iPad Is pen input important?

[charlituna]

talks about the pen are something like widgets. you dont need it when you dont have them, but they are great when they are added finally.

The first line is correct. But the second is more like "No one really NEEDS them, the vast majority of folks don't care either way but the geeks WANT them and scream as if they are the key to life, the universe and everything. And then when it finally happens, they gripe because its not the way they believe it has to be."

a tablet without creative tools is a toy.

You are welcome to your opinion but I know many folks that are very creative and profitable with that 'toy'. Hell my whole company uses iPads without those 'creative tools' every day and we have had no issue being very productive and making a good deal of money with our 'toys'.

 

[Ledgem]

Yeah, I use the original Creative. I'll try and pick either of the new ones next month.

I have a Clamcase Pro, so if I'm doing notes, I'm typing most of it, and doing my little annotations and whatever with the pen.

Just to follow up (and for any who were interested), it sounds like the Wacom offerings have some major problems regarding offset of the tip and where the touch is being registered on the screen. It's disappointing.

I still liked the idea behind the technology and, after reading some reviews, went for the Dot Pen. Apparently this isn't a wholly unique product; rather, the underlying design and technology was designed by an Asian company, and Dot Pen is just a rebranded (and perhaps modified design?) for the US market, which has since seen other variations on sale. The overall idea is the same as the Wacom, where the tip is thin and then the tip generates the electric field that registers with the screen. In both cases the styluses need to be self-powered to generate that field.

The Dot Pen is probably the closest I've seen to being perfect. The overall design was solid, it felt good to hold, the tip was thin, and it even had a clip (as most pens do). In testing on my naked iPad, I couldn't see any evidence of skipping or offset, and the tip slid across the screen perfectly. There was a bit of a tapping noise, but that's not unusual with the plastic-tipped styluses. It's plastic against glass; you have to figure that it's not going to be silent. It wasn't any noisier than I remember my Adonit Jot Pro.

The reason I say "closest to perfect" and not "perfect" is because I ran into a compatibility issue with my cover on my work iPad Mini. I use an Otterbox Defender, which has a built-in screen protector. Whether it's because the plastic protector is thicker than usual or because it's built in and thus presents a small gap between the iPad's screen and the plastic, I couldn't get the Dot Pen to register with the iPad unless I held it at an extreme angle. I seriously considered ditching the Otterbox and trying to find some other case solution, but because I need to wipe it down regularly with bleach wipes I couldn't give it up. I had to send the stylus back.

I don't know how it would feel for art purposes, but for writing, I think it's the best that's available. It takes AAA batteries, which is fine if you have your own sets of rechargeable batteries already (as I do). Reviews on Amazon indicate that it works fine with standard screen protectors. Based on my limited time with it, it's the stylus I'd recommend to people at this point, as long as they're not using an Otterbox Defender or a case with a similar screen protector mechanism.

I guess I'm stuck waiting, though. I thought I'd finally be able to cast them off, but it's back to the fat-tipped styluses for me...

 

[ucfgrad93]

For some people it might be important, and there are devices for them like the Surface or Note Pro tablets. For others, it isn't very important at all. It is nice to have choices.

 

[Saturn1217]

Just to follow up (and for any who were interested), it sounds like the Wacom offerings have some major problems regarding offset of the tip and where the touch is being registered on the screen. It's disappointing.

I still liked the idea behind the technology and, after reading some reviews, went for the Dot Pen. Apparently this isn't a wholly unique product; rather, the underlying design and technology was designed by an Asian company, and Dot Pen is just a rebranded (and perhaps modified design?) for the US market, which has since seen other variations on sale. The overall idea is the same as the Wacom, where the tip is thin and then the tip generates the electric field that registers with the screen. In both cases the styluses need to be self-powered to generate that field.

