Category: Writing

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Writing

Portable Lap Tray aims to offer wheelchair users ergonomic ease, convenience

People who need wheelchair assistance often face the challenges of an environment that isn’t very ergonomically friendly. This can have an impact on many activities that others take for granted, from taking notes in a classroom to using a computer and even eating.

The Portable Lap Tray was invented to help bring these folks some convenience. It is touted as being compatible with any kind of chair. However, it is questionable if it would be very effective for left-handed users because of its right-hand oriented design–much like the old right-hand oriented desks of the 20th century from about the 1960s or so.

Backers looking for mobility assistance might want to check out the Movi Transport Chair. This campaign seeks to raise $15,000 on Indiegogo. It appears that the tray itself is not available to backers, but for $75, backers can get a DVD of some kind of fashion show, a slightly confusing reward.

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Technology Writing

Say a farewell to distractions with the Hemingwrite e-paper, cloud-syncing writing tool

Today’s completely connected world makes the focused act of writing much harder than it needs to be. With our smartphones, tablets, and laptops set-up as versatile, multi-functional devices, it makes the singular task of writing a difficult one.

For some, this is a huge problem to the point that even a good, old-fashioned typewriter can seem like a good idea. Disconnected from the world, it just works without manuals or special applications needed. That’s what the inventors of the Hemingwrite had in mind in creating their single-purpose, typewriter-shaped writing tool. The product combines the comfort of a full-size mechanical keyboard with more advanced tech like e-paper and automatic cloud syncing in order to help users focus on the end result, rather than constantly be led astray by Facebook posts and random tweets.

Its slim-profile is made of aluminum and features a built-in handle to ensure it’s easy to carry. The Hemingwrite’s instant on feature lets users immediately get back to writing on up to three active documents at a time, and that, along with the option to display timers and word counters, is reflective of its only purpose: to get users to write. With the product being as sparse as it is, it boasts a four week battery so that a dead battery can never be a reason not to write. The Hemingwrite is currently going for $399, and is expected to ship in September 2015. The campaign’s goal is $250,000.

The Hemingwrite is a capable tool for a pretty serious problem that affects many writers, but having to spend upwards of $399 or more is an unnecessary expenditure that doesn’t technically guarantee anything. Utilizing free or low-cost applications along with developing a strong writing routine is so much more beneficial in the long run as a writer. The Hemingwrite is a novel, pretty fun idea with an awesome name, but it’s a gimmick unless its price comes down.

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Connected Objects Writing

Writeboard Wi-Fi whiteboard lets you share your meeting scribbles

It may have taken the shape of an app or a notification popping up on a phone or a tablet, but human communication still relies heavily on the taking and sharing of notes. From the classroom to the boardroom, the prevalence of notes touches so many parts of everyday life that it deserves a modern spin.

The WriteBoard is essentially a 27-inch, LCD whiteboard, not unlike the kind many have at home or at work. What makes WriteBoard special is that it’s Wi-Fi connected and can share notes between connected WriteBoards or through the WriteBoard app. With an aluminum stylus reminiscent of a classic pencil and a 1080p display, WriteBoard offers no drop-off or compromise when compared to using a marker-based classic whiteboard.

Every aspect of the WriteBoard is designed to make using the device feel familiar without being held back by technological limitations. A small ledge at the bottom of the WriteBoard can hold the stylus, and the inclusion of wall mounts or stands will make WriteBoard as flexible regarding placement as it is regarding usage. WriteBoard needs $100,000 to find investment partners and create a plan for mass production. Supporters can get set up with their own WriteBoard for $299, with no release date planned at this time.

The main issue with a specialist device like the WriteBoard is that it functions essentially like a large tablet or touch display, with none of the extra features besides note-taking. Add to that a poorly conceived geo-specific advertising function that pops advertising onto the WriteBoard based on location and you have something that is caught between not performing as well as other devices and getting in the way of its solitary function. WriteBoard’s heart is in the right place, but may need to go back to the drawing board.

 

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Connected Objects Writing

In the smartpen game, Equil seeks its sequel

These days, children in classrooms are probably scratching their heads wondering why anyone even bothers teaching handwriting anymore. It seems as if with all the ways that we can communicate digitally, the pen and paper method of writing is painfully obsolete. Sometimes, that handwritten touch is required.

The Equil Smartpen 2 functions exactly the way consumers expect from smart pens that digitize sketches and handwriting. What makes it different is that unlike Livescribe which requires special paper, Equil can work on any paper surface. Additionally, it uses real ink while recording and transmitting all the differences in both motion and pressure to digitize a completely accurate duplicate. The end result is that the writing process is not altered in the slightest and the digital version has all of the necessary detail and nuance that makes it ideal for sharing. With a different tip, the Equil Smartpen 2 also works as a stylus that can provide precise control on tablets or other pen-enabled devices. Equil needs $50,000 to put this smart pen upgrade out into the hands of users. The Equil Smartpen 2 is shipping out in October, and backers can start writing for $109.

The number of people who can actually put a smart pen to its full use is pretty much limited to graphic designers and other creative types, especially considering the number of pen-enabled tablets that continues to grow. Still, for those who prefer to have tangible notes that they can keep will appreciate having their notes in both in the cloud and in their hands. As an upgrade alone, there may not be enough to lure casual Equil Smartpen users, but for graphic designers and enterprising, note-selling college students, the relatively low price may be worth signing the check.

 

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Technology Writing

Lottery-picking Lucky Pen is a fat pen with fatter lies

Lucky penWould you like to win the lottery? Of course you would! Lucky Pen offers backers access to lucky numbers that will ensure they win! But how? That part isn’t readily available on the campaign, something about an algorithm, though it assures us that Lucky Pen really truly works. This fat pen should be used when writing on any lottery-type ticket. Reward tiers don’t offer the pen itself, but one does have the perk of wallpaper with the pen’s image printed on it. This Brazilian product is hoping to raise $40,000 on Indiegogo in 45 days, but it is unclear why the creator doesn’t just use the pen to win the lottery for extra funds.

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Writing

ThinkBook provides dry-erase tablet alternative to the never-ending notebook

ThinkBook 9697903696fb89405f4e644f40e3aacb_large[1]So you’re out at a restaurant and this really great idea pops into your head. Alas, you will imminently need that napkin for the sauce-doused pasta and any attempt to wrest the iPad back from your child will meet with vociferous protest. The creator of ThinkBook can sympathize. Hence, the idea for the 5×7 dry erase notebook was born. It comes with 15 pages and a dry erase marker, much to the relief of every waiter and waitress. Of course, with the pages a scarce commodity, you’ll need to find alternative means to sharing your idea rather than ripping out a sheet. Maybe you can borrow that iPad — or at least its camera — for a moment, after all. For $25 backers get a complete product and expected delivery of June 2014.