Equil Smartpen 2: What you need to know
The Equil Smartpen 2 is one of the most well-designed smart pens that we tested when it comes to comfort. Unfortunately, the pen’s accuracy isn’t on par with the best pens we used. If you’re looking for a smart pen that can write on any paper or notepad, the IRIS Notes Air 3 costs less, is more accurate, and has a longer-lasting battery.
Equil Smartpen 2: Writing and drawing accuracy
- Several errors for writing
- Numerous errors for drawing
To test for accuracy, we wrote out the Gettysburg Address with each of the digital pens on our list. The best pens we tested had zero errors on this handwriting test, but the Smartpen 2 had five errors. As a result, we struggle to recommend the Equil Smartpen 2 for writing and note taking when there are significantly better products on the market.
In our drawing tests, the pen was even less accurate. We recorded six errors, and the overall quality was low too. The pen had trouble with the smaller details of our drawing tests, and because of the errors and lack of detail, we can’t recommend the Equil Smartpen 2 for artists either.
Equil Smartpen 2: Apps and connectivity
- Pen charges inside case
- IOS, Android, Mac, and PC apps
One of the best features about this pen is that you can charge the transceiver and the pen through a single micro-USB port built into the case. If you lose or forget the included cable, Equil’s manual states that you can charge the pen with any micro-USB cable. This smart pen advertises a battery life of eight hours.
In our setup tests, the Smartpen 2 was the slowest to get paired and ready to write. It took us over three and a half minutes to set up the pen, and we had to toggle the smartphone’s Bluetooth several times to get it to recognize the smart pen.
This is one of the few pens we tested that has apps for iOS, Android, Mac and PC. The software and apps work well, and Equil even includes the ability to “cast” your notetaking online so that other people can follow along. This could be useful in a business meeting where you want to share notes with other team members in real time.
Equil Smartpen 2: Comfort and ease of use
- Light
- Buzzing sound when in use
The pen itself is one of the lighter pens we tested and weighs 0.7 ounces, or about as much as three normal Bic pens. However, the pen is triangular and can take some getting used to. Despite this, we found the Equil Smartpen 2 to be one of the most comfortable smart pens that we tested. Annoyingly though, the pen makes a buzzing noise when it is turned on, which can quickly become irritating and could make it awkward to use in a quieter setting like a classroom or library.
Equil Smartpen 2: Extras
- Two year warranty
- FAQ section, but no tutorials
The Equil Smartpen 2 comes with a handy carry case which houses both the pen and the transceiver. This pen has a manufacturer’s warranty of two years, the longest of the pens we tested. There is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on the Equil website, but there are no tutorials to help you use the pen.
Equil Smartpen 2: Verdict
Best smart pens
Wacom Bamboo Folio (opens in new tab)
Livescribe Echo (opens in new tab)
Livescribe 3 Smartpen (opens in new tab)
IRISNotes Air 3 Digital Pen (opens in new tab)
Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse (opens in new tab)
Neo Smartpen N2 (opens in new tab)
The Equil Smartpen 2 is well designed and fits together in a compact, easy-to-charge package. However, the poor accuracy and the buzzing noise that emanates from the pen make it hard to recommend. If you’re looking for a pen with a transceiver to attach to any notepad or paper, we recommend the IRIS Notes Air 3, which is cheaper and more accurate.
