Get a Pencil digital stylus for $19.99
A much more affordable alternative to Apple's stylus, this iDevice-friendly pen works with a variety of apps. Plus: a killer game bundle for, er, budding killers.
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Write on!
Greetings from Las Vegas! Sorry for the delay sharing today's deal, but that's what happens when you forget that Cheapskate Airlines (aka Spirit) doesn't offer in-flight Wi-Fi. And then your hotel won't let you check in early -- unless you pay $60 for the privilege. (Not in this lifetime, Treasure Island!)
I'll be on the prowl for cheap tech while I'm here, so be sure to check in Friday for a roundup of the best stuff.
In the meantime, I've got something different for you -- a product I don't think I've ever featured in this space.
For a limited time, and while supplies last, Techrabbit has the refurbished FiftyThree Design Pencil digital stylus for $19.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code CNETDP10 at checkout. Granted, it's only $10 more new at Amazon, but my Techrabbit guy assures me these are very much good as new, and you get a full one-year warranty.
Available in your choice of graphite, walnut or gold, the Pencil connects via Bluetooth (and can even use Apple's not-good-for-much-else NFC, apparently) to any recent iPhone or iPad. It works with FiftyThree's venerated Paper app and a variety of others as well, including OneNote and Procreate.
More than just a simple stylus, it features a pressure-sensitive tip (meaning you can draw thin or thick lines without changing any settings) and an "eraser" end.
If you've ever tried to use a generic stylus with your phone or tablet, you know that most of them just don't work well. They're mushy and/or imprecise. Something like this, though, you could really get some note-taking done. Or drawing, sketching, wireframing...you get the idea.
Apple charges $99 for its eponymous Pencil, by the way. I couldn't stomach that kind of price, and even the usual $59.99 for the FiftyThree Pencil would be tough to swallow. But $19.99 out the door? Yeah, that works.
Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: Game time! The Assassin's Creed series delivers a thrilling mix of action and adventure, all wrapped in actual plots. The 2014 entry, Unity, normally sells for $39.99 all by itself, making this a pretty compelling deal: Humble Bundle has a whole Assassin's Creed bundle for $15, a price that includes not only Unity, but also the first two games in the series and a ton of add-on content. Total value: $177.
Take note that you'll redeem all this stuff not on Steam, but rather on Ubisoft's Uplay platform. You'll also support charities, an awesome bonus perk. Great, great bundle.