Guide to Computer Pens

Use a pen computer for graphics

Artists and others dependent on graphical output find it easier to use a pen tablet computer and a computer drawing pen or computer graphics pen.

I recommend: Companies such as Wacom manufacture tablets that can be attached to a PC or notebook and used with computer digital pens to produce everything from enhanced photos to elaborate artwork. Wacom also manufactures an LCD screen that can be used with a computer pen.

Use PC pens with laptops

Several laptop manufacturers have climbed aboard the "pens for computers" bandwagon and developed screens for their computers that can be used with a pen.

I recommend: Toshiba has led the way in developing laptops that can be used with pens. The Toshiba model can be used as a normal computer, or it can fold over the keyboard for pen use.

Use PC pens to take notes or for school work

There's a whole line of digital pens that can be used just like normal pens and download information stored in them to a PC at a later date.

I recommend: The io Digital Pen from Logitech and the LeapFrog Fly Fusion Pentop Computer can write on specially coated paper, recording every stroke to be later downloaded to a computer. In addition, the Fly Fusion Pen can be used with various programs to help with everything from basic grammar to calculus. Another pen, manufactured by Pegasus, can be used with a standard notepad.

Use the PC pen as a tool

Digital pens can be used to make your life easier.

I recommend: The Planon DocuPen is a scanner that can fit in your pocket. This pen-sized tool scans documents line by line and is the width of an standard sheet of paper. Other pen-type scanners, manufactured by C-Pen and IRIS, can perform the same tasks, but need to be tethered to a computer.