Echo and Pulse Smartpens
What this chart tells you is that the Echo Smartpen doesn’t include a set of headphones or a carry case. It’s worth noting that the Echo Smartpen now has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack so normal headphone like the ones I use with my iPhone now fit into the pen. This makes it easier for me if I want to quickly review content as I’m more likely to have my phone headset handy.
The lack of a carry case is made up by the fact Livescribe has introduced the Deluxe Carry Case along with a universal leather case (like the premium leather case for the Pulse Smartpen).
Changes to the Look of the Smartpen
The Echo Smartpen introduces a very different looking pen – on the surface. Under the hood there is very little difference other than the Echo being 4GB and 8GB models versus the 2GB Pulse Smartpen.
Obviously when you look at them you notice Livescribe has moved away from the anodised alloy case of the Pulse smartpen. The Echo Smartpen has a rubber-like grip area with the upper body being black plastic/Polyprop type material.
Here’s a simple image I took of the two pens with my iPhone
Personally, I found the Pulse Smartpen a very comfortable pen to use for long periods. I’ve been using an Echo now for 5 weeks and I’m finding it as comfortable, if not more so than the Pulse. The changes to the barrel are certainly appreciated as the Echo is less likely to escape from me.
So Which is the Right Smartpen?
There is no one answer to this question – it’s really down to how you’ll use the pen and your budget.
If you’re on a tight budget or you’re not that interested in some of the new premium accessories then I’d say go with the 2GB Pulse – here in Australia we offer it to customers as the basic 2GB Pulse pack, along with the option of bundling MyScript for Livescribe along with our own version of the Pro Pack.
If you’re in more of a business type environment or you think you’ll need to keep a lot of content on the pen for extended periods then I’d recommend the Echo Smartpen range. We offer the 4GB and 8GB as a standard package as well as both pens bundled with MyScript (handwriting conversion software).
I hope this post has helped answer some of the questions you may have about the differences between the Pulse and Echo Smartpens. As always, you’re welcome to contact me directly or ask questions in the comments section below.
hi i was wondering what is the difference between the Livescribe 4 GB Echo Smartpen and Livescribe 8 GB Echo Smartpen Pro Pack. Im starting college this month and im not sure which one to get and i really dont understand the difference besides the gig
Hi Denise
There is no difference in the pen, it really comes down to the capacity of each model. The 4GB will capture around 400 hours of audio and notes, whilst the 8GB will capture around 800 hours.
I’d recommend thinking about how many contact hours per semester you’ll have and whether you need to keep a whole semester of work on the pen
cheers Mark
Hi Mark, i can’t find details of the back to school special on your web site
rgds
Hi Gavin
What back to school specials? It’s mid-term here in Australia
Mark
Hi I am a firefighter and I need to use specific forms to record prevailing information and then email them to our operations center. Can I get A4 numbered paper and print out our forms on them. This would be a great system to use. I am currently using a tablet its good but like all things it has its limitations
Hi Geoff
The ability to embed forms based structure into the paper is not currently available. I’d suggest trying the pen in the field as it does offer simple ways of capturing and then sharing content via Livescribe Connect.
I’d also recommend MyScript as it will allow you to convert hand written notes into editable text
cheers Mark
Hi Mark, we have a 2g Pulse and the readout has gone, faint at first. We were wondering if the internal battery has expired and if we can replace it. The pen was great. Thanks Peter
Hi Peter,
It seems to indicate to me that the LED screen might be failing. It’s not something we can replace here in Australia. Please feel free to contact me directly either via this blog or our website as we’ve got a special offer that I can extend for you
cheers Mark
Thanks Mark,
Went through an extensive routine with Livescribe and Mary A confirmed it was screen failure. We are unhappy that our pen failed as we paid $320 for it and we need it.
We are keen to hear of your offer
Regards Peter
Hi Peter
I understand your frustration.
Please feel free to take advantage of our back to school offers
cheers Mark
G’day again Mark
Thank you for understanding our frustrations with your product!
We also have a financial frustration with the fact that you are unable to service your product, in our case a failed screen on your product that has had little use compared to the demands of a student or a lawyer for example.
You are advising us to throw in the bin our expensive $320 Livescribe SMART Pen!!!!
We are disappointed that you cannot service your product and that your offer to us is of a general nature and you are not prepared to support us with a replacement.
Regards Peter
Peter,
Why don’t you contact me via email. I may be able to offer a replacement for shipping cost only.
cheers Mark
G’day and thank you Mark
Will contact you as recommended. It was a terrific pen and very usefull in meetings.
Thank you again Peter
Hi can i get one of these in New Zealand?
Hi Jennifer,
We can help you with that. I’ll send you a note separately with details.
cheers Mark
Hi Mark,
I just purchased:
A Livescribe 4GB Echo SmartPen – APA-00006
plus accessories, I want to know if they are compatible with the pen
- Livescribe-Ink Cartridges for Livescribe Pulse Smartpens-Black/Red-ARA-00008
- Livescribe-Single Subject Notebook for Livescribe Pulse Smartpens (4-Pack)-ANA-00017
They seem to say Pulse, I am buying as a Christmas Gift and I bought online – no one seems to know the answer.
Thank You so Much,
Happy Holidays
Hi Mia
Those accessories work with either the Pulse or the Echo smartpen. The packaging was prepared before the Echo launch and is simply working its way through the supply chain.
cheers Mark