If you’re the creative type, the Pencil stylus can be a valuable tool. Designed to complement the Paper app, Pencil is an aluminium stylus for use with tablets. It’s a good idea that takes the traditional stylus a little further, but currently only works to its full potential with the Paper app.

Designed by FiftyThree, Pencil resembles a large metal pencil and comes with either a metal- or walnut-coloured body. One end looks like a rubber eraser and works like one. The other tapers down to a point with multi-faceted edges. These edges perform functions such as shading, while the point works just like the point of a pencil or charcoal.

Pencil connects to the iPad using Bluetooth and recharges via a USB hub. Pull the tip to expose the battery and recharge accordingly. While being elegantly designed, the Pencil shape isn’t the most comfortable but still has a nice balance. While it does have rounded edges, the rectangular shape makes your hand ache after a while. So if you’re likely to want to use it for hours at a time, consider that.

The software that comes with it is powerful but currently only works fully with the Paper app. However, the developer has just launched the FiftyThree SDK which allows other app developers to take advantage of the hardware.

The highlight of the software is palm rejection, which allows you to draw freely on the screen without smudging everything with the edge of your hand as you work. The stylus pairs immediately with Paper and works fairly well with other apps. That app support is only going to improve with the release of the SDK, but is passable as it is.

Pencil is a great little tool for graphic artists and creative types who use their iPads to draw. While currently only available in the US, global release is imminent.

Jesmond Darmanin is a technology enthusiast who has his own blog at www.itnewsblog.com.