2011 Smartpen Landscape Report

Gadget manufacturers have been trying to embed useful technology into a pen for years. Finally, technology and manufacturing costs have improved enough to make smartpens appealing to both manufacturers and consumers. Outsell conducted a short web-based survey in March 2011 to examine smartpen adoption and general note-taking habits of 428 physicians, educators, and students. This report examines the results of that survey, including the note-taking needs and behaviors of the survey respondents. It also explores the potential market demand for smartpens and examines some of the leading providers of these pens. It closes with advice and essential actions for these manufacturers as well as publishers and information providers that want to stay ahead of the changes this new market could bring. This report contains:
• Ownership data for smartpens from Livescribe, Wacom, IOGear, Solidtek USA, Dane-Elec, and LogiPen;
• Analysis of note-taking habits, digital note usage, audio vs. handwriting capture, and note-taking surfaces;
• Discussion of smartpen market penetration, price sensitivity, and potential demand;
• Exploration of the most desired features in smartpens.