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By on March 26, 2015 in Technology

 
 
Does your hand cramp up when using your finger to draw or write on your tablet for extended periods of time? If you’re open to trying out a stylus, this one may be right for you.

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The Intuos Creative Stylus 2

The Intuos Creative Stylus 2 has a smooth and comfortable grip. The three buttons along the side are easy to access and press. The nib on this stylus is fatter than the Fineline but just as accurate. The stylus needs to charge for two hours (it took just under this for me), and then can function for up to 26 hours.

You’ll need to download an app to draw or write with the stylus (unless you’re just looking to click and swipe between apps, in which case, continue on!). The package suggests downloading Bamboo Paper but there are other compatible apps at the link below if this one doesn’t strike your fancy.

The package comes with a replacement nib, which is easy to switch. The pen case comes with a little metal hole at the bottom where you insert the nib; a simple tilt to the side removes the old one. This was slightly nerve-wracking and I thought I may have broken the nib, but applying gentle pressure removes it in one piece.

This stylus is intended for those planning to be more creative and work for extended periods of time. The grip is great for this and the pen is light. Find out more about using the Intuos Creative Stylus 2 here: https://www.wacom.com/en-us/getting-started/intuos-creative-stylus-2-getting-started.

The Highlights

  • MSR Price: $79.95 US
  • USB cable for charging
  • Charging time: Approximately 2 hours (mine took an hour and 45 minutes)
  • Life: Once charged, the stylus can last up to 26 hours before needing another charge
  • Side buttons: can configure for different functions based on the app you’re using
  • LED light: red when charging, flashes blue to signify a connection
  • Nib: Carbon fibre mesh tip moves more smoothly across the screen than a rubber tip. Package contains replacement nib (2048 pressure levels) and nib removal tool
  • Feel: Light, comfortable, and easy to manage. Ergonomic, flared soft-touch grip
  • Contains pen case
  • Usage: Ideal for drawing. Use it on your own time as a hobby, or in your art classes.

Purchase the Wacom Intuos Creative Stylus 2 from Amazon here.

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By on February 26, 2015 in Technology

 
 
So you’re in the market for a stylus, but with so many options out there, how do you choose which one is right for you? I had a look at Wacom’s Bamboo Stylus Fineline. For my purposes, I used the stylus to brainstorm, but it can also be used for artists who are a bit more creative than myself.

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The Bamboo Stylus Fineline

For those of you new to the stylus game, you are able to use the product as if it was your finger for basic functions on the iPad – swiping, selecting, etc. However, if you’re looking to scribble down notes or draw, you can’t just activate the stylus and start drawing in Apple Notes – you will need to download an app (and there are many). Wacom recommends downloading Bamboo Paper, which I did. If you get frustrated easily, this may irk you.

Within the app, I found the pen responsive, and content I scribbled out was accurate. There were a few times when the pen didn’t make direct contact with the iPad and it skipped, but once I became comfortable with it, this happened less. It helps if you tilt the pen at the angle you’re writing in.

The cap doesn’t stay well on the back of the pen, but it wasn’t an issue for me – I left it off. If you have bigger hands, you may want the extra length. I won’t be using a stylus every day, but I see it being useful for those with bigger fingers who have difficulty pinpointing items on a touch screen.

Here is the key information students should know before purchasing the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Fineline. You can also visit the Wacom website.

The Highlights

  • MSR Price: $59.99 US
  • USB cable for charging
  • Charging time: Approximately 2 hours (mine took an hour and 45 minutes)
  • Life: Once charged, the stylus can last up to 26 hours before needing another charge
  • Side button: can configure for different functions based on the app you’re using
  • LED light: red when charging, flashes blue to signify a connection
  • Stylus cap
  • Nib: Carbon fibre mesh tip is fairly thin (as in the product name), but still thicker than a regular pen. It moves more smoothly across the screen than a rubber tip
  • Feel: Light, comfortable, and easy to manage; solid product that doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap
  • Usage: Ideal for brainstorming maps. If you’re a visual learner, draw out key points for your study notes and show how they relate to each other. The tip is rounded so may not be the best for accuracy in sketching.

Purchase the Wacom Bamboo Stylus Fineline from Amazon here.

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