CrossPad Sends Notes From Paper to Your PC

I have folders full of paper pads, and though I'd like to transfer the scribbled notes to my PC, I never have the time. Sound familiar? I've found the solution: Cross Pen Computing's unique CrossPad. This slim 2.2-pound plastic tablet holds a paper notepad on top of an electronic pad. Using a special pen, I write with ink on the paper; at the same time, the electronic pad underneath saves my notes in the device's 1MB of flash ROM. Later on, I can upload the notes to my PC using an included cable. This puts all my notes in my PC, searchable by date and keyword. (You designate keywords by circling them, then clicking a button.)

Your notes are not saved in editable (ASCII) text: When you call up notes on your PC, you see an image of your printing or handwriting. You can also save sketches, such as maps or diagrams.

Cross describes the CrossPad as "a portable digital notepad." Street-priced at $399, it's easy to tote. You'll quickly master the few buttons: When you flip a paper page, for example, you click the Page Forward button for a new electronic page.

Cross bundles IBM Ink Manager software for managing the files on your Windows 95 computer. The program can also convert handwritten notes to editable text, but for this feature to work well you must write very neatly. An early version of the software converted about 70 percent of my words correctly after I had done the two 20-minute handwriting training exercises. The program's less-than-astounding handwriting recognition talents don't offer an independent reason to buy the CrossPad, but neither are they cause to reject it. For many people, organizing handwritten notes is a major benefit.

The CrossPad can store 50 pages before you need to upload or delete any text. It runs for three to four months on four included AAA batteries.

SUMMARY

CrossPad PRO: Saves handwritten notes and sketches and sends them to a PC. CON: Can't perfectly convert to text. VALUE: Highly useful business tool. $399 Cross Pen Computing Group 800/510-9660 www.cross-pcg.com