[NTLK] [OT] Pogo Stylus

[Jim Lee]

While the Pogo Stylus is a wonderful idea for the iDevices with their capacitive touch screens, I couldn't help but wonder if I could make a better stylus.  Perhaps one that feels a bit more substantial in the hand (like the Newton stylus), and with a slightly smaller diameter tip for greater precision.

It turned out to be easy!  Here's how you can make one at home:

1.  Get a stainless steel Parker Jotter pen.  I suspect that any conductive metallic pen shell will do, but the Parker is classy. :)

2. Get a small square of black conductive anti-static foam.  This is the stuff that integrated circuits are shipped in to protect them from static discharge.  The pink stuff might work too, but I haven't tried that yet.

3. Remove the ink cartridge from the pen.

4. Use a dremel or a hacksaw to cut off about one inch from the narrow (tip) end of the barrel.  File smooth if necessary.

5. Stuff a wad of the black foam into the barrel so that it protrudes a bit from the end you just cut.  Reassemble pen.

That's it!  It works like a charm for me, and it feels much more like a "proper" stylus.  I am going to experiment with various diameter "tips" and barrel lengths, but this first experiment feels just about perfect!  I hope this encourages some of you to make your own stylii...

-Jim


On Jun 3, 2010, at 2:20 AM, Jim Lee wrote:

> Hi all,
> 
> I've just discovered a very Newtonesque experience:
> 
> WritePad + Pogo Stylus on iPod Touch (or iPhone or iPad)
> 
> Has anyone else tried this?  The handwriting recognition and app layout feels just like the Newton notepad.  I'm amazed - though I shouldn't be as the HWR engine is descended from the Newton.  But still, I may yet change my mind about the iPad!
> 
> -Jim