The Inkling looks interesting. The Verge gave it a 6.8, which isn't too too reassuring.
The thing with the smart pens is that they're chunkier than I'm used to, and then I worry about the smoothness of the pens.
I know the LiveScribe doesn't have gel based ink refills, which is basically the only type of pen I write with. I find the friction from normal ball point pens a little uncomfortable.
You should honestly consider purchasing a fountain pen. They work via capillary action, which means that they write on contact -- no pressure needed. At all.
Some good starters are the LAMY Safari, the TWSBI 540, and the Kaweco Sport. All of these cost <$50 and can take bottled ink (with possible modifications to the Kaweco), reducing refill costs drastically.
I, too, used to think gel pens were the bomb, but writing with a fountain pen is just something else. :D
The thing with the smart pens is that they're chunkier than I'm used to, and then I worry about the smoothness of the pens.
I know the LiveScribe doesn't have gel based ink refills, which is basically the only type of pen I write with. I find the friction from normal ball point pens a little uncomfortable.