Stylus pens are a popular accessory for large smartphones and tablets. The most famous examples being the Apple Pencil, designed for use with iPads, and Samsung’s S Pen which comes with their Galaxy Note smartphones. Some people swear by them, claiming they’re incredibly helpful and make using large displays more intuitive. Others say they’re more hassle than they’re worth, and often unnecessary unless you have a specific need for them. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using a stylus pen for a tablet or mobile phone to help you assess whether you need one.
Pros
Drawing
If you’re someone who likes to draw, then a stylus is a must-have. Combine the creative freedom of pencil and paper with the convenience of digital storage and unlimited colour options. Talk about digitally unleashing your creative juices! The best styluses are incredibly precise, with pressure-sensitive tips to replicate the way a pen or pencil would naturally perform with different levels of pressure applied. A stylus offers a shockingly realistic and satisfying drawing experience that’s impossible to replicate with just your fingers.
Handwriting
In a similar vein to the above point, using a stylus pen for tablets combines the feeling of physically writing with the convenience of storing and sharing digitally. Styluses make an excellent accessory if you’re someone who likes to jot down notes while on the go. Additionally, it’s been proven that writing notes by hand helps us to remember them better.
Most tablets and phones now can ‘translate’ your handwritten notes into digital text, which you can then search for at a later date, or easily send as a message. When you’re trying to take someone’s number or email address, you can simply write it down as you would on a piece of paper instead of fiddling around finding your ‘contacts’ list on your phone. This makes shifting to the digital way of doing things easier for those of us who are cheerleaders of traditional pen and paper. Think of it as a technological step forward by taking a step back.
All fingers and thumbs
Touch screens can be finicky, especially for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy or those with notably large fingers. The idea of fiddly touchscreens can make the latest smartphones and tablets unappealing, or even intimidating to those who aren’t familiar with them. However, even the least technologically-inclined among us will understand how to use a stylus in a matter of seconds because it resembles a traditional pen. Just pick it up and starting writing! This makes using a stylus less of a jump, and easier to get used to if you find using your fingers a little difficult.
Using a stylus can also make you more productive at work – taking notes and annotating PDF documents is incredibly easy, perfect for when you’re in meetings and need to jot something down or illustrate your point.
Sanitary
For some people, this is a very minor point. For others, it’s huge! The big problem with touch screens is just that – you have to touch the screen, and this leaves fingerprints and smudges all over your once-spotless device. And that’s not the worst of it – the average smartphone screen carries over 25,000 bacteria per square inch – that’s more than the average toilet seat! Using a stylus removes the need to physically touch your phone or tablet’s screen, keeping it as clean and shiny as the day you bought it. Helpful if you have a house full of children with sticky fingers wanting to play with your iPad!
Cons
More to carry
Taking a stylus with you everywhere is yet another thing to carry. What with our phones, door keys, car keys, headphones, wallets, and glasses, a stylus is something else to have to take with you (and keep charged!). Some devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, come with a built-in slot for the stylus. It’s an elegant solution to the problem of having to carry the stylus, and this also keeps it fully charged. However, it means that the phone is bulkier than it needs to be. On a handheld device, having a huge compartment for a stylus is, perhaps, a poor use of space. The phone becomes significantly thicker than it otherwise would be. Some would argue it’s just not worth it.
They can be expensive
Regardless of whether you’re for and against the use of stylus pens for tablets and phones, one thing is undeniable: they can be expensive. The best and most functional styluses are going to be pricey, for example, the latest Apple Pencil costs £119. If you have a use for a stylus, then it’s a great accessory, but it’s not the kind of item that most people can buy on a whim. If you don’t really have much use for a stylus, then you’ll need to consider if you really want one for that kind of price.
Typing is often faster
We mentioned that handwritten note-taking is a big plus of having a stylus, but is it really that great? For many people, typing on a keyboard is much faster than handwriting notes, and probably more legible too. If this is the case for you, and you’re someone who does a lot of note-taking, then perhaps investing in a Bluetooth wireless keyboard for your tablet would be a better purchase than a stylus pen.
In the end, it all comes down to how you intend to use your smart devices. If you don’t draw or particularly like writing notes by hand, then a stylus probably isn’t for you. If, however, those activities appeal to you, then a stylus may be a sound investment. Fortunately, whatever side of the fence you sit on, a SLYK stand works equally as well. Whether you’re adding personal notes to a recipe you’re trying out in the kitchen or drawing a quick design at your desk, you can use your tablet or smartphone in comfort with one of our tablet and smartphone stands.
All of our device stands are made to be as practical and elegant as possible. Take our pillow stand, for example. With its durable strap, it can be fastened to any cushion or pillow, offering practical positional and ergonomic use of your device. With a range of products that are designed to enhance the way you use your devices, much like a stylus, we have something for everyone. Browse our product page to find your next accessory.