Wacom Reveals $30 Stylus For iPad

Apple definitely doesn't sell a stylus for their iPad, but have you ever considered that you may actually get some use out of owning one made by a third-party? There have been quite a few capacitive stylii to ship over the past year, but definitely not an iPad specific model from a company as well-known in the industry as Wacom.

That very company has just announced their new Bamboo Stylush, an intuitive new input device that allows sketching, drawing, and other forms of creative expression on the iPad. The tip of the stylus is 25 percent narrower (6mm vs. 8mm) in diameter than some of the other most popular solutions on the market today, and at just $29.99, it'll hardly break the bank. The only trick will be not losing it when carrying it around; too bad there's no great options for iPad cases with a stylus holder.


Wacom Introduces Bamboo Stylus for iPad


Design, ergonomics and natural feel deliver premium writing and sketching experience to iPad users

VANCOUVER, Wash., April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Drawing on its experience and pedigree achieved through the development of professional and consumer pen tablets and interactive pen displays, Wacom® today announces Bamboo™ Stylus, a new input device created specifically for use with the Apple® iPad®. Bamboo Stylus offers an intuitive and natural way to experience note-taking, sketching, drawing, and other forms of creative expression on the iPad.

A Stylus with Style  

The authentic and satisfying feel of the Bamboo Stylus is achieved through subtle design elements, such as a sophisticated black and silver design with satin-textured metal body and balanced weighting. The tip of the stylus is 25 percent narrower (6mm vs. 8mm) in diameter than some of the other most popular solutions on the market today.  Combining ergonomic comfort and a firmer feel, the Bamboo Stylus offers a premium digital inking experience for handwriting notes, highlighting text, editing documents, drawing, sketching and much more.  

"A great deal of thought went into the look, feel and weight of the stylus," said Rick Peterson, Director of Consumer Brands at Wacom Technology Services, Corp. in Vancouver, Washington.  "We want users to take pride in owning a Bamboo Stylus for its quality craftsmanship and input capabilities as well as its stylish looks."  

Right Time for the "Write" Tool

While touch is the primary input method for the iPad, the stylus has definitely found its place among users, enriching the way they interact with the iPad. The additional functionality of the Bamboo Stylus brings a more accurate and precise way to take notes in meetings and classroom settings, or to sketch out rough ideas while on the go.  For example, users can improve their input experience with numerous applications developed for iPad, such as Penultimate™ for note-taking and Autodesk® SketchBook® Mobile for sketching needs.    

"The stylus can perform creative tasks that our fingers and touch displays are just not built to handle well," Peterson said.  "Users will find that the new Bamboo Stylus provides the accurate pointing and inking requirements they need to supplement touch input."

Bamboo Stylus Availability and Pricing

Bamboo Stylus ($29.99 USD) is expected to be available in mid-May at many national consumer electronic retail outlets.  Online shoppers will be able to find Bamboo Stylus at Amazon or at Wacom's online store.
Tags:  Apple, tablet, Stylus, Wacom