Apple Pencil

I got This for my 6th gen ipad so I can continue to make digital art after my Wacom inturos finally died. After having it for a year now, these are my only complaints. The price: I get it its apple and we are paying for quality, but I feel it's a bit ridiculous they haven't reduced the price by much since they now have the Apple 2 pencil. You have to buy the second gen apple pencil if you get a new gen iPad(planning to do in the future). Because this 1st gen apple pencil dosen't work on the newer models, so that's $99 down the drain, then you'll have to buy the second gen pencil thats more expensive. The plastic tip of the pen slips and slides as you draw, so getting a Matte or paperlike screen is a must. But if you do that the tip wears down, so you'll have to buy ... MoreI got This for my 6th gen ipad so I can continue to make digital art after my Wacom inturos finally died. After having it for a year now, these are my only complaints. The price: I get it its apple and we are paying for quality, but I feel it's a bit ridiculous they haven't reduced the price by much since they now have the Apple 2 pencil. You have to buy the second gen apple pencil if you get a new gen iPad(planning to do in the future). Because this 1st gen apple pencil dosen't work on the newer models, so that's $99 down the drain, then you'll have to buy the second gen pencil thats more expensive. The plastic tip of the pen slips and slides as you draw, so getting a Matte or paperlike screen is a must. But if you do that the tip wears down, so you'll have to buy replacement tips. A pack of 4 is $20 if you go through apple officially, third party tips come with sensor problems, so there is no cheaper option. Pluging in the pen to the iPad to charge it is a poor design. Luckly it comes with an adapter that you can put on the lighting cable to char from there. But if you lose it thats another $7 to replace. Now onto the things I do like. It feels more like a pencil or a pen than a wacom stylist, as someone with small hands, I do appreciate that. How quickly it charges as well as how long it stays charged for. I don't have to charge it for about 3 days. It goes into a type of sleepmode when not in use to last longer. i get no skipping problems and as I turn the Bluetooth on the Apple pencil instantly starts working out the box. If you're using this for writing instead of drawing it's close to perfect. The slipping problem will still be there while writing. Unless you get a Matte or paperlike screen protector, as I've said. I highly recommend getting some kind of screen protector especially if you're a heavy handed writer. I have yet to do so, but I have seen other reviews of people having put hairline scratches on their bare screen.

Apple Pencil (1st Gen)

It doesn't come with a eraser, but where the erase would be is where the lightning connector (under the cap) is located.Battery charging is quick.The packaging alone is something genius. I've kept the box it came in so the Pencil has a home when I'm not using it. Also, I've left the Pencil's transparent tab attached for ease of removal from it's snuggle slot. Yup, it's peculiar, but I like it, like I like this simple elegant Apple Pencil.For those new to using an iPad and the Pencil, like me, the two need to be paired before they'll chatter with one another. So pop the cap and connect the Pencil via the lightning port to pair it.Also it's nice that a backup tip comes already supplied in the box.One last note, I'm assuming it's the norm for the Pencil ... MoreIt doesn't come with a eraser, but where the erase would be is where the lightning connector (under the cap) is located.Battery charging is quick.The packaging alone is something genius. I've kept the box it came in so the Pencil has a home when I'm not using it. Also, I've left the Pencil's transparent tab attached for ease of removal from it's snuggle slot. Yup, it's peculiar, but I like it, like I like this simple elegant Apple Pencil.For those new to using an iPad and the Pencil, like me, the two need to be paired before they'll chatter with one another. So pop the cap and connect the Pencil via the lightning port to pair it.Also it's nice that a backup tip comes already supplied in the box.One last note, I'm assuming it's the norm for the Pencil requiring a re-connection with every restart of my iPad. I mean how else is the iPad to know a peripheral device exists, eh?

