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iPad Pro Any good DIY solutions to keeping up w/ Pencil?

Chupa Chupa

Chupa Chupa

macrumors G5
Original poster
Jul 16, 2002
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I'm a master at losing pens but also a bit wallet worn. After spending $100 I'm not in the mood to spend another $20+ on something to keep it around my iPad. (The pen's lack of an internal magnet is a big design flaw IMHO.)

So does anyone here have any good DIY solutions, preferably involving a magnet?

Barring that maybe something cheap on eBay or Amazon?
 
Chupa Chupa said:
I'm a master at losing pens but also a bit wallet worn. After spending $100 I'm not in the mood to spend another $20+ on something to keep it around my iPad. (The pen's lack of an internal magnet is a big design flaw IMHO.)

So does anyone here have any good DIY solutions, preferably involving a magnet?

Barring that maybe something cheap on eBay or Amazon?
Click to expand...

Not a DIY solution, but the Moxieware sleeve has been used by some users here. Not expensive, maybe worth a try for you?

http://www.moxiware.com/products/apple-pencil-magnet
 
If you have the Smart Cover a simple pen clip you can steal from any pen will keep it attached to the smart cover and safely away from the screen.
 
The Moxiware has been worth it's weight in gold for this mobile but clumsy and absent-minded person. The Pencil sticks securely to the Smart Keyboard cover or to the iPP and the cap sticks to the side of the Pencil while charging.
 
I got a piece of black textured felt from Michael's, folded it over with finished side on the inside, sewed the edges into a sleeve just a little wider and a hair longer than the pencil, then pulled it inside out when done to hide the sewing seam and put the finished side on the outside. I have an iPad Air case that I got from the sale rack of a Brookstones for $2, which is actually quite nice. A little velcro to securely attach the sleeve to the case and boom....I have the pencil with me all the time now :) Total price about 6$. Improvements would be a leather sleeve, but I don't have leather working tools or experience. To use magnets I would probably sew a couple of pouches onto the backside of the sleeve for a couple of strong washer sized magnets. How that would attach to your iPad I guess would depend on what you have and usage patterns.
 
zhenya said:
If you have the Smart Cover a simple pen clip you can steal from any pen will keep it attached to the smart cover and safely away from the screen.
Click to expand...

i wonder though, will using a clip to attach to the smart cover wear the smart cover over the time? i'd think so
 
Step 1: get the microsoft surface loop.
Step 2: get a smart cover
Step 3: find the magnetic spot in the smart cover which would hold the pen with magnets.
Step 4: take two surface loops and apply them to the smart cover (make sure the loop is direct over the magnet location you identified with step 3.
Step 5: put pen through both loops.

No you have loop to hold it with added magnetic protection.
 
The question has to be asked, what is your usage scenario? Most of the magnet options I am seeing people listing are not ideal for carrying your iPad solo. If you want to carry you iPad solo, a well place scrape, inertia, or thief will knock it off. Even pulling in and out of a satchel can dislodge it, if it is exposed on an edge for example. Unlike internally stored styli, external magnetic options are mostly for ease of placement in fixed situations, not as a solid store for transport, IMO. So what are you looking to do with your iPad and pencil that you need to attach it? If it is light duty enough, it will magnetically stick to a smart cover or similar all by itself without any help.
 
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Dammit Cubs said:
Step 1: get the microsoft surface loop.
Step 2: get a smart cover
Step 3: find the magnetic spot in the smart cover which would hold the pen with magnets.
Step 4: take two surface loops and apply them to the smart cover (make sure the loop is direct over the magnet location you identified with step 3.
Step 5: put pen through both loops.

No you have loop to hold it with added magnetic protection.
Click to expand...


Thank everyone for all the suggestion. I found the Surface loop idea to be the one that worked best for me -- no idea those even existed. I figured out using magnet was unnecessary.

I already use a Belkin plastic back cover from my iPad Air 1 days (modified it to uncover the speakers and camera on my iPP). I don't think Belkin sells these anymore but I have seen similar on Amazon and eBay for $5-10.

The tab of the Surface loop ($5 online at multiple sites and at B&M MS stores) snugly fits between the the case and the top of the iPad. I didn't even have to use the adhesive. I also added a pencil gripper (pack of 4 is $1 at AC Moore -- a craft store similar to Michaels). Pen sits firmly on the iPad. No worries about it slipping out and it doesn't interfere w/ using the iPad in landscape or portrait. Most importantly easy to access and I won't lose it now.

Here's a few (poorly shot) pics for illustration. If you are burnt out wasting $ on accessories like me, you might find this a great solution too.

en-INTL-L-Surface-Pen-Loop-Blue-5D7-00037-mnco.jpg

IMG_8772-2.jpg

back.jpg

wpen.jpg
 
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Chupa Chupa said:
I'm a master at losing pens but also a bit wallet worn. After spending $100 I'm not in the mood to spend another $20+ on something to keep it around my iPad. (The pen's lack of an internal magnet is a big design flaw IMHO.)

So does anyone here have any good DIY solutions, preferably involving a magnet?

Barring that maybe something cheap on eBay or Amazon?
Click to expand...


I am using DIY stuff :
1. SLEEVE for ipad pro, using old sweater that i cut and sew it with the help of local taylor. With this i can put my ipad and pencil too safely inside the sleeve, in my bag.

2. CAP to protect apple pencil tip, using FASTER C-600 BALPOINT CAP (fits perfectly without touching the tip of the pencil), and a facial tissue, so the cap dont scratch the body of my pencil.

3. RUBBER GRIP for better holds of the pencil, using FASTER C6 BALLPOINT (fits nicely on the pencil body)

This is the cheapest way to protect you precious apple pencil, I hope this faster ballpoint available in your country....

Well not everybody who has ipad pro and apple pencil is a rich person who is willing to waste their money for just stupid acessories......
 
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