[JimiMac]

I'm still intriqued where in the world is Apple's hardware to take advantage of OS X's Inkwell technology? I just can't help but feel that there is (or worst case, WAS) some type of digital lifestyle device in the works to use this part of the system software. If nothing else, I had assumed that some type of input area was going to be integrated into the new laptops, but I don't even see any gossip about that possibility. I can't believe Apple would have incorporated that technology so quickly into OS X if they didn't have a plan for it in the very near future. And I can't believe they would have gone to the trouble to perfect and include it simply so you can use a WACOM tablet. I also have been wondering if Apple was preparing for a tablet type device, yet pulled the reigns based on all the "iffy" response Tablet PCs have gotten in general. I still believe Apple is the only one that could really do a tablet/pad device the right way, especially by not trying to market it as a replacement for a regular laptop, but as a whole new digital device.

[sunoxen]

My thinking is that Apple won't release something with a "tablet" integrated into the computer, rather they will go the "digital pen" route.

I've been thinking the same thing, "What is Inkwell doing there?" I mean, who wants to write on a WACOM tablet, etc. It really doesn't make any sense, until I found about about a company named Anoto. (www.anoto.com)

Anoto is a company that has a patent on a special kind of paper. The paper has little dots on it that you cannot see, but that a digital pen can pick up on.

These pens have a camera that checks on where you are putting the pen in reference to what you have written.

The interesting thing about this technology is that it has Bluetooth as a component technology.

So imagine, taking notes in a class on an Anoto pad of paper (which stores to the pen's internal memory) taking it home, syncing with iSync, and having Inkwell translate your notes into text form in a snap.

Or, the pen is connected wirelessly to your cell phone, so you could scribble an e-mail on the train, and have it sent, as soon as you connect to your phone network.

These pens are available now, but are clunky, and heavy. Apple is in a great position to make a digital pen that fits within their design aesthetic.

Plus, they have a user base that will be happy to try something useful and new. It might not be for everybody, but I would get one. I wouldn't have to carry a laptop around anymore. Just throw an Aluminum pen in my pocket.

Does anyone else see this my way? It seems the logical thing for Apple to do.

Long live iPen!

[SirCastor]

It sounds cool, but how cheap is this paper? I mean, the paper is probably not being massed produced, and it's got some sort of Memory in it? Sounds fairly expensive. Additionally, does this pen have an actual ink rollerball on it? Do you see what you've written on this paper? Because if you don't, then it's difficult to take notes when you can't see what you're writing. If the pen does contain a ballpoint or rollerball, then the paper is one time use, and as noted above, that could get pretty expensive...

Sounds like a cool idea though.

[JimiMac]

To me though, that doesn't explain why inkwell is already and from the begginiing part of OS X. They could always have added that technology later, AFTER this magic pen and paper hit the streets...no..something else is up....

[SirCastor]

Maybe they could only come up with 149 features for Jaguar and wanted to round it up..

Flashback to Apple.... (wavy image, and blurred borders)

John: Bill we need one more feature...
Bill: Hmm... hey! How about that old Newton Handwriting stuff?
John: That'll work...

[sunoxen]

The paper will be a little more expensive at the beginning, but will certainly go down in price after that. And the idea is that the pattern could be used in newsprint, magazines, etc to fill out forms, etc.

Plus, you could conceivably print out the pattern on yoru inkjet. And yes, you can't erase the ink, but you can go back and add notes and other content to the page. That's the great thing about the technology, it knows what paper you are writing on, and edits the digital image accordingly.

The pen has ink in it, so you will be able to see what you write.

As to why Inkwell is built into OS X, well I think it's because of this. Again, no one wants to write on a plastic pad, but people write on paper all the time.

And do you notice that Apple is downplaying the technology? Well, perhaps they have digital pens up their sleeves.

Perhaps they might build in a touch screen to a Powerbook or something, but I think Apple understands that the Tablet PC is a pile of crap.

It makes more sense to do what Tablet PCs do without the weight or poor interface. It's safe to say the pen and paper is the best interface that anyone has ever invented.

Think about it, what can you do with a tablet that you can't already do with a laptop? Write notes, or fill out forms? You can do that with a pad and a digital pen. And a pad can fit in your pocket, can be beaten around, a Tablet PC cannot.

[jamez bond]

I got a Wacom tablet a while back, and I only tried writing with it a couple of times. It did actually work, even with my messy handwriting...but what's the point??
I type a lot faster on a keyboard...

I do however like to use the pen for everything now. I bought the logitech trackball (the new one with tons of buttons, wireless) just before getting the tablet, and the trackball stays in a shelf on the side here...not even plugged in. Surfing and navigating with the pen is just soooo quick. Unbelievable...
I really did not think it would be this great before I got my hands on it.