Connectivity issues

This thing does almost everything I've asked of it. Great for note taking and utilizing apps for sketching or coloring on the iPad. I use the 9th gen 10.6" iPad. This has a nice weight to it and feels natural when being used. The only two complaints I have are as follows. First, the cap. The cap is held on with a magnet but it doesnt hold well--I had to buy a silicone sleeve to out over the whole pencil because the cap kept coming off. Second, it doesnt want to stay connected. Whether im using it or not, it will disconnect and ill have to pull the cap off and plug it back into the ipad. My husband and i both have the same ipad and same pencil model and we both have the same issue, although he says mine is worse.

Curious design choices, but only option

I purchased this for my teenage daughter to go with her iPad Mini (5th Gen). It works very well as a stylus, but this 1st gen product definitely has some design issues. First, the way it charges is a bit silly. Apple is begging you to lose the cap for the lightning plug. Second, having the lightning plug on the pen is just stupid. I understand that this was a first gen product, and Apple wasn't ready to implement magnetic charging, but it could have easily included a lightning PORT (or USB port) on the end of the pen for charging. That would have obviated the need for that stupid cap.Second, the Pencil is just too slippery feeling. A textured finish and/or flat edges (i.e., like a real pencil) would have made this more comfortable to use and it would not want to ... MoreI purchased this for my teenage daughter to go with her iPad Mini (5th Gen). It works very well as a stylus, but this 1st gen product definitely has some design issues. First, the way it charges is a bit silly. Apple is begging you to lose the cap for the lightning plug. Second, having the lightning plug on the pen is just stupid. I understand that this was a first gen product, and Apple wasn't ready to implement magnetic charging, but it could have easily included a lightning PORT (or USB port) on the end of the pen for charging. That would have obviated the need for that stupid cap.Second, the Pencil is just too slippery feeling. A textured finish and/or flat edges (i.e., like a real pencil) would have made this more comfortable to use and it would not want to roll off the desk.Otherwise, it works well and allows handwriting, drawing, and greater precision on the iPad (which is particularly useful for the Mini),

I expected Apple to read my mind. It didn't.

I expected Apple to read my mind with this initial post-Steve Jobs release. It didn't. It fell short, so only 3 stars. Bear in mind this is for pro use. For hobbyists it's fine!Using this with Procreate with the 64GB iPad. What's good? Easy to charge - just plug it in the charger port of your iPad. The stylus is awesome for illustrating, and I enjoy the "glide" of the pen with the iPad glass. (I use this professionally for illustration, and have owned a stylus for my desktop/laptop for years.)I'm buying some other non-apple versions from Amazon to compare. Love it, but here's where I think Apple needs improvement: Easy-to-lose parts! I have no idea where mine rolled to - adapters and another tip that came with the pen were gone within a week. iPad storage cases ... MoreI expected Apple to read my mind with this initial post-Steve Jobs release. It didn't. It fell short, so only 3 stars. Bear in mind this is for pro use. For hobbyists it's fine!Using this with Procreate with the 64GB iPad. What's good? Easy to charge - just plug it in the charger port of your iPad. The stylus is awesome for illustrating, and I enjoy the "glide" of the pen with the iPad glass. (I use this professionally for illustration, and have owned a stylus for my desktop/laptop for years.)I'm buying some other non-apple versions from Amazon to compare. Love it, but here's where I think Apple needs improvement: Easy-to-lose parts! I have no idea where mine rolled to - adapters and another tip that came with the pen were gone within a week. iPad storage cases are not specific to this pen, and while they have compartments, things roll around or fall out easily when opened. No right click (I'm spoiled with my Wacom pen), no programmable features. Clunky for getting color swatches. A lot of having to use my hand for stuff - I know.. so much effort to use my hand.. but a stylus with more features helps to make things go faster when you're hustling to get stuff done. Also, terrible handwriting - the iPad will only recognize neat printing, making it faster to type.

