Physically Writing With Ubuntu?

[tdrusk]

At school the Macs have little writing pads with a fake "pencil". Basically it copies what you are scribbling onto the computer. Is there anything like this for GNU/Linux?

[twisted_steel]

Is this something in software or hardware? If you are referring to a physical tablet, I have a Wacom (http://www.wacom.com/) Graphire working without problems in Ubuntu. It's easy to write/draw in Inkscape and the GIMP.

[tdrusk]

Hardware. Thanks, I'll check it out.

Wow that seems kind of expensive. Do you know of anything that is cheaper?

[zmjjmz]

Do you mean the thing that the OLPC XO has?
You could probably find that at a cheap price :/ (The XO is only $188)

[tdrusk]

Do you mean the thing that the OLPC XO has?
You could probably find that at a cheap price :/ (The XO is only $188)
can you please link to that?

[twisted_steel]

Wow that seems kind of expensive. Do you know of anything that is cheaper?

It looks like they changed their models around since I got mine. I have the Graphire4 USB version (4x5) (http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Graphire4-4x5-Tablet-Silver/dp/B000BBCTHU/). It was at most $99 when I got it, but it looks like they are selling only Bluetooth versions of that tablet now, which would explain the higher prices. The Bamboo Fun (http://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Small-Tablet-Graphics-Software/dp/B000V9NU2A/) must be the closest version that is out there now because it comes with a mouse and also has an eraser on the pen. It looks like there is a HOWTO (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=631881) on the forums for the Bamboo that requires a newer version of the linuxwacom drivers than those in Gutsy. I imagine the newer version would be included in Hardy.

[Mr. Picklesworth]

If you're using Linux, the Bamboo Fun is rather a waste; the major reason it costs more than the regular Bamboo is the mouse (you probably own a mouse) and some included Windows / Mac software.

For some reason, I suspect you want writing recognition, in which case "CellWriter" is coming along really well. It isn't quite as cool as, for example, Microsoft's writing recognition in terms of practically needing to be trained initially and for having a strict grid in which letters are written. However, in terms of actual output accuracy, CellWriter gives incredible results!

[twisted_steel]

CellWriter (http://risujin.org/cellwriter/) looks really nice. Thanks for the program suggestion.

[tdrusk]

awesome. So the bamboo (not fun haha) is good in Linux with the right drivers. Thanks for the help.

[el mariachi]

sorry, I didn't get it. CellWriter needs some ind of pen device right?

[Mazza558]

I agree with the above posts. You can find fairly cheap A6 sized wacom pads on Amazon. Just a note - they say "Windows ONLY", but this is a lie - they work great under most distros (including Ubuntu).

[popch]

sorry, I didn't get it. CellWriter needs some ind of pen device right?

Cellwriter does not need a pen device. You do, though.

I just tested it. You can use Cellwriter with a mouse, but it would take some practice to attain some kind of proficiency. 'Intuitive' and 'ergonomical' are some of the terms which do not come to mind in this context.