Product Review: Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

 

I have this along with an iPad Pro. Aside from the fact that you have to charge it, unlike passive styluses, it is perfect. Even so, the charging is quick and can be done by plugging it into the lightning port on the iPad itself, or you can connect it to a charger through an adapter that comes with the pencil. It also comes with an extra tip. It is fairly easy to set up, although the instructions are printed in tiny print that is hard to read. Basically, you just make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad, plug the pencil into the lightning port, and tell it to pair when the dialog box pops up.

If you are a student taking notes for class on an iPad or iPad Pro, it is indispensable. There is little to no lag/latency (at least not that is noticeable like there was on the first generation pen tablets), it is easy to control, and if you get one of the screen protectors that mimic the feel of paper (I use the Sapper paper-like screen protector) you can barely tell any difference from writing on paper. It does take a little getting used to because it does not feel exactly like a pen-and-paper writing experience, but once you get the feel of it, it is very close.

Product Review: DLO Jam Jacket with Cord Management for the 80/120 GB iPod classic 6G

 

This is a cover for the older, "classic" iPods. I have a Sixth Generation 160GB iPod classic and this fits it fine. It is not for an iPod nano or one of the thicker iPods. It is basically a piece of Silicon in the shape of an iPod classic that slips over it. I would classify this as good for "everyday" use to keep your iPod protected. Everyday use being things like carrying it in a bag and then putting it on a dock (such as a radio that has a 30 pin connector) at your office or in a bedroom, or hooking it up to an aux connection in a car, this is fine. I would not, however, use this if you want to take your iPod with you when you go jogging or something like that where there is a risk of it falling on the pavement. It does not have any screen protection at all, so if it falls on a hard enough surface at the right angle, it will still get broken. But, if you generally use it in a situation in which the hardest thing it is likely to fall on is a carpeted floor or the floor of your car, then this will be fine to keep it protected and keep it from getting scuffed up. The wheel on the iPod can be a bit hard to turn when you first put this on, but once you get used to it and figure out how hard you have to press as you are turning, it is not that hard.