Smartpens have revolutionized note taking by integrating digital technology into a classic writing instrument. Two of the most popular choices are the Livescribe Symphony and Echo pens.
While both allow you to record audio and digitize your handwritten notes, there are some key differences in features and capabilities.
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | Livescribe Symphony | Livescribe Echo |
Audio Recording | Yes | Yes |
Handwriting Capture | Yes | Yes |
Storage Capacity | 1000 hours | 200 hours |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | No |
Transcription Software | Yes | Yes |
Interactive Paper Templates | Yes | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery | Yes | Yes |
Physical Buttons | Yes | Minimal |
OLED Display Screen | Yes | No |
Mobile App Integration | Yes | Limited |
Price | $199 | $169 |
Overview of the Livescribe Symphony
The Livescribe Symphony smartpen combines a sleek design with powerful features for professionals and everyday users alike. Some of the key capabilities include:
- Audio recording: The Symphony can record high quality audio while you take notes for up to 1000 hours of storage. This allows you to play back recordings by simply tapping on your written notes.
- Handwriting capture: The pen digitizes everything you write on dot paper for uploading to your device. Your handwritten notes are searchable and editable.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Built-in Bluetooth allows you to instantly send notes to your mobile device or computer. This also enables remote control of presentations.
- OLED display: The small OLED screen shows current settings and modes. It allows you to access quick controls without linking your mobile device.
- Rechargeable battery: The long-lasting lithium ion battery can be recharged via USB. A full charge lasts up to 14 hours.
- Premium design: The metal and rubberized body has a sleek yet durable construction. It also features physical buttons for audio control.
- Powerful software: The Livescribe+ app syncs, organizes, and converts your notes. It also has templates for organizing your life.
Overview of the Livescribe Echo
The Livescribe Echo offers core smartpen functionality in a streamlined and affordable package. Here are some of its main features:
- Audio recording: Like the Symphony, the Echo can record while you take notes for audio playback. Storage capacity is up to 200 hours.
- Handwriting and paper: The Echo digitizes your notes written on dot paper. It also has some basic paper templates.
- Rechargeable battery: The built-in battery is rechargeable via USB. A full charge provides up to 10 hours of continuous use.
- Minimalist design: The Echo has a simple plastic construction focused on core functionality. Buttons are limited for a clean look.
- Software compatibility: It comes with the Livescribe+ app for syncing and converting handwritten notes. Compatibility is more limited than the Symphony.
- Affordable price: The Echo retails for around $169, making it attractively priced for budget-minded consumers.
Also Read: Comparison Between Livescribe and Rocketbook
Detailed Comparison Livescribe Symphony and Echo
Now, let’s take a deeper dive into how the Livescribe Symphony and Echo smartpens stack up against each other in key categories:
· Audio Recording and Playback
Both pens allow you to record audio while taking notes, with playback synchronized to your writing. However, the Symphony offers significantly more storage capacity at 1000 hours compared to 200 hours on the Echo.
The Symphony also has better microphone quality for capturing clearer audio. Playback controls are more robust on the Symphony with its onboard screen and buttons.
· Handwriting Capture and Digitization
The core experience of digitizing your handwritten notes is similar on both pens. They both require dot paper and capture each stroke you make with the ballpoint ink.
Accuracy is comparable, though the Symphony tends to have greater precision. The Symphony also has the edge when it comes to accessing and organizing notes, with more powerful software and better integration with mobile apps.
· Connectivity and Syncing
A major advantage of the Symphony is its built-in Bluetooth support, which enables easy wireless syncing with your mobile device or computer.
The Echo lacks Bluetooth connectivity, requiring a USB cable for syncing your notes. The Symphony’s Bluetooth also provides remote control capability for presentations and other features.
· Hardware Design
With its metal body and rubberized grip, the Symphony has a distinctly premium look and feel. The OLED display lets you view settings and battery life at a glance. By contrast, the Echo focuses solely on simplicity and affordability.
It lacks an onboard display and has a plain plastic construction. The Symphony clearly outshines the Echo when it comes to hardware design and aesthetics.
Also Read: Comparison Between remarkable 2 and Rocketbook
· Software Experience
Both pens work with the Livescribe+ app, but the Symphony is better optimized for it. The Symphony offers more templates and organization tools within the app.
It also has deeper integration with mobile note taking and productivity apps. Overall software experience is more seamless and functional with the Symphony versus the Echo.
· Battery Life
Battery life is one major advantage of the Symphony over the Echo. The Symphony lasts up to 14 hours on a full charge, while the Echo maxes out at around 10 hours.
Having 30% more battery capacity is a significant edge, especially for long study or work sessions. The Symphony’s battery indicator also helps prevent you from running out of juice.
· Learning Curve
Those new to smartpens may find the Symphony slightly less approachable given its greater complexity.
The Echo’s simplified operation may be favorable for smartpen beginners who just want basic note taking capabilities. However, the Symphony’s well-designed interface makes learning it fairly intuitive as well.
· Price and Value
With an MSRP of $199, the Symphony costs about $30 more than the Echo. The price difference is justified by the Symphony’s superior feature set, audio quality, design, and app integration.
Overall the Symphony delivers greater long-term value, especially for professional and power users. The Echo is ideal for budget buyers.
Also Read: Comparison Between Wipebooks And Rocketbooks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Livescribe Symphony is a premium smartpen that digitizes your handwritten notes while also recording audio. It synchronizes everything you write and hear to provide a unified reference. Key features include long battery life, ample storage, Bluetooth connectivity, an OLED screen, and powerful software.
No, Livescribe pens require specialized dot paper to capture your handwriting. The tiny dots on this paper allow the infrared camera in the tip of the pen to track every stroke. Regular paper does not have these tracking dots, so it is not compatible.
The Livescribe Echo is an entry-level smartpen focused on core functionality. It digitizes notes and audio similar to the Symphony, but lacks some advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and substantial onboard storage. The Echo has a more basic plastic design and shorter battery life.
No, Bluetooth capability is not included on the Livescribe Echo. This limits wireless connectivity and syncing. You need to use the provided USB cable to sync the Echo with your mobile device or computer. In contrast, Bluetooth comes standard on the higher-end Symphony.
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Final Thoughts
When choosing between the Livescribe Symphony and Echo smartpens, it comes down to your budget and just how advanced you need your note taking experience to be.
The Livescribe Symphony offers superior performance in almost every area, justifying its higher price for professionals, students, and productivity enthusiasts.
With its focus on core functionality and affordable pricing, the Livescribe Echo is ideal for casual users who don’t require premium features. Whichever you choose, Livescribe’s innovative smartpens bring handwritten notes to the digital realm.