The Dot Pen is probably the closest I've seen to being perfect. The overall design was solid, it felt good to hold, the tip was thin, and it even had a clip (as most pens do). In testing on my naked iPad, I couldn't see any evidence of skipping or offset, and the tip slid across the screen perfectly. There was a bit of a tapping noise, but that's not unusual with the plastic-tipped styluses. It's plastic against glass; you have to figure that it's not going to be silent. It wasn't any noisier than I remember my Adonit Jot Pro.

The reason I say "closest to perfect" and not "perfect" is because I ran into a compatibility issue with my cover on my work iPad Mini. I use an Otterbox Defender, which has a built-in screen protector. Whether it's because the plastic protector is thicker than usual or because it's built in and thus presents a small gap between the iPad's screen and the plastic, I couldn't get the Dot Pen to register with the iPad unless I held it at an extreme angle. I seriously considered ditching the Otterbox and trying to find some other case solution, but because I need to wipe it down regularly with bleach wipes I couldn't give it up. I had to send the stylus back.

I don't know how it would feel for art purposes, but for writing, I think it's the best that's available. It takes AAA batteries, which is fine if you have your own sets of rechargeable batteries already (as I do). Reviews on Amazon indicate that it works fine with standard screen protectors. Based on my limited time with it, it's the stylus I'd recommend to people at this point, as long as they're not using an Otterbox Defender or a case with a similar screen protector mechanism.

I guess I'm stuck waiting, though. I thought I'd finally be able to cast them off, but it's back to the fat-tipped styluses for me...

Thanks for this review! I've been looking at the dotpen for a while but the high price made me hesitate buying. Sounds like it might be worth a try.

 

[jclardy]

So I am an "Apple guy" - I have an iPhone, iPad, MBP, iMac and they are all great. But I also just bought an SP3.

The SP3 from a hardware perspective is my favorite computer I have ever owned. Software is a completely different story. Because of software the SP3 is a subpar tablet (Because setting Chrome as a default browser means you can't use the touch based IE...for no apparent reason) and a subpar laptop (Primarily because of the horrid trackpad. The kickstand is brilliant - the number of times I have had my iPad at a table and needed a stand is innumerable. I have a smart cover, but the two angles are less than ideal.

The pen is what really sets it apart - replacing a pen and paper is something that no computer has been able to do effectively. SP3 with one note succeeds in that 95% of the time.

An "iPad Pro" could be incredible...as long as Apple pushes iOS forward and gets some big names on board (*Cough* Adobe *cough*) Also they need to open up some things - like the photo library and allowing apps to access RAW photos. Other things like having Xcode available on iOS would be huge as well. It doesn't need to do everything...but it does need to do more.

 

[e270889o]

I`ve tried almost every writing app, and i`ve found my perfect pair.

I write with GoodNotes and read and organize with PDFExpert5

With dropbox integration, i take notes with GoodNotes and copy-paste my notes into my textbooks.

I use a simple microfiber pen. 1$ Ebay. If tried adonit but i only improve like 10% my handwrite.

With iOS8 they improve the touch API, so it recognize your palm very well.

The GoodNotes developer is a genius. A lot of updates and improvements in his app.

I don't even need to use the PALM RECOGNITION ZONE. With iOS8 just write and only your pen is writing.

Obviously you have to zoom to write. But, is very easy. Pinch, write, two finger scroll, write, pinch zoom out.... easy.


A example of my college lesson.

Sorry about my english

 

[Wrathwitch]

FWIW,

I bought the Note4 a month or so ago and regarding the S Pen, I find that I like it, it has come in useful (most especially when someone calls me and I get to scroll down a phone number) yes you can type it when you are on speaker phone also, but the added ability to lasso around it and get the option to make a call or add it to a contact is great.

If I don't want to get my screen smudgy I use it, for fine touch games or apps I use it.

Do I NEED it? No, do I use it often? Not very.

What is nice is having the option.

 

[Jessica Lares]

Just to follow up (and for any who were interested), it sounds like the Wacom offerings have some major problems regarding offset of the tip and where the touch is being registered on the screen. It's disappointing.

