Hi Joe,

In March we actually released our 1.1 version of the Groove, I'm pretty sure this is the one you had received.  The biggest improvement from 1.0 to 1.1 was the casing.  Our earliest version used a urethane pour process which is designed for prototype development.  After our first round of feedback we agreed with everyone that the case needed an improvement, our 1.1 represented our shift from this manual pour process into an injection mold process.  Our 1.1 model is much stronger than our original 1.0 design.

In August we completed our re-tooling for our version 1.5 model.  Our 1.5 model has the following updates from our 1.1 model:

1.) The tact switch is different.  We altered both the placement and the switch being used to require less force.  Our latest switch should perform between 40 and 60 gmf.  The result of this was that both the tip, and the button should feel easier to depress.

2.) Our red button was a bit tough to press in our 1.1 model so we widened the casing to allow a more free movement requiring less effort.  We feel this combination along with the adjustment of the tact switch allows for much better performance for younger children.

3.) Circuit boards are now machined and pre-assembled.  This is giving us more control and consistency as we produce more and more units.

4.) Our battery holder has been updated.  We found in some cases the battery would pop out of the older holders.  The new ones hold a bit tighter than I would like, but I wanted to make sure it didn't fall out.

As a side tip I recommend using a Lithium battery when working your Groove.  The voltage stays between 1.2 and 1.4 pretty much the entire life of the battery.

We have been thinking about adding a few colors on our next run.  Any suggestions?  We were thinking black, but we can add more if there is interest.

Thank you guys for your great feedback and support.  This is the kind of thing that keeps us improving our products .

Thanks,
Tino

-- please be kind to the developers uwe and boon jin put a lot of hours in to help support us ..

I received my pen, tripod and spot and have been extremely impressed by how well the pen works (especially when compared to my homemade one). Thanks Tino - I will hopefully open up a market and place many more orders.... Regards, Geoff

Started using the Sabre last school year. Loved how easy it was to work. But some of my special needs students had a hard time maneuvering the pen and the activation button. The Groove is truly GROOVY! The kids just press and write as if they were using a wipe-off marker! I was worried that it might be too big for their little hands (elementary age) but they have no issue. Now they have a choice between the two- although I like the Groove even more than the Sabre (if that's possible).

I also want to say that the support for the product is tremendous! Tino responded right away to my email and concerns. I highly recommend both of these pens. Truly cool! : )