While testing out a drawing application the other day I came to a realization: While I may have been “born with the ultimate pointing device” (Steve Jobs), my fingers are oversized when it comes to creating fine detail.  I finally understood users that complain about the iPhone’s lack of a stylus. It’s a problem I’ve gotten used to when typing text messages, but when doodling becomes difficult it’s time to find a solution.

So I went on a hunt and found two options. The Pogo Stylus for iPhone and iPod Touch from Ten One Design and the iPhone Japanese Touch Pen from Brightonnet. I had intended to compare the two devices. But after testing each stylus have come to the conclusion it wouldn’t be a fair competition.

Pogo wins fingers down.

The Touch Pen is unresponsive more than sixty percent of the time. After just 10 minutes of use I was ready to throw the offending instrument out a 10-story window. Not one to give up, I forged ahead for a half hour before finally deciding I could get more accomplished by typing with my toes.

So, it was without much hope that I turned to the Pogo Stylus. Wow. I was gliding and dragging and selecting and typing immediately. All without leaving greasy finger-streaks on the glass.

How do they do it? According Ten One Design, “The Pogo Stylus has been engineered using a patent-pending method to simulate the touch of a finger on the Multi-Touch display.” Or in other words — they’re not telling. However they do it, it works. In some cases, Pogo even works better than my finger.

Obviously, texting is much easier with a stylus. I’m sure the kiddies out there with their tiny fingers have no issues texting on Apple’s keyboard. But for adults, it’s tap and hunt. My thumbs are just too big to be accurate.

When it comes to fun and games it’s Pogo all the way. I had improved scores in all three of the games I tested. My drawing skills are much improved and I can’t wait to use Pogo to play with photo editing apps.

I’ll probably still use my fingers for everyday stuff like phone calls and checking quick apps like the weather or stocks. Breaking out a stylus for simple tasks is overkill. And, after all, I enjoy the tactile hands-on approach to technology that Apple’s integrated into iPhone and iPod Touch. 

Pogo comes with a storage clip for easy access. This is a good idea as it’s small size makes losing Pogo a genuine concern. However if you keep your phone in a case, the clip is useless, so you’ll need to find an alternate solution. 

Overall, much like my iPhone, Pogo has turned out to be one of those things I didn’t even know I needed and now can’t imagine living without. My only cause for complaint? I wish I’d bought a red one.

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category: Editor's Picks, Gear & Accessories