Would you like to be able to just jot a word or two rather than frantically trying to type or write comprehensive notes in a lecture, meeting, or seminar? How about this Pulse Smartpen from Livescribe.

This handy gadget records the audio as you make your notes on the magic paper that digitizes your scribbles. You use what looks like a regular college-ruled paper notebook. Each page is embedded with dots that make it capable of handwriting recognition.

The pen, powered by a Samsung ARM processor, will keep track of at which point in the recording you made each note. Later when you run your pen over a rather vague note--"research and verify this fact" for instance--the audio will play, letting you know just what you were hearing when you made that note. It makes
taking notes efficient and fast. Shorthand has stepped into the world of technology.

Livescribe intends to develop translator and Internet-related applications for the Pulse in the future.

The Pulse is available for pre-order in 1GB size for $149 and 2GB for $199.