Digital pens (active styluses) are made for handwriting, sketching and marking up documents on the touchscreen of a laptop or tablet. Our range has more than 20 models, mostly for Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Microsoft and HP Inc devices.
They suit students who take notes by hand, designers who sketch ideas and office staff who comment on PDF files.
How to choose a digital pen
Compatibility with brand and model. A pen only works with a screen that supports its technology, so start with the exact model of your laptop. Our range includes pens for Dell, Lenovo, HP and ASUS devices, as well as universal models.
Pen standard. Pens use different standards, such as Microsoft Pen Protocol, Wacom AES or USI, so the brand name alone is not enough. Check the manufacturer's specification to see which standard your screen supports.
Device type. Most of the pens are made for laptops. There are also universal ones, and at least one model is designed for tablets. If you use a 2-in-1 device, choose the pen intended for that model.
Pressure sensitivity and buttons. Pressure levels and tilt recognition matter for sketching and drawing, while a simpler pen is enough for notes. A side button is handy for erasing or right-clicking.
Power and storage. Some pens run on a replaceable battery and others are rechargeable. It helps if the laptop has a slot for the pen or the pen attaches magnetically, because a small pen is easy to lose.
Brands in our range
- Dell: its active pens are made for touchscreen Latitude, XPS and Inspiron laptops, and it has the most models in our range.
- Lenovo: its pens are designed for ThinkPad and Yoga laptops with touchscreens.
- ASUS: ASUS Pen is built for the company's own touchscreen laptops, such as the Zenbook series.
- Microsoft: Surface pens are made for Surface devices and work with Microsoft Pen Protocol.
- HP Inc: HP Active Pen is made for HP 2-in-1 laptops such as the Envy x360 and Spectre x360.
- Panasonic and Getac: known for rugged laptops and tablets built for fieldwork and industrial use.
Also in our range: Targus, Mobilis, Alogic and 4smarts.
Frequently asked questions
Can one digital pen be used with any laptop?
No, most pens only work with certain screens and manufacturers. Compatibility depends on the screen's sensor and the pen standard, so check your laptop model before buying. Universal pens work with a wider range of devices, but they may not support every feature.
What is the difference between an active pen and a basic stylus?
An active pen contains electronics and exchanges signals with the screen, so it can detect how hard you press and draw thin lines more precisely. A basic passive stylus simply replaces your finger and has no such features. Digital pens are usually active ones.
Does a digital pen need a touchscreen?
Yes, you need a screen that supports the pen. A laptop without a touchscreen will not recognise it, and not every touchscreen works with an active pen. Check this in the manufacturer's specification.
Does a digital pen need a battery?
It depends on the model. Some pens use a replaceable or rechargeable battery, while others need none because they draw power from the screen. The product description will give the exact details.
