Neo Smartpens for Dyslexia and Workplace Note-Taking

Neo smartpens are digital pens that capture handwritten notes on Ncode paper and turn them into editable digital files on your phone, tablet or computer. For adults with dyslexia, they make meeting notes easier to store, search and share, and they are a practical workplace reasonable adjustment.

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Our top pick

Neo Smartpen M1+ (Black) - digitise your handwritten notes

The Neo Smartpen M1+ is our top pick for adults with dyslexia who take notes at work. It syncs your handwriting to the Neo Studio app over Bluetooth as you write, stores up to 1,000 A4 pages when your phone is not connected, and converts handwriting into typed text. It is close to the size and weight of an ordinary pen, so it fits naturally into meetings, training and site visits.

Price: £128.99 inc. VAT | View the Neo Smartpen M1+

Around 1 in 10 people are dyslexic, according to the British Dyslexia Association. At work, note-taking in meetings, training sessions and phone calls can be demanding when spelling, speed and working memory are all under pressure. A Neo smartpen lets you write naturally on paper while the Neo Studio app keeps a digital copy you can search, organise and share afterwards.

What is a Neo smartpen and how does it work?

A Neo smartpen is a ballpoint pen with a small infrared camera under the nib. The camera reads Ncode, a nearly invisible pattern printed on compatible NeoLAB paper, and records every stroke you make. Your writing is sent to the Neo Studio app over Bluetooth in real time. When your phone is not connected, the pen stores your notes and syncs them later.

How can a Neo smartpen help adults with dyslexia at work?

The main benefit for dyslexic employees is a reliable digital record of every handwritten note. You can find notes by date or page, convert handwriting to typed text on the M1+, and record audio alongside your writing in Neo Studio so you can play back the part of a meeting you missed. Our team often suggests pairing a smartpen with Dragon speech recognition software or Inspiration mind mapping software to turn notes into reports and plans.

Which Neo smartpen should I choose?

Choose the Neo Smartpen M1+ if you take notes most days: it is rechargeable, stores up to 1,000 A4 pages offline and converts handwriting to text. The Neo Smartpen Dimo is a lower-cost option that runs on a single AAA battery and suits lighter use, but it stores far fewer pages offline, so keep your phone connected while you write. Whichever you choose, you will need Ncode paper such as the NeoLAB College Notebook 3-pack.

Who are Neo smartpens for?

Neo smartpens suit adults with dyslexia who still prefer to think on paper, from office and admin staff to managers, apprentices and anyone who takes notes in meetings or on the move. If handwritten notes often go missing or are hard to read back, a smartpen keeps them in one searchable place without changing the way you write.

For employers and HR teams, the Equality Act 2010 requires reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, which can include people with dyslexia, and a Neo smartpen is a simple adjustment to put in place. Employees may also be able to apply for Access to Work, a government grant that can help pay for specialist equipment and assistive software for eligible employees. Get advice before buying. You can explore more support in our adults, dyslexia and the workplace range, or compare every smart pen for dyslexia note-taking we stock.

Browse the Neo smartpens and Ncode notebooks below, or get in touch for advice on the right setup for you or your team.

 

Need advice? Call us to have a chat - 01394 671 818 or email us hello@thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What is a Neo smartpen?

A Neo smartpen is a digital pen made by NeoLAB that records what you write on Ncode paper and sends it to the Neo Studio app over Bluetooth. Your notes appear on your phone, tablet or computer as you write, so you keep a paper copy and a digital copy at the same time. Notes can then be searched, organised and shared.

Does a Neo smartpen work on ordinary paper?

No, a Neo smartpen only works on paper printed with NeoLAB's Ncode pattern. A small infrared camera under the nib reads this nearly invisible code to track every stroke, so a standard notebook will not be captured. Compatible notebooks, such as the NeoLAB College Notebook, are sold alongside the pens, and the pen still writes in ink on any paper.

How can a Neo smartpen help adults with dyslexia at work?

A Neo smartpen helps adults with dyslexia by turning handwritten meeting and training notes into digital files that are easier to store, search and share. The Neo Studio app can convert handwriting to typed text on supported pens and record audio alongside your notes, so you can listen back to anything you missed. This reduces the pressure of writing everything down accurately first time.

Can Access to Work pay for a Neo smartpen?

Access to Work is a government grant that can help pay for specialist equipment and assistive software for eligible employees. Whether a Neo smartpen is funded depends on the individual assessment and recommendations. Get advice before buying, because Access to Work only refunds equipment bought before assessment in certain conditions. Full details are at gov.uk/access-to-work.

Is a Neo smartpen a reasonable adjustment for dyslexia?

A Neo smartpen can form part of a reasonable adjustment for an employee with dyslexia. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, which can include people with dyslexia. The right adjustment depends on the person and the role, so many employers agree equipment after a workplace needs assessment or a conversation with the employee.

What is the difference between the Neo Smartpen M1+ and the Dimo?

The Neo Smartpen M1+ is the full-featured model, with a rechargeable battery, offline storage of up to 1,000 A4 pages and calendar sync with Google Calendar, iCal and Outlook. The Neo Smartpen Dimo is the lower-cost model, runs on a single AAA battery, works with the Neo Studio app and stores far fewer pages offline, so it suits lighter, occasional use.