Stylus -- Engadget

stylus posts

Dell Mini 3i unboxed in China, capacitive stylus included

by Richard Lai posted Nov 13th 2009 at 8:39AM

One lucky Chinese blogger was kind enough to share his Dell Mini 3i unboxing experience beyond the Great Firewall, just a tad before Dell officially announced their first-ever smartphone. What's interesting is that the China Mobile version comes with a special stylus for the capacitive touchscreen -- a very handy tool for writing Chinese -- but there's been no mention of this accessory for the Brazilian 3iX. Dell's also bundled a 3.5mm adapter for the mini-USB port in case their handsfree isn't good enough for your audiophilic ears. Yeah, too bad about the missing headphone jack, but don't let this deter you from checking out the Mini 3i's full glory after the break.

Continue reading Dell Mini 3i unboxed in China, capacitive stylus included

Duo brings pen-based computing to almost any display

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Aug 25th 2009 at 4:11PM

An intermediate step between Livescribe and a touchscreen, the Duo by KCI Communications lets you use a stylus on your standard desktop or laptop display. It works (on devices up to 17-inches) by using a base station to track the XY coordinates of the pen as it makes its way around the screen. If that weren't enough, the pen also features functionality similar to Livescribe -- you can keep notes on traditional paper and transfer them to your PC later. Currently, this bad boy is only available for WIndows machines, but Mac drivers are in the works. Now, we haven't had the opportunity to play with one of these things, but maybe you'll want to take the plunge? If so, hit the read link -- shipping now for $119.95. But not before you check out the commercial after the break -- it's a classic.

[Via CNET]

Continue reading Duo brings pen-based computing to almost any display

HTC files patent for capacitive stylus with resistive accuracy

by Chris Ziegler posted Aug 14th 2009 at 12:46AM

Though capacitive displays are generally regarded as the easier-to-use technology for mobile touchscreens, their finger-friendliness comes at a dear price: accuracy. Because capacitive tech is incompatible with traditional styli, you're stuck fudging things with your fat digits or settling for a high-tech finger alternative that arguably creates as many problems as it solves. Don't worry, though -- HTC feels your pain, and it seems like they're looking to keep the classic stylus in the game as the company's lineup makes the inevitable transition to capacitive over the coming years. A new patent application describes a stylus with some sort of magnetically charged tip -- at first, we thought that sounded suspiciously like what Wacom does for its tablets, but unlike Wacom's tech, this would function with a traditional, seemingly unmodified capacitive display. It's funny how we've all written off styli in the past couple years and now we've got HTC over here doing everything it can to save 'em -- but hey, if this means we're going to get the best of both worlds, we're all for it.

[Via wmpoweruser.com]

Olympus Mju Tough-6010 seeks clumsy photographer to grow old with

by Vladislav Savov posted Jul 17th 2009 at 4:26AM

The latest addition to the Olympus Mju (Stylus in the US) family of ruggedized cameras is the Tough-6010, which claims to be waterproof up to (or is it down to) 3 m (10 ft), freezeproof to -10°C (14°F), and capable of withstanding drops from 1.5 m (5 ft). It retains the TAP Control Mode from its elder sibling, which lets users access various functions by tapping the camera's top and sides. If you're going to be snorkeling on Greenland's north coast, there is perhaps no other camera for you -- but if you care about actual camera specs, this is a 12-megapixel shooter, equipped with 3.6x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, dual image stabilization, ISO sensitivity up to 1600, and storage handled by your choice of xd-Picture Card or MicroSD. Should you be leaving for Greenland soon, fret not, as the UK will be getting the 6010 this month for £299, with continental Europe and the US probably not too far behind.

Hantech Siso Tablo laptop stylus gets reviewed

by Donald Melanson posted May 26th 2009 at 7:45PM

We just caught sight of Hanwha's Duo laptop stylus a couple of months ago, but it's not the only device out there that promises to turn any old laptop into a pen-accommodating tablet PC, and the folks at SlashGear have now gotten their hands on one of its competitors: the Hantech Siso Tablo. Like the Duo, this one consists of a pen and a Wii-like sensor that sits atop your laptop screen (up to 15.4-inch only), which detects the location of the pen and lets you do everything from drawing and handwriting recognition to controlling the cursor. Best of all, according to SlashGear, the $99 device more or less works just as advertised, and even apparently rivals more expensive gear when it comes to basic design tasks -- or outdoes them, for that matter, since it can also simply be paired with a ballpoint pen and a piece of paper. Hit up the link below for their full impressions.

