Apple considering stylus for the tablet? They've applied for a patent, but...

I think they're just getting a patent on their new Point of Sale devices they use in the store. Those do have the conductive tips, and the reason they have those is so people can sign on the ipod-touch-made-into-POS-device unit that they carry around.

I don't see them introducing a product that would require a stylus, but maybe they'd have it available for those who want to draw and handwrite on the tablet. Like the remote with their computers, it doesn't come WITH the computer anymore, but it's an option if you feel like you'd need it.

Stylus for the new tablet is not a bad idea.

But definitely not for pocket size devices like mobile phone or ipod.

Could indicate a secondary input device. They'd be crazy not to at least explore the concept of a 10.1 touchscreen as a sketchpad/easel. Here's my take: http://tastyslate.com/2010/01/15/new-patent-points-to-stylus-for-tablet/

A stylus is a must have for digital art.

I'm relatively new (couple years) to the Mac world, but didn't something like this happen with Intel processors? Jobs said that they were inferior and wouldn't be used, but when it made more business sense the company switched?

I think Jobs is a genius, but no one is right 100% of the time and sometimes function outweighs form/CEO preference.

I would like to see a stylus, as an accessory, for apps like SketchBook Mobile and others. This would be a great sketching/presentation device for traveling designers. Hopefully, it would encourage the integration of other "design" applications.

The main caveats of styluses are the same as any writing/drawing instruments, size and weight. Which is often a user preference.

It gets worse when you want to use them on mobile devices as the stylus is shrunk so it can be stored within the device. The result being a stylus that is too short, thin, and light for comfortable use over extended periods. It's akin to writing a novel using a golf pencil.

I solve this issue by using a multi-function pen with a stylus nub, the regular pen size and weight being more comfortable to use.

With regard to what Steve said, I believe many have taken it out of context. Stylus input and navigation may not be the right choice for the iPhone, its still a valid method for larger mobile devices such as a tablet though.

Providing handwriting input/recognition on the tablet is a must in my opinion. Its the first interaction method that comes to mind when you hear 'tablet' or 'slate', its the most natural way to enter data in the given form factor, and it will allow functions such as note taking and digital art.

No way, no stylus is ever going to ship with an Apple product. If I have to open every box myself and take them out. I believe Apple will make a "gesture" for handwriting. Just hold your fingers and thumb as you would to actually write with a pen or pencil and the screen automatically knows you have a "stylus". The rest will be carried out through inwell.

Now that I have solved that mystery.

http://web.me.com/u1019/applebythehour/AppleByTheHour.html

I could certainly see a stylus coming with the Apple tablet, not for usual navigation but for handwriting and other fine-tip work. As great as the iPhone interface is, I think we can all agree that most people don't have fingers conducive to that kind of work. A stylus might almost be necessary for a tablet. If it doesn't have a one, I'll be interested to see how they fill that fine-tip void.

Is there anything still patentable about a stylus? Or is this just another demonstration of why the US patent system is so screwed up and needs to be overhauled from top to bottom.

That aside, I think this patent filing is more about misdirection by Apple than anything else.