I still liked the idea behind the technology and, after reading some reviews, went for the Dot Pen. Apparently this isn't a wholly unique product; rather, the underlying design and technology was designed by an Asian company, and Dot Pen is just a rebranded (and perhaps modified design?) for the US market, which has since seen other variations on sale. The overall idea is the same as the Wacom, where the tip is thin and then the tip generates the electric field that registers with the screen. In both cases the styluses need to be self-powered to generate that field.

The Dot Pen is probably the closest I've seen to being perfect. The overall design was solid, it felt good to hold, the tip was thin, and it even had a clip (as most pens do). In testing on my naked iPad, I couldn't see any evidence of skipping or offset, and the tip slid across the screen perfectly. There was a bit of a tapping noise, but that's not unusual with the plastic-tipped styluses. It's plastic against glass; you have to figure that it's not going to be silent. It wasn't any noisier than I remember my Adonit Jot Pro.

The reason I say "closest to perfect" and not "perfect" is because I ran into a compatibility issue with my cover on my work iPad Mini. I use an Otterbox Defender, which has a built-in screen protector. Whether it's because the plastic protector is thicker than usual or because it's built in and thus presents a small gap between the iPad's screen and the plastic, I couldn't get the Dot Pen to register with the iPad unless I held it at an extreme angle. I seriously considered ditching the Otterbox and trying to find some other case solution, but because I need to wipe it down regularly with bleach wipes I couldn't give it up. I had to send the stylus back.

I don't know how it would feel for art purposes, but for writing, I think it's the best that's available. It takes AAA batteries, which is fine if you have your own sets of rechargeable batteries already (as I do). Reviews on Amazon indicate that it works fine with standard screen protectors. Based on my limited time with it, it's the stylus I'd recommend to people at this point, as long as they're not using an Otterbox Defender or a case with a similar screen protector mechanism.

I guess I'm stuck waiting, though. I thought I'd finally be able to cast them off, but it's back to the fat-tipped styluses for me...

THANK YOU for that review. It at least makes me happy that the Dot Pen isn't SDK powered. I think that it one of the big problems with the majority of these Bluetooth pens.

 

[Aluminum213]

What?

The ipad was designed for FINGER INPUT!

It was never intended to be a pen based system.

Corp profit pays for your paycheck unless you are an entitlement person.

Steve Jobs also thought a 4" inch iPhone was the perfect screen size, he's been wrong many times

The iPad needs to have true 1:1 stylus technology. Those who will never use it that are complaining it shouldn't have it act like it's going to hurt them if it's there, it's mind boggling

----------

For some people it might be important, and there are devices for them like the Surface or Note Pro tablets. For others, it isn't very important at all. It is nice to have choices.

So instead of Apple implementing the technology in the iPad you suggest those people walk around with two tablets

Cool

 

[Taco1933]

It would be very nice if Apple sold a pen separately that worked well with the iPad. I doubt they'd ever include one. It doesn't seem like the type of thing the majority of iPad users would use.

 

[Night Spring]

The iPad needs to have true 1:1 stylus technology. Those who will never use it that are complaining it shouldn't have it act like it's going to hurt them if it's there, it's mind boggling

My understanding is that the kind of precise stylus input like the Samsung and Surface have requires a different kind of touch panel technology. Which could have negative effects, such as be heavier, thicker, more expensive, shorter battery life, or all of the above. I'm sure that eventually, when the cost of precise stylus input comes down enough, Apple will add it to the iPad. In the meantime, I think yes, adding tech that the majority of users don't need can in fact hurt them.

 

[case2001]

I`ve tried almost every writing app, and i`ve found my perfect pair.

I write with GoodNotes and read and organize with PDFExpert5

With dropbox integration, i take notes with GoodNotes and copy-paste my notes into my textbooks.

I use a simple microfiber pen. 1$ Ebay. If tried adonit but i only improve like 10% my handwrite.