Olympus mju 9000 reviewed, becomes the object of faint praise

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Apr 6th 2009 at 6:13PM

The kids over at Photography Blog got their hands on that Olympus mju 9000 we've been hearing about -- and sadly, there was nary a Swarovski in sight. Despite that, the reviewer's enthusiasm was palpable. It's hard not to like the little guy, apparently -- it's "well made, easy to use," and "the wide-angle 10x zoom is a real attraction in such a small camera." On the downside, low-light performance is said to be "patchy," and though image quality is "pretty good," problems with noise, distortion, and color fringing were noted. The only other draw back seems to be its feature set, which is apparently lacking in comparison to other similar cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 and Canon PowerShot SX200 IS. But don't take our word for it -- hit the read link for all the saucy, saucy details.

Pogo Sketch stylus turns your touchpad into a tablet

by Nilay Patel posted Dec 23rd 2008 at 7:11PM

We never really knew anyone intrigued by Pogo's iPhone stylus, but the company's newest writin' stick puts that capacitive touch-compatible tech to a way more interesting use -- turning touchpads into large digitizer tablets. That'd be particularly useful for new MacBook owners who're rocking those gigantor buttonless trackpads, but we'll have to see this $15 accessory in action before we say Wacom's got anything to worry about.

Mintpass' tiny Mintpad brings handwriting back from the 20th century

by Samuel Axon posted Nov 5th 2008 at 6:49AM

We can't remember the last time we stealthily scribbled a note to a coworker instead of shooting an IM, but Mintpass (a Korean firm founded by former iriver minds) believes some folks want to do both at once with Mintpad, a wireless handheld that's one part Nintendo DS, one part iPod, and another part Post-it note. Yes, it surfs the web on 802.11b/g WiFi and plays 4GB (or more with a microSD card) of music and videos on its sub-3-inch 320 x 240 display, but the draw is handwriting with a stylus. Don't pick it up if you're looking for handwriting recognition, though -- you just jot down notes the old fashioned way, though you can pass them over the internet to others who have their own Mintpads. We've seen a note or two saying you can pick one up in South Korea for ?198,000, or about $156.

[Via Pocketables]

Gigabyte M912X hack makes a smarter, cheaper Modbook

by Samuel Axon posted Oct 8th 2008 at 10:06PM

A fellow named Stuart Lowe installed Leopard on his Gigabyte M912X netbook / tablet hybrid, and we like the results. Though this isn't the first Mac tablet hack, it's a tightly wrapped little package: the interface seems smooth with either fingers or a stylus, and Inkwell's onscreen keyboard allows complete functionality when the computer is folded into its slate configuration. Much of the necessary software functionality existed in Leopard already, and since installing OS X on something other than a Mac isn't the challenge it used to be, we're envisioning a pretty smooth ride for other would-be-hackers. We've embedded a video on the other side of the jump -- take a look, and then cast your vote on what to call this niche category of netbook-like tablets.

[Via Slashgear]

Continue reading Gigabyte M912X hack makes a smarter, cheaper Modbook

Olympus' new trio touts 10 megapixel Stylus 1050 SW with motion sensitive Tap Control

by Thomas Ricker posted Aug 25th 2008 at 2:16AM

When pumping out unimpressive point-and-shoot cameras, one sure-fire way to grab some attention is to innovate around the UI. That seems to be Olympus' approach with its new semi-rugged, Stylus 1050 SW ($300) pictured above. Able to withstand drops from 5-feet (1.5-meters), temps as low as 14 degrees F (-10 C), and submersion to 10-feet (3-meters), the new 10.1-megapixel shooter with 3x zoom and 2.7-inch display also packs an accelerometer for Olympus' new motion-driven "Tap Control" -- tap twice on the back, top or sides with your bulky, gloved hand to switch the camera into different modes. Pretty smart, actually... let's hope it takes quality images too. Of less interest is the skinny new 16.5-mm Stylus 1040 ($200) offering all of the 1050's guts without the Tap Control and weatherproofing. Last up is the Olympus SP-565 UZ ($400). It bungs the 10 megapixel sensor and 20x zoom from Olympus' SP-570 UZ into the 8 megapixel, 18x SP-560 UZ introduced this time last year. All three cams due in October. See the 1040 and SP-565 UZ after the break.

