Eric Juillerat
11-08-2010, 02:00 PM
<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/wpt/auto/1288656592.usr11811.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Leave it to <a href="http://www.hardcandycases.com/" target="_blank">Hard Candy Cases</a> to get it write - quite literally. Behold the new <a href="http://www.hardcandycases.com/candy-ipad-stylus.html" target="_blank">iPad Stylus</a> (for the iPhone too)! Upon freeing the iPad Stylus from it's packaging you will immediately notice its significance. It exudes a feel of quality workmanship and precision. The weight and balance is pleasing. And upon further inspection you find excellent machining, threading, and even gaskets that all contribute to a well made instrument; an instrument that is uniquely, both a stylus and a pen. And so here begins a tale of two tips...<MORE /></p><p>The stylus tip is brilliant. It is large, rubbery, and very responsive on capacitive touch interfaces. This in contrast to the many similar devices that utilize cheap foam, sticky latex-like, or highly vulcanized tractor tires for their tips. The iPad Stylus tip allows delicate and precise input, even with very small text and buttons. It truly is a delight to use. Oh, and it doesn't leave greasy cheese-pizza-smears all over the screen like my other stylus does...my finger. And that alone is brilliant!</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/wpt/auto/1288203556.usr110982.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><h6><em>Figure 1: Similar tips pale in comparison</em></h6><p>Every coin has two sides, the yin - it's yang, and this stylus is no different. On one side is the touch screen stylus point, and on the other, in stark contrast to it's electronic counterpart, a writing instrument; or as some say, a pen. Cross, Sensa, Rotring, and dare I say the mighty Montblanc Meisterstuck have nothing on this pen. It has a fine point, and glides effortlessly across the page leaving no hint of hiccup or the common fading of the standard ballpoint. How do I know? I actually wrote this review on a piece of paper before posting it here! Yes I am that crazy, and the pen is straight up <em>that good</em>.</p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/wpt/auto/1288725158.usr110982.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><h6><em>Figure 2: Other styli just don't get the point</em></h6><p>Hard Candy Cases skillfully proves two heads are better than one. Without hesitation I can comfortably say that this is the best stylus I have ever used. If Steve Jobs had used it prior to the release of the iPad, the iPad might just have a stylus in the box! It works well, leaves your screen clean and free of smudges, and feels great in your hand; and it writes! If I had to change a few things, I would add a pocket clip, make caps that stay on while using it, and make more comfortable the transition from barrel to pen grip. That being said, I highly recommend the Hard Candy Cases iPad Stylus...that you can also use with your iPhone. The iPad Stylus is $34.95 and <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/applethoughts-20/detail/B00452V2CO" target="_blank" title="Buy the Hard Candy Cases iPad Stylus">available through Amazon.com.</a> [Affiliate]</p><p><em>Eric Juillerat is a technologist, geek, and all around admirer of anything with silicon, buttons, or touch screens.</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p>