a pencil that tracks its position in space(instead of a diminute sensitive surface) so the limit is how big is the table

with a tip sensible to pressure

is this in the market?

The "remote" mice and pointers that are used for controlling the mouse during presentations (ie when the user isn't seated) do that but they're not used for tablet type applications. I think some of them use tiny gyroscopes and others use solid state accelerometers. I don't think any of them are accurate enough for a tablet app.

I think Microsoft Surface is close to what you're looking for but it's being marketed in a totally different (and stupid IMO) direction.

There are systems that track a pointer over a large area but I don't think there's anything on the market (at least consumer market) that tracks its own position.

--Outlaw.

I believe the TB-3 has one on board, yes?

I remember reading an article a few years ago about a pen that would let you take notes and draw simple pictures simply by going through the motions. The inventor equated it to scribbling notes on a napkin. Afterward you could download your notes to your PC to keep a record. I don't think it was ever manufactured. I'll keep an eye out for the magazine (Discover I think) as I clean my basement.

quote:

Originally posted by Crash_Moses:
I remember reading an article a few years ago about a pen that would let you take notes and draw simple pictures simply by going through the motions. The inventor equated it to scribbling notes on a napkin. Afterward you could download your notes to your PC to keep a record. I don't think it was ever manufactured. I'll keep an eye out for the magazine (Discover I think) as I clean my basement.

I think you're right and it has been produced. I'm thinking maybe I saw it in a Sharper Image catalog.

--Outlaw.

Something like this maybe.


http://images.google.se/imgres...6start%3D20%26um%3D1