Update: Speaking of unimpressive, Olympus also outed its 8 megapixel FE-20 (£120 / $221) with 2.5-inch LCD and 3x zoom. We managed to escape our ennui just long enough to post a picture after the break.

Read -- Stylus 1050SW
Read -- The rest

Continue reading Olympus' new trio touts 10 megapixel Stylus 1050 SW with motion sensitive Tap Control

ASUS' Eee handwriting pad evokes the Dreamcast, flannel shirts

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jun 11th 2008 at 10:42AM

Apparently ASUS thinks that people will want a tiny computer which they can delicately slip into their back pocket, but would also be interested in carrying around a slew of cabled peripherals. Hence the creation of this USB "handwriting pad" for the Eee -- not to be confused with a steam-rolled Dreamcast controller (VMU included, of course). Honestly, when the plastic takes up more space than the screen, things might not be as "handy" as you suspect. Guys, Sega and 1998 called, they want their design back.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Brando keeps up the silly with Bluetooth PDA stylus "headset"

by Donald Melanson posted May 7th 2008 at 2:33PM

It looks like everybody's source of wonderfully useless gadgets has managed to pull yet another trick out of its hat, with Brando now breaking the common sense mold once again with the so-called " Stylus Hanging Bluetooth Headset." Apparently targeting those that find traditional Bluetooth headsets a little too convenient, this wonder of convergence crams a full-fledged Bluetooth headset into an over-sized PDA stylus, which will let you both talk on the phone and use your PDA -- just not at the same time (unless you use the earphone attachment, that is). $30 and it's yours.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Olympus skins up the Mju 1020

by Nilay Patel posted Mar 11th 2008 at 4:20PM

Olympus pushed out the Mju (that's the Stylus over here) 1020 in a lackluster pre-PMA update back in January, but the company is trying to spice up the 10.1 megapixel shooter with a trio of custom skins designed by Romanian artist Matei Apostolescu. The skins are bundled with a special white-bodied 1020 and are apparently available now, but you'll have to act fast -- only 5,000 are being produced. Check the other two designs after the break.

Continue reading Olympus skins up the Mju 1020

Teraoka's Deli Touch pen delays human interaction in restaurants

by Darren Murph posted Feb 23rd 2008 at 6:04AM

When talking menus just aren't futuristic enough, we reckon Teraoka's Deli Touch pen -- which strongly reeks of LeapFrog's Tag -- is the next best thing. The system works with barcode-laden menus and enables customers to simply swipe their choices and have them beamed directly to the kitchen. Besides hastening the order process and keeping the interaction between customer and waiter / waitress at a minimum, the device may also give you a solid reason to skimp on the tip -- not that we'd recommend such a thing, of course. Unfortunately, we've no idea if this setup is built to play nice with picky eaters and their laundry list of special requests, so we'd probably recommend steering clear unless you're totally cool with the standard fare.

[Via PopGadget]

Olympus Stylus lineup hands-on

by Steven Kim posted Jan 31st 2008 at 2:12PM

Basic point-and-shoot digicams is what the Stylus line is all about, and the trend continues. Up here are some shots of the 840, 850SW and 1030SW. 8-megapixels on the 840 and 850SW with 5x and 3x zoom, respectively. And if you vacation includes some light snorkeling (or you like taking pics in the rain), note that the 850SW is shockproof 1.5-meters and to waterproof to 3-meters. Need more megapixels? Step on up to the 1030: 10.1-megapixels and a 3.6x zoom and waterproof to 10-meters.