CrossPad: Write on Paper, Save on Disk

$399 plastic notepad goes under your sheet of paper to create digital copy of your writing.

PC World staff

PDAs don%squott let me write quickly enough, and notebook PCs aren%squott suitable for many meetings. But I%squotve just found the solution: Cross Computing%squots unique CrossPad. This slim, 2.2-pound plastic tablet holds a paper note pad on top of an electronic pad. Using a special Cross ink pen, I write with ink on the paper while the electronic pad underneath saves my notes in the device%squots 1MB of Flash ROM. Later, I can upload the notes to my PC using an included cable.

Keep in mind, your notes are not saved as editable text. When you call up notes on your PC, you see an image of your printing or handwriting. But this has its benefits: It also saves sketches, such as a map, a product design, or a diagram.

Street-priced at a reasonable $399, the CrossPad is easy to tote, with a footprint just slightly bigger than a standard paper notepad%squots. Files are saved and managed on your Windows 95 PC using IBM%squots bundled Ink Manager, which includes handwriting recognition software to convert handwritten notes to editable text. But for the conversion process to work well, you have to write very neatly, which isn%squott easy when you%squotre taking rapid notes.

The CrossPad stores 50 pages before you have to upload or delete some of them. It runs for three to four months on four AAA batteries, which are included. The pen requires one Cross ink cartridge and one AAAA battery; the package includes one battery and six ink cartridges. A portfolio-type case costs about $80 to $100 extra. I suspect you%squotll see the CrossPad in a meeting with you soon.

For the complete story, see Laurianne McLaughlin%squots CrossPad review in April%squots PC World magazine.