With iOS8 they improve the touch API, so it recognize your palm very well.

The GoodNotes developer is a genius. A lot of updates and improvements in his app.

I don't even need to use the PALM RECOGNITION ZONE. With iOS8 just write and only your pen is writing.

Obviously you have to zoom to write. But, is very easy. Pinch, write, two finger scroll, write, pinch zoom out.... easy.


A example of my college lesson.

Sorry about my english

Image

Your english is great! I agree completely. I was so impressed with GoodNotes and the Adonit Jot I bought an iPad Air solely for that combination alone!

 

[ackmondual]

First off, irony points for reading this thread while having the ad banner on top advertise the Surface Pro 3


As for stylus/digital pen input, it does seem to be more of a niche market. However, if Ipads did include them, that probably would've changed that tune. I grew up using the Handspring Visor handhelds, then the Palm Zire 71, followed by the Palm Tungsten T3 (which I still use today!!), so I'm used to stylus input. Of course, Palm OS had resistive touch screens, not the capacitive touch screens prominently used today, so a stylus was even more important for better accuracy. I did appreciate how for some apps, the better precision did shine. Plus, you can play games where you can actually see where you're pressing down on since the stylus doesn't cover up most of the area, unlike a finger.

Interestingly enough, one company that did Palm OS and Windows Mobile games (not to be confused with the Windows Phone OS competing against iOS and Android today) did some studies which showed the best a person can do with a typical Palm PDA was tap a 10x10 pixel area.
so imagine a 2 1/8 x 2 1/8 inch (54 x 54 mm), with a 320 by 320 resolution. I doubt you could get that unless you used your fingernail.

Although Jobs or somebody else at Apple said there should never be a stylus, they did break many of their sayings before, like how the 3.5" screen is the perfect size, how the 4" screen is the perfect size, having camera lens juts out is bad (Ipod Touch 5).

 

[rowspaxe]

My understanding is that the kind of precise stylus input like the Samsung and Surface have requires a different kind of touch panel technology. Which could have negative effects, such as be heavier, thicker, more expensive, shorter battery life, or all of the above..

Your understanding...is wrong. Dont feel bad--this is mac rumors--you fit right in!

 

[sracer]

THANK YOU for that review. It at least makes me happy that the Dot Pen isn't SDK powered. I think that it one of the big problems with the majority of these Bluetooth pens.

I agree. This is very exciting. I've held off on bluetooth pens because of their reliance on software to recognize it.

Another benefit is it'll work on Android tablets as well... which comes in handy since the Android version of OneNote supports inking and the iOS version doesn't.

 

[Ledgem]

My understanding is that the kind of precise stylus input like the Samsung and Surface have requires a different kind of touch panel technology. Which could have negative effects, such as be heavier, thicker, more expensive, shorter battery life, or all of the above. I'm sure that eventually, when the cost of precise stylus input comes down enough, Apple will add it to the iPad. In the meantime, I think yes, adding tech that the majority of users don't need can in fact hurt them.

It does require an additional type of sensor (active digitizer), but the argument about trade-offs does not seem to be true. We don't need to speculate about what the trade-offs might be, because we have products in the market today that already have this technology. Microsoft's Surface Pro line and Samsung's Galaxy Note line are the two that are the best-known, but they are not the only ones. These products are not unusually fat, nor do they have poor battery life, compared to their counterparts that lack the active digitizer. That they are thicker than some of Apple's products means nothing: Apple is a leader in slimming technology products down, and nobody has a product as thin as Apple's, even without the active digitizer.

Apple would know better than us what the exact trade-offs would be, but based on products in the market today, those trade-offs do not seem to be anything noteworthy to the standard consumer. On the other hand, the benefits offered by an active digitizer are huge.

