3M Reveals Two Capacitive Styluses For Touch Panel Users

It's kind of crazy to think just how vital touch panels are in our lives today. Hardly a smartphone is launched in today's world without some form of touch support, and 3M has been a big player in the movement. You don't hear too much in the consumer space about their involvement, but they're there. At CeBIT 2011, 3M Touch Systems has announced the U.S. availability of its 3M Smart Pen, a uniquely designed input device finely tuned for use with popular capacitive touchscreen devices, including the iPad, Galaxy Tab, etc.

There are quite a few capacitive stylus products out there, but the more the merrier in this case. 3M is introducing two versions: the MHP-1000 comes in black, grey, pink and titanium silver with a clip attached for a traditional pen look-and-feel. The MJP-3000 is available in black, navy blue, pink and titanium silver, with a detachable lid that allows the pen to attach to the speaker jack of a portable device.


They'll activate with just a soft touch, and the anti-stiction properties let the pen glide smoothly across surfaces with greater precision than a finger and reduces fingerprints on the screen by not using your fingers. This is also helpful for those in frigid places, as this can be used when you simply don't want to remove your gloves. The MHP-1000 and MJP-3000 are now available in the U.S. market through Amazon.com for $15.99 and $18.99, respectively, which is extremely competitive based on the alternatives that we've seen so far. Hard to say how reliable these are when it comes to doodling, but for that price, it's probably worth a try.

3M Introduces Touch Pen for Consumers and Users of Touchscreen Devices

– New 3M Smart Pen provides precision accuracy for users of popular capacitive touch phones, tablets, monitors and all-in-one computers –
CeBIT 2011

HANOVER, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M Touch Systems Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3M, announced today at CeBIT 2011 the U.S. availability of its 3M Smart Pen, a uniquely designed input device finely tuned for use with popular capacitive touchscreen devices, including the Apple® iPhone®, iPad™ and iPod touch®. Its compatibility with multiple products and its ergonomic and stylish design make the 3M Smart Pen a valuable companion for active users of touchscreen devices currently in the market.

    “3M Touch Systems’ expertise in touchscreen technology gives us the knowledge and ability to create relevant accessories that further maximize the value of this technology”

The 3M Smart Pen has two designs to accommodate a variety of usage scenarios. The MHP-1000 comes in black, grey, pink and titanium silver with a clip attached for a traditional pen look-and-feel. The MJP-3000 is available in black, navy blue, pink and titanium silver, with a detachable lid that allows the pen to attach to the speaker jack of a portable device.

Both pens have an ergonomic industrial design, giving it a natural, comfortable fit for both small and large hands. Activating with only a light touch, the pen’s unique anti-stiction properties let the pen glide smoothly across surfaces with greater precision than a finger and reduces fingerprints on the screen by not using your fingers. The 3M Smart Pen is ideal for users who must wear gloves in their work environment – from cold climates to industrial/manufacturing to healthcare and sterile environments.

“3M Touch Systems’ expertise in touchscreen technology gives us the knowledge and ability to create relevant accessories that further maximize the value of this technology,” said Chris Tsourides, business manager, 3M Touch Systems. “The 3M Smart Pen is one of the most accurate and high quality capacitive touch pens on the market and we are excited to see how users will enable new and unique ways to use this technology on their touchscreen devices.”

The MHP-1000 and MJP-3000 are now available in the U.S. market through Amazon.com for $15.99 and $18.99, respectively. For more information on the 3M Smart Pen and other touchscreen solutions, visit www.3M.com/touch01.

3M Touch Systems provides innovative touchscreen technology products to customers worldwide under the “3M” and “MicroTouch” brands. Popular single-touch and multi-touch applications include: casino gaming, foodservice, hospitality, industrial, interactive digital signage, healthcare, retail point-of-sale and self-service. For an overview of popular touch technologies and terminology, visit www.touchtopics.com. The 3M Smart Pen and other 3M Touch Systems touchscreen displays and systems will be on display at CeBIT 2011 in Hanover, Germany, March 1-5, 2011 in Hall 16, Stand E32.