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iPad mini Apple Pencil
- Thread starter Neil.gtis
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The Pencil is overpriced for what it actually does. You can get a cheapo stylus for $5-$20 that will do enough for writing and drawing, assuming your use cases are mild and you're not expecting many pen features.
If you're expecting to draw even a moderate amount, pressure sensitivity is nice. Adonit would sell a pen like the Note+ or Pixel for $70-$75. A bit of a price bump, but still way way cheaper than a $170 Pencil. The tips are also narrow; their cheaper pens use a thicker tip or a disc for touch, which I think is terrible for any precision writing or drawing.
One caveat with advanced pen features: making sure the apps you're using actually support the pen and its features. I bought a Note+ for the tilt and side buttons, but have only found one competent app out of a few others that supports the pen's tilt, and it wouldn't detect the side buttons. Tilt is more important to me so I don't think it's a major loss, and it's still more or less on par with all of the Pencil features.
If you're expecting to draw even a moderate amount, pressure sensitivity is nice. Adonit would sell a pen like the Note+ or Pixel for $70-$75. A bit of a price bump, but still way way cheaper than a $170 Pencil. The tips are also narrow; their cheaper pens use a thicker tip or a disc for touch, which I think is terrible for any precision writing or drawing.
One caveat with advanced pen features: making sure the apps you're using actually support the pen and its features. I bought a Note+ for the tilt and side buttons, but have only found one competent app out of a few others that supports the pen's tilt, and it wouldn't detect the side buttons. Tilt is more important to me so I don't think it's a major loss, and it's still more or less on par with all of the Pencil features.
The Apple Pencil - regardless of the version - has been a great accessory for me. I write handwritten notes, do journaling daily, and it’s by far the nicest pen/stylus I have ever worked with, on any platform.
With Apple’s generous return policy you should at least try it out and see if it works for you. I don’t want to miss it anymore.
With Apple’s generous return policy you should at least try it out and see if it works for you. I don’t want to miss it anymore.
I agree with ericwn. Try it and return it if you don’t like it. Having the pencil attached to the Mini 6, available at all times, and paired and charged is a convenience that is hard to put a value on, but you will probably be a lot more likely to use the pencil if it’s at hand.
I have a Logitech Crayon that I use when I need to go back and forth writing on my iPad Pro 11 2021 and my Mini 6 (because switching pencils is a PITA, been there, done that) but the pencil is a better writing experience. I haven’t tried any other non-Apple writing utensil.
I have a Logitech Crayon that I use when I need to go back and forth writing on my iPad Pro 11 2021 and my Mini 6 (because switching pencils is a PITA, been there, done that) but the pencil is a better writing experience. I haven’t tried any other non-Apple writing utensil.
Not necessary, IMO. The Apple pencil does not scratch the screen.
Some people use a textured screen protector (e.g., "Paperlike") to give the feel of drawing on paper, but I think it better to train oneself to drawing/writing on a smooth screen.
And this weekend $99.00 on Amazon. Also as part of the Apple Thanksgivings event, @$129.00 from apple comes with a $25.00 gift card. All prices are in US dollars