Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When I first bought my Kindle Fire, I tried to use it without a stylus. After a few days of screen smudges and clumsy moves on my part, did some local looking at various stores to see what was available with stylus products, as I wanted to try a few as a hands-on experience. Found that the prices ranged from under $5.00 bargains to over $40.00 and higher. This amCase (TM) amPen Ultra-sensitive Capacitive Stylus is the latest one that I've purchased in what's become a sort of quest for the "perfect stylus" if such a thing exists. I use it with my Kindle Fire and have tried it with the iPad, but it should be able to be used with the Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom, BlackBerry PlayBook or just about any tablet device that has a capacitive touch screen. What makes it (and other similar products) good is that you can use tablet device without ever touching the screen with your finger, which always seems to result in fingerprints all over the place. So what's good about this amPen Ultra-sensitive Capacitive Stylus? * Soft rubber tip is sensitive enough to be quite responsive on the screen * Lightweight compact design; just under five inches long * Has an attachment piece that plugs into the headphone jack; no lost stylus * Package in a simple box; no clamshell to have to cut open Should note here that I also have the highly rated AmazonBasics Stylus, a 5-star product that I was actually using to compare with this amPen Stylus. So how do they compare? In actual function during use, they both feel the same. The AmazonBasics Stylus has a semi-matte surface, which I actually prefer to the glossy look of the amPen Stylus. But the amPen Stylus has no advertising logo, using a simple design instead. The AmazonBasics Stylus has what some refer to as a 'dongle' attached to the end, and many (including me) are still trying to figure out its function. But this amPen Stylus has a small tethered attachment piece that plugs into the headphone jack, as can be seen in the product image, and if used, that means no lost stylus when you put it away. The amPen Stylus also has a metal pen clip, and while many of us won't be putting it in a shirt pocket, it's easy to clip to the elastic band on my Marware Vibe Case Cover. This makes for a very convenient combination when mobile... and keeps the stylus from being misplaced. So comparing the amPen Stylus with the AmazonBasics Stylus, must admit that I find them to both be equal. They are slightly different from each other, but each has its strong points. This is a highly subjective evaluation, as your needs may vary from mine, but it's an honest reflection from one who spends quite a bit of time using a Kindle Fire. Being able to highlight and note Kindle books is important to me, and the sensitivity of each of these styli make that easy. It might be suggested that the rubber tip of this or just about any other stylus will pick up skin oils or perspiration if you run your fingers on it. This might come from accidental touching it after rubbing your skin, but it can have an effect on performance, and will also streak your tablet screen. Should this happen, just lightly wipe the rubber tip with a clean cloth to remove skin oil, but do it gently. As noted earlier, I have been looking at a number of styli, and if price is your most important criteria, then you might wish to consider the Bluecell Stylus Universal Touch Screen Pen + Free Cleaning Cloth, a package of six of in three different colors. I noted in my review of these that the chrome pocket clip is actually plastic, and was sure in time would break. Two of them did just that. But they were an economy alternative to be used as spares, so I'm not surprised. But if you have any suggestions on good stylus products for the Kindle Fire or the iPads, please leave me note here in the comments. In summary, the amPen Ultra-sensitive Capacitive Stylus is an excellent choice for users of the Kindle Fire, Kindle Touch or the iPad series based on personal use. Both this and the AmazonBasics Stylus are great 5-star choices. Each may have its points that will appeal to different users, but in terms of use, functionality and performance, they're both highly recommended. [Update] As noted originally here in my review, I've been on a continuous quest to find the "perfect stylus" if such a thing exists. Since that time I've bought three new stylus products, one locally and two more here on Amazon. Two of the three ended up being substandard, including one that was touted as being "ultra-precise" and retailed for about $30, but was on sale locally for about $12.00. It went back for a refund, which was a real nuisance. It was then that I decided to update this review if and when I found the "perfect stylus"... or at least something close. My amPen Ultra-sensitive Capacitive Stylus is still working like a champ, and I ended up using it even more than my AmazonBasics Stylus. But sometimes products evolve, and though I'm extremely skeptical about "new, improved" products, I've found that the amPen New hybrid stylus does live up to that claim, and a bit more. My reasons why it's a better stylus are posted on my review there. It's an excellent choice, and well worth checking out if you want or need extra sensitivity. 8/1/2012