Finger Stylus Roundup

The stylus is an integral part of every touch screen Pocket PC.  Over the years there have been numerous styles of styli – including cheap plastic, solid metal, as well as compact telescoping models.  Newer devices, such as the iPhone, have been designed to be used with a finger instead of a stylus.  This is a great idea as there are situations where it isn’t ideal to use the stylus.   Unfortunately most Pocket PCs still need some sort of stylus.  In addition to that the glass on most Pocket PCs are not designed for fingers so they tend to get smudges easily.  That’s where the “Finger Stylus” comes in handy.  I’ll be reviewing three different types of finger/thumb styli:  Thylus Thumb Stylus, gpik Super Thumb Stylus, and TrueTip.

Thylus

The Thylus stylus is design to be used with your thumb.  It has a very unique design which includes a plastic ring you cut to size so you end up with a perfect fit for your thumb.  Included with your Thylus is a “docking station” – a small plastic case which can be attached to your Pocket PC with the included adhesive tape. 

As with any finger stylus it will take some time for people to get used to them.  Most people navigate with a standard stylus or in a pinch might use their index finger.  The Thylus attaches to your thumb, so some people may have difficulty getting used to using their thumbs to tap on their Pocket PCs.  Since it attaches to the middle of your thumb it may block the view of your screen, but I found it didn’t take long to get used to that. 

I found the Thylus works great when playing games.  The problem with finger/thumb styli is where to keep them when not in use.  With the included storage case this isn’t a problem for the Thylus.  The other plus for the Thylus is the fact that it is custom fit to your thumb.  Overall I found the Thylus a very good stylus alternative.

gpik

Next up is another thumb stylus called the Super Thumb Stylus from gpik.   The gpik stylus has a unique design that attaches to the thumb, but the stylus tip extends out at an angle so you can see the screen while you tap.  I found the extended tip quite useful as it required less movement to reach items on the screen (i.e. just move the tip of my thumb rather than moving my entire thumb).  The extended tip also makes it easy to hold your Pocket PC and navigate with the same hand.  As with the Thylus, it may take some time to get used to using your thumb to navigate.

While the gpik stylus is designed for thumbs, you can use it on other fingers – although if you have small fingers it may not fit very well. 

The Super Thumb Stylus is made of a sturdy plastic.  If the stylus is too small you can “stretch” out the edges for a better fit.  If you want to use on another finger you can also squeeze the edges to make it a bit smaller.  The gpik styli come in a variety of colors.  There is a small hole at the base of the stylus which allows you to attach a retractable belt-clip lanyard (sold by gpik) – so storing the stylus isn’t a problem.

Overall the gpik Super Thumb Stylus is solid, functional and easy-to-use.

TrueTip

The TrueTip stylus is the granddaddy of finger styli.  The TrueTip is designed to be used with your index finger, with the tip extending straight out from your finger (it could be used on your thumb, but mine was too big for the TrueTip to fit).  The stylus wraps partially around your finger tip to keep it in place while using.  Most people will find the TrueTip has a more natural feel as they are used to using their index finger for this type of activity (i.e. ATM machines etc.).   

The TrueTip styli come in several colors and offer plastic or rubber tip options.  They also offer a pen cap versions with plastic or rubber tips.

I found that using the TrueTip as shown in pictures didn’t work as well for me so I actually turn it around so the long plastic support piece ran down the underside of my finger rather than the top.  This kept is solidly in place, even when I was moving it around quickly (i.e. games). 

Conclusion

Finger Styli are a great alternative to the built-in styli on Pocket PC devices.  With the different designs and styles there are several options to choose from.  Not only are they very function, but they make for a great conversation piece when people see you using one!  For anyone still struggling with their bare fingers I highly encourage you to give a finger stylus a try.