This is my very first formal review of a pen. Well, technically-speaking, it is classified as a gadget accessory, since it has a screen stylus on the other end of the pen which you can use on touch screen devices, from smartphones to tablets and even smartwatches.
LAMY was founded by Josef Lamy in 1930 and is a brand which is highly regarded as producer of quality writing instruments. Its designs are simple yet functional, and distinctively modern. LAMY writing systems are mainly fountain pens, ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils. LAMY screen is the first ballpoint pen with stylus, and like all other LAMY products, is made in Germany.
When I saw the press images, I was not impressed. It looks like a pen shorter than usual without the usual clip, through twist mechanism to reveal the ballpoint pen on one end and the silicone nib on the other. This combination is not uncommon, and in fact I had one such similar pen + stylus corporate gift that even comes with a laser pointer and LED mini-light. The quality of those freebies, needless to say, is fit for the bin.
Twist counter-clockwise reveals the ballpoint pen tip. In this mode, the ribbed black plastic area is where you hold when writing. The ink flows nicely and easily refilled by unscrewing the tip. The refill is entirely in metal, like all premium brand refills.
When using as a stylus, we usually hold it further away from the nib unlike a pen. I am surprised at the smoothness of the silicone nib, which glides on the screen without the stickiness and drag. I have used a number of budget silicone-tip styluses, but none as smooth as the LAMY stylus.
I think the shorter than usual design and the missing clip are elements to portray the LAMY screen as a stylus-first product. Despite missing a clip, the pen does not roll away on smooth surfaces, because there is a small LAMY logo printed on the black grip which acts as a bump.
The LAMY screen is a premium yet practical writing instrument for the current generation of consumers who traverse seamlessly between pen-writing and touch-screen browsing. It comes in 4 colours – white, red, blue, silver – and will be a thoughtful gift for the ones you love, young and old. The recommended retail price in Singapore is $45.80 (with GST), and is available at Lamy stores and good stationery retailers.
The LAMY screen stylus pen is provided with compliments by ALJ Singapore, sole distributor for LAMY writing instruments, for this review.
