6.11.2016

Testing the Rocketbook Wave Sketchbook

Last year, I backed an Indiegogo campaign for the Rocketbook Wave, a reusable sketchbook that can be quickly digitized through a phone app. I can't even remember when I finally received it, it's been gathering dust on the shelf. 
Yesterday, I met with some pals at LACMA, to see the Reigning Men exhibit (which is great, by the way). I decided to bring along the Rocketbook, rather than my usual Canson 6x6" sketchbook, just in case photography wasn't allowed. It was, I didn't need to sketch, but after lugging around the Rocketbook all day, I was determined to sketch SOMETHING to test it out. 

Here is my first experiment: 
Direct in-app digitization, uploaded to Blogger on phone, image size: 984 x 1112 pixels 
Scanned @300dpi, Photoshop levels adjustments, resized to 1000 pixels width for blog.
The QR code, dot grid, and symbols at the bottom are elements for the digitization that become invisible.
Thoughts:
As you can see, the top direct digitization lost detail (dots especially) and saves at a smaller resolution than I can get scanning.
Scaling the in-app file to exactly the drawing's dimensions (7.75" width) creates an image of 127dpi.
OK for notes, not very usable for fine art purposes.
The provided pen is too wimpy -- it's a special pen to work with the sketchbook's reusable feature. Again, OK for notes, meh for fine art. There is a thicker felt-tip pen available on Amazon, which I might try.

After purchasing a Rocketbook, it's possible to download a PDF to print then use.
I thought of some ways I could utilize this, especially for some of my fashion sketching.
That will be my next experiment.
Meanwhile, I think I'll be using my Rocketbook for ToDo lists -- better than the myriad scraps of paper floating around on my desk!

1 comment:

Melanie said...

Okay, that nixes this product for me - no phone. :(
But as you say, excellent for note-taking and things that don't need high-res. Thanks for the review.