Commercial Styluses

You may be wondering what a "commercial stylus" is, or what makes it different from a conventional PDA stylus...  The answer is, of course, nothing...and everything...  Like everything, else, it depends on a particular customer's requirements.  We hope the passages below will shed some light on a few of the differences.

Design - a commercial stylus will typically be designed to satisfy the rigors of more intensive use, for example to be used on a handheld to track deliveries, like those used by FedEx, UPS, DHL and others.  These design features may range from increased durability to a tether for loss prevention, to a spring-loaded tip to help reduce wear and tear on the screen.  A more detailed reference article on stylus design can be found on the StyliSource.com site via the following link:

http://www.stylisource.com/pda-stylus-info/stylus-design.asp

Packaging - a commercial stylus is typically sold in bulk to reduce cost and simplify distribution and logistics.  A "consumer stylus" will typically be found in an office-supply store or electronics store, and will be packaged to provide the information necessary to help a consumer make a purchasing decision.  It will also likely be packaged in a durable plastic "clamshell" for theft prevention.

End-of-Life - most PDA's and consumer handhelds are only on the market for 9-18 months, until the next level of technology or feature-set is available.  When PDA makers phase out one model in favor of another they often change the stylus.  Retailers, in turn, discontinue the older handheld, and all of the styli and accessories that accompany it, even though there may be thousands (or millions) still in service.  A commercial stylus, like those made by Pilot Pen (www.pilotnbd.com), are not designed for a particular hand-held and are typically available for years...

Customization - many commercial styluses can be produced in custom colors, with custom holders and other accessories.  StyliSource.com has adapted many of Pilot Pen's offerings with tethers, holders and more.  Their complete selection is available via the following link:

http://www.stylisource.com/pda-stylus-shop/custom-handheld-styli.asp