Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 8

Does anyone have any information on the Seiko SmartPad? Price?
It looks pretty good. Looks like it uses the IR port to transfer notes from a notepad.
Check it out www.seikosmart.com

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 8

Isn't anyone interested?
I just looked at the link and they have a page about the Smartpad open now.
It looks VERY cool. Not sure if the placement of the IR transmitter will work for the Visor though.

Jeff

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

It looks interesting.. but why not just write on the visor's screen? Or type with a keyboard? And how much does the damn thing cost?

Also, I'm not going to give up my current case / stylus to use their proprietary case/ir/stylus for their electronic notepad. Seems like it's for people who just can't let go of paper organizers

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: "Children are a gift from God, they are a reward"
Posts: 1049

Actually I think the point of the Smartpad is the same as the CrossPad. You can also draw sketches and other data on the pad. It doesn't input text- it takes a 'picture' of what you're writing on the pad. You can then view the notes, etc. on your handheld. You can magnify the view, or shrink it to fit the screen. I don't think you can edit from the handheld though. The Smartpad I saw was set up for a Palm unit. The IR was above the handheld. You would have to modify it to use a Visor. I haven't heard of a Visor enabled model coming out. The software is supposed to be usable with any Palm unit, so that should work with a Visor. (on second thought, check this post out, http://discussion.visorcentral.com/...TML/001031.html )
I looked into it because I occasionally want to include graphs, or pictures, with notes I take at meetings- but I like to be able to go back and edit them for clarity later.
Michael Walters

[This message has been edited by BobbyMike (edited 07-17-2000).]

[This message has been edited by BobbyMike (edited 07-19-2000).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

Yes, but aren't there programs that do this on the Visor already? why have a separate piece of hardware to draw things when there is already software for the visor that performs the same task?..

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: "Children are a gift from God, they are a reward"
Posts: 1049

You can get a lot more detail in a drawing on a pad of paper than a Visor. Also most people already know how to use a pad of paper and won't have to learn a programs quirks to use it.
I think some people will find it very useful. I have adjusted my note taking so I don't draw graphs and pictures when I take notes. I use Pedit, but I would like to be able to draw sometimes without having to switc into a different program. I just wouldn't use it (the Smartpad) enough to justify it's cost. I like carrying around just my Visor also, I originally got it so I could carry around less.

[This message has been edited by BobbyMike (edited 07-23-2000).]

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 219

It's called Decrio in Japan. The price is about $250, but a web store in Japan was selling it for $100 for a while. Some more pictureshere.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 219

Examples of how people are using Decrio/SmartPad (slow load) ...An CG artist & mother working from home drawing on Decrio at a park while her daughter plays at the park...Sending kids' drawing to grandparents via net...etc.

[This message has been edited by Taki (edited 07-24-2000).]

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: fort worth, texas, usa
Posts: 53

The reason it makes sense is that I can use it to take notes in a meeting. There is no way I can write fast enough on the visor to do this, and a keyboard is not practical in this situation. Bad news is we Mac users get screwed again (not compatible). Retail stores are supposed to be getting them in any day. Also, will someone confirm that they are selling for $100 in Japan?

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 219

grilla,

$100 was a special price lasted just for a limited time According to a ZDNet review, it's $199. They rated it 4 out of 5.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

grilla, why isn't a keyboard practical?