I've taken a bite of the apple, and I'm gleaming

It's an apple.. nuf said..I'm an artist, and this is an awesome piece of artist's equipment. I use it with my iPad for when I'm using Vectornator, Procreate, and other creative apps and platforms.I love the pressure-sensitivity!I've looked at many, many other pen / pencil / stylus' out there but there's a reason why the Apple Pencil came out on top... I may be biased but I've found apple products do what they say they're going to, and they are more often than not... user-friendly!I've been using a Wacom, which is great, but I needed something that I could use directly on my iPad so I could be creative on the go, and not stuck to my computer.This really is a nice device. It's comfortable to use, it's responsive to even the slightest variation in pressure ... MoreIt's an apple.. nuf said..I'm an artist, and this is an awesome piece of artist's equipment. I use it with my iPad for when I'm using Vectornator, Procreate, and other creative apps and platforms.I love the pressure-sensitivity!I've looked at many, many other pen / pencil / stylus' out there but there's a reason why the Apple Pencil came out on top... I may be biased but I've found apple products do what they say they're going to, and they are more often than not... user-friendly!I've been using a Wacom, which is great, but I needed something that I could use directly on my iPad so I could be creative on the go, and not stuck to my computer.This really is a nice device. It's comfortable to use, it's responsive to even the slightest variation in pressure that my hand provides (which means I get excellent results when using pressure sensitivity for shading techniques, stroke techniques, and for the airbrush tools which are available in many creative software apps.The only downfall I've found with this first get pencil is the really dumb way they decided to have you charge it... Let me rephrase that... the really dumb way you have as ONE option to charge it. There are two charging options...1. To charge it via it plugged into the end of a charging cable, which is hooked to the end of the pencil.-or-2. To charge it via plugging it directly into your iPad's charging port (BAD IDEA).The reason why the number two way to charge it is horrible is simply because it sticks straight out of your iPad like a fork sticking out of my dog's mouth. If my dog were to turn a corner while walking down the hall, there's a good chance that my dog will run that fork into the corner of the wall... well the same principle applies to having a stick sticking out of the end of my iPad. You will certainly break your iPad, Apple Pencil, or both if you don't make sure nothing will disturb it while it's charging.They took care of that on the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which rests nicely along the top of the iPad via a magnetic docking solution. However, I do believe that they knew they were going to do this from the day that they invented the Apple Pencil (1st Gen). They probably knew this would disturb people.. so let's just make another version a couple years later, and make sure that people have to buy a new iPad that's compatible with the new "magnetic docking" design.OOPS... I'm babbling.Anyway... Yes! Awesome in the utilitarian department... not so awesome in one of the charging options.

Mediocre, don't expect much

Everyone seems to rave about this stylus, with claims about it being good and really accurate. Compared to multiple Samsung S Pens (they use Wacom EMR technology), two Wacom styluses, and a Surface Pen, it just falls flat. The only thing it does that the rest really doesn't (save for the Surface Pen) is tilt, but even when drawing, it's mostly a useless gimmick.I have large hands and even despite that, the Apple Pencil is too long and heavy, it's actually the heaviest stylus I have. For reference, the rest of my styluses are roughly the same size and weight as a Pilot G-2 ballpoint pen, this includes the Surface Pen with a AAAA battery installed. Even more annoying, is that the tip is incredibly stiff, which is fine for a pencil on a single sheet of paper, but ... MoreEveryone seems to rave about this stylus, with claims about it being good and really accurate. Compared to multiple Samsung S Pens (they use Wacom EMR technology), two Wacom styluses, and a Surface Pen, it just falls flat. The only thing it does that the rest really doesn't (save for the Surface Pen) is tilt, but even when drawing, it's mostly a useless gimmick.I have large hands and even despite that, the Apple Pencil is too long and heavy, it's actually the heaviest stylus I have. For reference, the rest of my styluses are roughly the same size and weight as a Pilot G-2 ballpoint pen, this includes the Surface Pen with a AAAA battery installed. Even more annoying, is that the tip is incredibly stiff, which is fine for a pencil on a single sheet of paper, but whether you use a ballpoint pen or a pencil on a pad of paper, you'll know that there's a bit of give with that, especially if pressing hard. This unergonomic decision makes it very uncomfortable and unnatural to use compared to just writing notes in a notebook (or even other devices!)The Apple Pencil is extremely imprecise on an iPad 10.2 9th gen, mostly because the comically large tip makes it extremely hard to tell where the stroke will come from, in contrast, everything else has a much smaller tip, and with the exception of one Wacom tablet (it's screenless which is why), you can also hover the pen to see a cursor to know exactly where your stroke will be. Even with a cursor disabled, you'll also know that "ink flows" from the end of the tip where you place it on screen, in contrast, the Apple Pencil inks 3-5mm away from where you wanted it to. There's also a good roughly 5-10 mm deadzone at the sides of the screen where it just won't work at all. None of my other non-Apple devices have that problem.The other annoyance is that you can only interact with certain UI elements with the pen, would be nice if there was a way to allow it to, but in true Apple fashion, they think they know what's best. I know with 100% certainty, if I had a user with accessibility issues requiring them to use a stylus to interact with a device, I'd much rather give them a Samsung tablet or a Microsoft Surface and know that they will not have any issues navigating it with pen input.

