Ozaki has an innovative case with a small built-in stylus, the iCoat Finger for the iPhone and Slim-Y case for the iPad, but those looking for a full-sized stylus can consider the O!tool Stylus R instead.

After trying out abut a dozen different brands and models of styluses (stylii, for the Latin purists), I had settled on two favorites (one for taking notes, one for sketching). But since you can never have too many styluses, I agreed to try out the Ozaki O!tool Stylus R.

“R” is for replaceable tips

The “R” stands for the two replacement tips that come with this stylus. Pry off the plastic ring that secures the stylus tip to shaft, pop out the old one and pop in the new one. I’ve never had a stylus tip wear out or come off on me yet, but several of my friends have, and this should be a good antidote for those unfortunate events.

Prying off the yellow plastic ring to replace the stylus tip isn’t very difficult. It took a bit of time the first time I did it, though, because it’s attached tightly to the shaft and I was never sure if applying ever greater force would finally pry it off or break it. You’ll want to use the tip of a pen knife or a cutter or some similar instrument, though, unless you have rally, really tough nails.

Comfortable, and easy to use

In terms of dimensions, the O!Tool stylus R is about the width and length of a slim marker pen. It has a three-sided shaft, which I like a lot since it’s easier and more comfortable to hold compared to other styluses with rounded shafts. I thought the plastic shaft would pose some problems with conductivity, but the iPad screen recognized the stylus tip as soon as it touched the screen.

The stylus tip glides very smoothly across my iPad’s screen protector, making it easy to use with either note-taking apps (Bamboo Paper) or sketching and drawing apps (Inflow, Paper by 53).

My only two quibbles are the width of the stylus tip — not any wider than other brands, but I find it not ideal for taking down fine notes — and the lack of heft because of the plastic body.

The O!tool stylus R isn’t any cheaper than most other branded styluses, but it does promise a longer lifetime because of the two replacement tips that come with it.

Price and Availability

Php995, at most gadget stores like Power Mac Center, Beyond the Box, Digital Hub

Likes

• Large, comfortable-to-hold shaft
• Comes with two replacement tips

Dislikes

• Wide stylus tip isn’t great for making fine notes
• Plastic shaft lacks heft

Jason

Jason de Villa is teacher by day and a geek at all other times of the day. When he’s not teaching, he’s reading and writing about technology, looking for ways technology can help in education. His favorite noodles: Pancit Malabon Express.

email: jason@technoodling.netwebsite: http://www.technoodling.net