Back in January, LYNKtec introduced its Apex Fine Point Active electronic stylus with an ultra small 2.3 mm tip. Now, the product has been upgraded to a new model with a rechargeable battery. Plus, it's pleasingly longer, includes a pocket clip and has a more durable polymer nib.
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It's hard to contain my enthusiasm for these electronic styluses from LYNKtec. The first release was the Apex Fine Point Active Stylus, and I reviewed it on January 28, 2014. You may want to refer to that review because there was a lot of technology discussion about how this active electronic, non-pressure sensitive, stylus works as well as a discussion of the price for this kind of device.
This new release, the Rechargeable Apex Fine Point Active Stylus, has some important improvements:
- The overall length has grown to a pleasing 6 inches (15 cm.) This was a frequently requested feature by customers and also suits my own historical preference for a stylus that mimics a quality pen in length.
- A good looking, metal (not plastic) pocket clip is included in this version.
- The surface texturing no longer shows fingerprints. The brushed aluminum has an even better feel in the hand.
- The weight has actually gone down, from 32 grams to 28.4 grams compared to the previous model.
- A more durable, replacement polymer nib is included inside the screw on/off cap that covers the charging port.
This model comes in one color only, “satin chrome.”
System Requirements
This stylus is rated to work with all Apple iPads and “most other tablets.” While it worked with my iPhone 5s, there may be issues with other smartphones or iPhones sold outside the U.S. As a result, this product is really targeted at Apple iPads.
Rechargeable model (top) and previous model (bottom).
Q&A
I had some additional questions for LYNKtec about this model, so I'll just quote the Q&A from the emails.
1. What is the rating for the number of charging cycles for the built-in battery?
The built-in battery can be recharged over 500 times and as often as necessary.
2. When the battery finally fails, in its normal course of recharge cycles, is there a replacement program?
Depending on the user and the amount of use … the user should get about 20 years worth of use out of the Rechargeable Apex. In the case of a defect, we do offer a 1-Year Limited Warranty.
3. Is a leather holder no longer included?
The current model listed at $69.99 does not come with a leather holder. However, we will be adding a new leather holder for the Rechargeable Apex to our product line shortly.
4. Has there been any progress on the iOS & apps front in dealing with the “Wavy Line” effect described in the review of the previous stylus?
As a matter of fact, there has. There is now a calibration option for the Apex in the popular note-taking app, ZoomNotes. This feature is accessible in the free (Lite) version of the app as well. We are also continuing to work with other app developers to integrate a calibration setting for the stylus into their apps.
5. What is the expected lifetime of these new nibs, in average use?
These new conductive polymer nibs have been improved to be more durable than the previous design, but there are many variables. In regular use, it could be about 2-3 months – but again, that totally depends on the user, how often they use it, how much pressure they use, etc. Replacement nibs are available on our website at US$4.99 for a 5-pack.
LYNKtec says that with normal use, a single charge should last two to four weeks. I wasn't able to confirm that during the time I used it.
Operation
Instead of twisting the top of the stylus to turn it on, as before, there is now an integrated battery status light and button on the pocket clip. (See photo below) Press and hold for three seconds to turn the stylus on or off. A blue LED near the tip indicates the unit is on. Also, this Apex Rechargeable will automatically turn off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Closeup showing threaded cap with extra nib in center,
charging cable attached, switch and light.
As before, there is a ribbed section near the tip that affords a better grip.
I have noticed, in my own case, that when using my finger to tap that there is a psychological tendency to wait until the iPad/iPhone responds. However, when using a hard tipped stylus, I had a tendency to release a split second early. Call it a stylus bounce. If this happens to you too, just remember to hold this stylus after a tap until the iOS device responds, just as you'd do with your finger.
LYNKtec has created an introductory video that may be helpful.