The iPad pencil is the worst Apple product made.

After buying the latest iPad with the latest Apple Pencil (generation 2) for Christmas presents we learn that two products are incompatible! We returned and ordered the 1st generation pencils. We bought 2 pencils for 2 new 10th generation iPads. It takes a special adaptor that comes with the pencil but need a charging cord that you have to buy separately. We went to the Apple Store and they told us that the pencils weren’t working because we needed a new charging cord for them. Now we buy new cords and we are back on the phone with Apple support that was little support. “You need to get the pencils replaced, so we are going back to the Apple Store to try yet again. We love Apple products but I have to say, this product combo is not worthy of the Apple name.

Works beautifully. Design is dumb.

It works and performs as it should. I use it a lot since I do digital art on my iPad. If you try to substitute this with a cheap stylus you proli wont get the tilt and pressure features this offers. My main criticism is with the design of the stylus itself. Since it's fully rounded it rolls easily. Mine rolled and the tip of my stylus broke - (not the most durable thing ever so as with all Apple devices: don't drop it) I thought I couldnt fix it the way it broke off so I purchased a 2nd stylus, but ended up getting the broken piece of the nib out and replacing it. Thank goodness for the extra nib they included with this. I dont see it as a huge waste just because i am an artist and I appreciate having a back-up. Charging it is the DUMBEST experience ever. It sticks ... MoreIt works and performs as it should. I use it a lot since I do digital art on my iPad. If you try to substitute this with a cheap stylus you proli wont get the tilt and pressure features this offers. My main criticism is with the design of the stylus itself. Since it's fully rounded it rolls easily. Mine rolled and the tip of my stylus broke - (not the most durable thing ever so as with all Apple devices: don't drop it) I thought I couldnt fix it the way it broke off so I purchased a 2nd stylus, but ended up getting the broken piece of the nib out and replacing it. Thank goodness for the extra nib they included with this. I dont see it as a huge waste just because i am an artist and I appreciate having a back-up. Charging it is the DUMBEST experience ever. It sticks off from the port just waiting for you to make a wrong move and break it. Also it's very easy to lose the cap so please be mindful when you take it off.

Yet another Apple Design fail

So who had the brilliant ideas of making the cap SO easy to lose and having it stick straight out from the iPad's lightning port for charging? No, that doesn't look dangerous. (sarcasm) Which would break first if a mishap occurs - the lightning connector on the pencil or the port inside my iPad? Jeez, I hope it's the pencil!Also, whose idea was it to make the darn thing round? Not all of us live in perfectly level homes with perfectly level furniture.OTOH, it seems none of the other pencils on the market are completely compatible. OTOOH, it's Apple-expensive. OTOOH, I don't use it as much as I thought I would. I'd recommend it only if you really need it and need all the functionality. YMMV