This is a simple combination of two existing items, graphics tablets and those plastic pads I had as a child with the pink film that appeared brighter when you wrote on it that could be lifted to clear the image.

Put near the phone on a desk to quickly write stuff down, like a number or address or just to doodle. Computer would not even need to be on if used for a "temporary" purpose, such as "out to lunch" or "my boss is a wanker." If the number, name, erotic sketch etc. is vital, however, one press of the button could print and another save it to a file. Wouldn’t have to have the complexity of a Wacom art tablet, or the sensitivity, just enough to be legible and about the quality of a marker on paper. USB connection, obviously.

I know they have computerized whiteboards and whatnot now, but this could be made cheaper and more personal. Better than those crap pens that "remember" what you wrote.
-- JeremiahBritt, Dec 01 2004

JB its called paper. I have millions of the bits with my half-witted stuff scribbled on it. cheap too.
-- po, Dec 01 2004


I think there are way too many flavors of this baked.
-- theircompetitor, Dec 01 2004


I use Mead Composition notebooks myself. They're very high-res.
-- jutta, Dec 02 2004


"...Wouldn't have to have the complexity of a Wacom art tablet..."

Yeah, they are so . . . complicated aren't they?

Hey, I use Mead as well. The kind that hinge at the top.
-- bristolz, Dec 02 2004


I meant complexity as in relation to price of manufacture, or at least market. (For instance, this pad would not need multiple levels of pressure sensitivity, multiple button functions or a complicated software package, not to mention it wouldn't technically be used as a mouse). I apologize for my typo. I have corrected it.
-- JeremiahBritt, Dec 02 2004


My point is that of all the pointing peripherals I know, the Wacom is about the simplest to use. One doesn't have to use the extras, the buttons and such, to get fantastic utility out of the Wacom.
-- bristolz, Dec 02 2004



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