iStylus Duo

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Clark

August 07, 2001

Product Requirements:
Device: Any touch-screen PDA

Have you got a favorite student? One that is about to begin getting ready for heading back to school? Or are you looking for a fun multi-pen that doesn't take itself (or you) too seriously?

If so, you might want to look at the iStylus Duo, which combines a ballpoint pen with stylus in a clear or colored translucent exterior . The body and the barrel of the iStylus are made of plastic. A simple, yet stylish clip made of a pewter colored metal adds the pen's only decoration. 

The iStylus uses an easy twist-action to reveal or remove each writing tip. This is my favorite method for choosing a pen tip, and it is fun to be able to see the inner mechanisms working to present your selection.

One of the things I like best about this multi-pen, is that the black ballpoint insert is full sized. If you have a lot of writing to do, this pen can handle it. 

The stylus tip is bright white, and slightly rounded - not pointy at all. I found that it wrote equally well on my PDA's screen - with or without protection.

The iStylus weighs .3oz (9g) so some might find it a bit lighter than they expected. Its length  is 5.5" (13.9cm), and its barrel is .4" (1.1cm), making this multi-pen a good size for writing, neither too fat nor too thin.

For some unknown reason, the very top of the pen unscrews to reveal a small storage area. It makes me wonder if we might someday see a version of the iStylus that has a mechanical pencil, as this would be a great place for a large eraser.

I think that this Duo is an excellent value; and for this price - you won't have a heart attack if you realize that it has been misplaced, or dropped and broken.

The iStylus is available in 3 transparent colors, iClear, iRed, and iBlue, and is available from Stylus Central.

Price: $4.95 
Available in iClear, iRed, and iBlue

Pros:
Inexpensive
Full size Pen refill
Easy to operate
Fun styling

Cons:
None