The short answer is no. You keep using your current version of Livescribe Desktop as the software will recognise the new pen and creating a specific space for content from this new pen.

Here are the key points:

1. Keep your current version of Livescribe Desktop
2. Give your new Echo Smartpen a new or different name (see screen capture below)
3. Use the Echo Smartpen normally, docking it via the USB cable to charge/update it and manage content.
4. Take the opportunity of the new pen to make sure your Desktop software is up to date and the pen software is current.
   1. Current Livescribe Desktop version – 2.2.2.41615
   2. Current pen Firmware version – 2.4.3

Can I still Access my Pulse Content?

Yes. Livescribe Desktop allows you to dock and manage multiple Smartpen’s. To view or access content from your Pulse Smartpen simply change the pen you’re viewing. You do this via the drop down list in the top right hand corner of Livescribe Desktop

Here’s a screen capture of my Livescribe Desktop – the red box shows you where to go to change what pen you are viewing.

When you click here it will drop down a list of the pens that you manage via Livescribe Desktop. This screen capture zooms into this box more and shows the pens that I manage via my Livescribe Desktop. Mr Smartpen was my most recent Pulse Smartpen whilst Mr Echo Smartpen is my current Echo Smartpen.

I hope this post answers any questions you may have about managing content should you decide to change from a Pulse to an Echo Smartpen.

Business use of the Livescribe product range here in Australia has been very strong – a reflection of just how switched on we are as business people in that we quickly realised the efficiency benefits the mobile computing platform could deliver.

A couple of things Jennifer didn’t touch on.

1. MyScript

This is a critical time saver

One thing we’ve learnt from working with business owners and executives over the past couple of years is how important the optional MyScript for Livescribe is. In simple terms, MyScript allows a Livescribe user to take one or more pages of hand written notes and then convert this hand writing into editable text – a very useful time saving option.

Pencasts – Collaboration on a Different Level

The other key feature we’ve been discussing with business users lately is the new Pencast feature. This allows a business executive who might be remote from his or her office to take meeting notes and then send these notes – hand writing and audio back to the office so that other key people can access, listen, and use the information. This creates really interesting opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration etc.

Yep. The Livescribe Echo Smartpen is a cool piece of technology – but the coolness extends well beyond the features that a journo might find amusing…

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.

This year, we’ve created a special product bundle for anyone looking for a unique gift for their father. Rather than simply offering the basic pen packages we’ve gone back over our sales data and identified what product combinations have been the most popular.

So for 2010, our Smartpen Australia Fathers Day bundle includes the following:

• Livescribe Echo 4GB Smartpen
• MyScript for Livescribe
• Smartpen Portfolio.

This is a great product bundle for any father. Not only do they get the fantastic new Echo Smartpen, they get MyScript and the new Portfolio (a very popular addition to the product range).

So if you’ve got a dad who loves his gadgets, is a busy executive, or just needs a bit of help to organise his notes then the Livescribe Echo Smartpen is the perfect gift for him this Fathers Day.

This bundle gives Dad everything he needs to get working with his new Echo Smartpen.

Order before Thursday the 2nd September and you’ll save $25 on the RRP.

I have to say, this is a beautiful product. I didn’t get a chance to have a close look at this product initially as every one we had come in was assigned to an existing order. But now that our stocks are to the par I’ve had a chance to pull one out and let me say it’s not going back into inventory.

Given I have to travel every week this is exactly what I need. It fits really well into my laptop bag and works super well if I want to take notes mid flight or when I’m on a train or in a cab.

If you’re a business user and you have either a Pulse Smartpen or the new Echo Smartpen – then this is a great accessory.

Feedback from users has been very positive with most comments focused on the new look and feel. The new tapered underside is certainly appreciated by those users who’ve experienced the Pulse Smartpen rolling away from them.

The introduction of the new Echo Smartpen range has been followed by by an upgrade to Livescribe Desktop. We’ll be blogging later today about some of the new features – particularly the new ‘Share’ function

If you’re interested in the new Echo Smartpens – feel free to contact us or drop by the store where we have a full range of Livescribe Smartpens, dot paper products, and accessories.

With a sleek new design and enhanced features, the Echo Smartpen is Livescribe’s most powerful and easy to use smartpen yet.

The Echo Smartpen represents a major advancement of the Livescribe digital smartpen range and takes the product offering from the existing Pulse Smartpen and expands this to the Echo 4GB and Echo 8GB Smartpens.

As the owner of Smartpen Australia, and one of Livescribe’s first sales partners in Australia I’m personally really excited. This is a very exciting development for Livescribe and for Smartpen. The Echo Smartpen is a clear demonstration that Livescribe Smartpens are one of the leading low-cost mobile computing platforms available around the world.

We’re pleased to announce that the first Echo Smartpen’s started shipping to customers this evening and in the coming days we’ll be focused on sharing initial customer feedback.

Further information on the new products and accessories is available on our dedicated Smartpen website.

Let’s talk stock levels

Over the past 2 years of working with the fantastic team from Livescribe and you the Livescribe local community, we’ve not only had the opportunity to talk to thousands of you, but we also kind of get what you need from a local, dedicated, customers service supplier.

From time to time, we may not have every product in stock – in every case where this happens this is due to circumstances beyond our control. We know you need the stock.

Based on what we’ve learnt over the past 2 years we’ve quadrupled our investment in our stock holdings of Livescribe Smartpens and accessories. If it’s available in Australia we have it.

Let’s talk MyScript for Livescribe for a moment.

MyScript is a product we started offering to customers nearly 18 months ago.

We are still the only ANZ Livescribe partner to offer MyScript for Livescribe bundled with your Pulse Smartpen.

That’s 18 months of experience with a phenomenal software add-on – keep that in mind.

I’ve also lost track of the number of times I’ve demonstrated Livescribe and MyScript – these two products are made for each other. We are your home of Livescribe and MyScript in Australia and New Zealand.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned. That’s all I’ll say

I’ve been travelling around the country recently and I’m always amused to see the other passengers suddenly take notice of the Livescribe ad during the inflight entertainment program.

Last week one passenger across the aisle from me was madly trying to write down the details that I couldn’t help but hand him my business card – inflight ad to inflight Livescribe demo to inflight Livescribe sale…

As an aside, did you know we’ve introduced an Australian version of the Livescribe Pro Pack?