I’ve been looking forward to trying the HAND Stylus since first seeing one on KickStarter where it was funded for more than 12 times the amount originally asked for. In a market where so many styluses look almost exactly the same, the HAND Stylus offers some great features that will probably make it an instant favorite among those of us who have been looking for the holy grail of styluses. Let’s try it out.
Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.
The first thing you will notice about the HAND Stylus is that it resembles a drafting pen or pencil like those offered by Rotring. Available in 11 anodized aluminum colors that include both matte and gloss finishes, this stylus will probably receive some envious glances when someone sees you using it with your iPad, Android or other capacitive screened device.
The knurled shaft looks cool but also offers improved grip. The removable pocket clip gives you a handy way to keep the stylus right where you want it while it’s not being used, including stuck to the outside of your smart cover (the clip is steel and the cover is magnetized…).
But the two best features of this stylus relate to the actual stylus tip itself. The most obvious feature is that the tip is retractable like a ballpoint pen. Click the end cap and the tip retracts. Click again and it extends. I love this feature because I don’t like having to unsnap or unscrew a cap to access a stylus tip with some of my styluses. And I really don’t like carrying around a stylus that has no tip protection at all…
Although the HAND Stylus tip is similar to most other rubber tipped styluses like the Targus stylus show above, it is obviously smaller.
The tip is only 4mm in diameter, where the Targus is twice that. What difference does that make? Quite a lot when you’re trying to see what you’re drawing or writing as you’re doing the drawing and writing… The Targus and similarly sized styluses always seem to get in my way while I’m trying to sketch. With the HAND Stylus, it’s easier to see what I’m doing so I can write smaller text and draw more detailed sketches.
The tip is smooth and squishy/hollow like the Targus tip. I have noticed that I have to use just a bit more pressure with this stylus than others I’ve used, but after getting used to that, I haven’t had any troubles using it with my iPad in several different note taking and drawing applications. It glides across the screen without sticking, skipping or scratching. I should note that I do not use a screen protector on my iPad, so I can’t comment on how well the HAND Stylus may or may not work with one.
In addition to having a smaller diameter tip and a retractable tip, the top also rotates slightly every time you click the end cap. This helps to insure that all parts of the tip get equal wear.
Speaking of wear…. The tip is replaceable, which is a feature that extends the life of the stylus. A set of 6 replacement tips will cost $4.95.
I have really enjoyed using the HAND Stylus for the last few weeks. I love the look and feel and the fact that I can retract the tip to protect it when it’s not being used. Of all the rubber tipped styluses on the market that I’ve tried so far, the HAND Stylus is my current favorite. What is your favorite stylus?
Product Information
| Price: | $29.95 |
| Manufacturer: | HAND Stylus |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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Filed in categories: Android related, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews
Tagged: Stylus
HAND Stylus Capacitive Stylus Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 21, 2012 at 7:23 pm.
Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/06/21/hand-stylus-capacitive-stylus-review/
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