FIGURE I


The Rotring Quatro Executive uses gravity to select the proper tip. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The Rotring is truly a marvel of German engineering, using gravity to work its magic. Hold this pen horizontally and rotate the barrel. Whichever of the four icons is facing up when you press the plunger indicates the tip that will emerge. And to save your shirts from ink or graphite, the metal clip retracts the tip when you put this unit in your pocket. Wunderbar!

Delta Dolcevita Fine Duo Pen
Now, if you're really looking for a status symbol, the most expensive model I found is the Delta Dolcevita Fine Duo Pen priced at a whopping $165, meaning this pen/stylus combo costs more than a Handspring Visor or a Palm m100. Go figure! You can find it at http://www.styluscentral.com/deldolfinduo.html, and it's pictured in Figure J.

FIGURE J


Make a statement with the Delta Dolcevita Fine Duo Pen. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Oddballs
Here are a few not-quite-a-stylus items that are worth a mention.

The PenCap Stylus
The PenCap Stylus from Concept Kitchen is available at http://www.conceptkitchen.com. It's a weird looking plastic cap that pushes on the end of your pen, giving you an "off-center cramp relief tip," according to the Web site. It comes in a four-pack for ten dollars and is pictured in Figure K.

FIGURE K


The PenCap Stylus fits on the end of a regular pen. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Fingertip Stylus
Then there's the Fingertip Stylus, also from Concept Kitchen. You can guess this one. It's a cage that fits over your finger with a stylus tip on the end, as you can see in Figure L.

FIGURE L


The Fingertip Stylus turns your finger into a stylus. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Final thoughts
Choosing your stylus is definitely a hands-on decision (pun optional), so you should test different models to learn what feels good to you. Be sure to try different weights, sizes, and styles before you decide. Some people like a thick barrel or an ergonomic grip. Others prefer the extra heft of a metal pen versus a lighter plastic one. Some tips glide smoothly on your screen, others jerk or catch. And believe it or not, some styli are noisier than others when tapping, so to avoid getting the evil eye from librarians, try some test taps. Softer tips are quieter, by the way.

Some office supply stores have a variety of models, so you can test and compare. Shopping online, you'll find an abundance of choices. StylusCentral.com (at http://www.styluscentral.com) claims to have the widest selection. Also check out PDA Panache (http://www.pdapanache.com) for a variety of styli and an excellent FAQ section on what makes a good stylus. A search for "Palm stylus" on a site like http://www.google.com or http://www.altavista.com will keep you busy for hours. Whatever model you choose, I think you'll enjoy the increased comfort of a better stylus. Your writing hand will thank you.