 

[Abazigal]

Steve Jobs also thought a 4" inch iPhone was the perfect screen size, he's been wrong many times

The iPad needs to have true 1:1 stylus technology. Those who will never use it that are complaining it shouldn't have it act like it's going to hurt them if it's there, it's mind boggling

----------



So instead of Apple implementing the technology in the iPad you suggest those people walk around with two tablets

Cool

The question remains as to whether enough people care about a stylus to warrant Apple spending time and resources on implementing such a feature. Considering how buggy iOS 8 and Yosemite have been out of the gate, it's clear that Apple has a lot on their plate, and they clearly still have some way to go towards fixing these bugs. I would argue that Apple needs to be even more selective about which projects to devote their time and resources towards.

 

[Night Spring]

The question remains as to whether enough people care about a stylus to warrant Apple spending time and resources on implementing such a feature. Considering how buggy iOS 8 and Yosemite have been out of the gate, it's clear that Apple has a lot on their plate, and they clearly still have some way to go towards fixing these bugs. I would argue that Apple needs to be even more selective about which projects to devote their time and resources towards.

Exactly. While handwriting on a tablet seems cool, it's been so many years since I hand wrote anything other than a quick scribble here and there, my handwriting has gotten pretty terrible. When I tried out the surface pro 3 for a few days, I never got around to using the stylus pen that came with it. I'd probably use it a few times, then lose the pen and that would be it. I've also read several stories of Samsung Note owners admitting they never use the pen.

Of course, this doesn't mean that there aren't people who will find a stylus useful. For instance, people who want to draw, and people who like taking handwritten notes at meetings. But are there enough of those people out there to make it worth Apple's time and effort?

 

[Aluminum213]

Exactly. While handwriting on a tablet seems cool, it's been so many years since I hand wrote anything other than a quick scribble here and there, my handwriting has gotten pretty terrible. When I tried out the surface pro 3 for a few days, I never got around to using the stylus pen that came with it. I'd probably use it a few times, then lose the pen and that would be it. I've also read several stories of Samsung Note owners admitting they never use the pen.

Of course, this doesn't mean that there aren't people who will find a stylus useful. For instance, people who want to draw, and people who like taking handwritten notes at meetings. But are there enough of those people out there to make it worth Apple's time and effort?

Again, who cares if YOU don't use it? It's obviously not going to be something the majority will use

I will say this, if apple were to release an iPad Pro and it didn't have these "useless" features as you consider them, they will be laughed out the building.

 

[case2001]

Again, who cares if YOU don't use it? It's obviously not going to be something the majority will use



I will say this, if apple were to release an iPad Pro and it didn't have these "useless" features as you consider them, they will be laughed out the building.

I think this rings true. Even if it not standard it should be an option. The Pro should have features not everyone would need to use like pen input. It would be targeted at professionals who need /want it like engineering, art, science and the like.

 

[Jessica Lares]

I think this rings true. Even if it not standard it should be an option. The Pro should have features not everyone would need to use like pen input. It would be targeted at professionals who need /want it like engineering, art, science and the like.

Why couldn't all iPads have these features? It's not like you wouldn't be able to turn them off... Even the iPhone would benefit from pen input. (There's no difference between using a 6" screen and a 10" screen, they both cover the same space, and the smaller screen is better for your hands)

 

[Aluminum213]

Why couldn't all iPads have these features? It's not like you wouldn't be able to turn them off... Even the iPhone would benefit from pen input. (There's no difference between using a 6" screen and a 10" screen, they both cover the same space, and the smaller screen is better for your hands)

There is no reason all iPads shouldn't have it

 

[ackmondual]

Well, it does go against Apple's design philosophy set forth by Jobs...
-nobody likes carrying around a stylus
-camera lens shouldn't protrude from the handheld (IpT5, Iph5s)
-4" is the right size (Iph6/p)
-colors on an iPhone isn't professional and business oriented (Iph5c)
-don't know if they ever had a thing against place exterior (Iph5c)

 

[Badrottie]

I do have a Wacom Stylus for drawing and signing my name on PDF I can't do with my sloppy fingers.