I got the Surface Book 3, a Surface Slim Pen… what next?! Let’s talk about digital pens. The Surface Pen is an active stylus and digital pen developed by Microsoft for its series of Surface computing products. It is designed to showcase the pen computing capabilities of Microsoft’s Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems.
Image was taken by Drawlines Studio
As always, with new products come new accessories for the new product! When these active styli came out (multiple stylus are called styli? Just go with it I’m using spell check!) I’ll just call them pens though, they had extra “nibs”? tips! Tips. The Surface Pen was able to do more than the Apple Pencil if you ask me. Don’t quote me on it though. My advice to anyone going headstrong into the tech world should always take this advice into consideration when looking to buy something. “Don’t ever buy the first version of anything. Companies are just throwing products out there and seeing what sticks and then building the corrected or updated the fixed software after. It’s better to wait for V2, most of the bugs will be fixed and you’ll get your money’s worth”
Look & Feel
Images were taken by Drawlines Studio
That’s what I did! Purchased the new Surface Slim Pen. It’s kind of like a carpenter pencil. It feels good on the fingers. Very smooth with a black matte finish. One programable button. The Slim Pen was meant for the Surface Pro X but I wanted to start getting back into drawing. But digital drawing. So I got it for my Surface Book 3, if you are interested in the laptop / tablet you should look into our reviews for the Surface Book 3. There is a website better then Microsoft.com that I was able to save $400 bucks from. I’ll still be drawing with the “classic” pencil and paper though but I love learning more.
Now Rechargeable
Unlike the previous stylus, there are no extra accessories other than the charge station. The Slim Pen has a very long lithium rechargeable battery, unlike the first model in which you’d have to replace a triple-A battery. The old model with the battery still lasts pretty long, but you’d have to keep buying new batteries for it and I’m not one to stop what I’m doing just for a battery change. The Slim Pen can last for 14 hrs straight, which is more than enough time for 2 (4 to 6 hrs) projects. Or the battery can last 2 weeks on standby mode. Which means in reality you can hold onto the pen for a week before popping it back into the charger station.
Write and draw in real-time
“Sketch out that new business model, jot down an idea, write to-dos and notes, and brainstorm with friends and colleagues. Surface Slim Pen delivers real-time writing with exceptional pressure sensitivity.” Which is true! Just not as exceptional as the Wacom Pro Pen Slim. My main use is to draw. I am an artist, classic pencil, and paper. But as years go by new ways of art are being formed. I like to try to at least stay on top of new ways of art being made. I’m really interested in trying out straight digital art, now the question is what is the right tool to accomplish this new artistic venture?
Battle! Surface Slim Pen vs Wacom Pro Pen Slim vs Apple Pencil
I have to say. It all depends on the user but if you are asking me, an artist. The Surface Slim Pen isn’t worth $110 – $140. The Wacom Pro Pen Slim is better cause it has double the pressure points for less the price. The slim pen has about 4,000 P. points were as the Wacom Pro Pen Slim has about 8,000 and it’s only $65 bucks. I got the Surface Slim Pen for $102. I wanted to stay within the product line!? Overall I’d go with the Wacom Pro Pen, I’ve actually played with that product a bit before and it is also smooth and it’s pretty impressive that it’s only $65. Now, there are other companies and more pens / pencils out there you can try. These are the primary options that people go for. But if you have another device that you guys that aren’t mentioned here. Let us know, we love to learn and trying new products out.
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[…] I’ve written other articles about my PC buildup and Surface Book 3 experiences so far and the Surface pen, Surface Mouse that I purchase using the money from my business and personal income (my money or […]