Digital pen
A digital pen is an input device which captures the handwriting or brush strokes of a user and converts handwritten analog information created using "pen and paper" into digital data, enabling the data to be utilized in various applications. This type of pen is usually used in conjunction with a digital notebook, although the data can also be used for different applications or simply as a graphic.
Smart pen is a more especific than a digital pen, this one satisfies the same basic characteristics, but also have other like voice recording or text scanner.
A smart pen is generally larger and has more features than an active pen. Digital pens typically contain internal electronics and have features such as touch sensitivity, input buttons, memory for storing handwriting data and transmission capabilities.
Characteristics
The input device captures the handwriting data, that, once digitized, can be uploaded to a computer and displayed on its monitor.Some pens are equipped with a digital recording device that allows users to use them as intelligent Dictaphone. They can be used, for example for students to record the voice of the master while taking notes.
Technology groups
Accelerometer
Active
Positional
Camera
Trackball pen
Products list
| Manufacturer | Product | Uses Anoto pattern | Remarks |
| PolyVision | Eno | yes | |
| Canon | IRISNotes | no | Smart Pen from Canon |
| NeoLAB Convergence | Neo smartpen N2&M1 | no | Powered by Ncode technology of NeoLAB Convergence |
| Moleskine | Moleskine Pen+ | no | Smart pen from NeoLAB Convergence |
| Apple | Apple Pencil | no | A digital pen for the iPad Pro |
| Atary | Atary digital pen | no | Using a Smart pen as if it was a digitizing tablet |
| Samsung | S Pen | no | |
| Wacom | Bamboo | yes | |
| Livescribe | Livescribe | yes | |
| Logitech | Digital Pen | yes | |
| Luidia | Smartpen2 | no | |
| Maxell | Penit | yes | |
| Nokia | Digital Pen SU-1B | yes | |
| IOGear | GPen300 | no | |
| Staedtler | Digital Pen | no | |
| Oxford Papershow | Trackball pen | yes | The technology involves a USB key to synchronise with the digital pen enabling connectivity between pen and PC. |