Don't look directly into your stylus!
Sat Jul 13, 2002 - 10:58 PM EDT
By
Kenneth Crandall
Name Infiniter 3P Stylus/Pen/Laser Pointer
Company Infiniter
Laser Range 1500 ft (500m)
Laser Battery Life 30 Hours Continuous
Laser Color Red
Length 5 3/4 in.
Weight 1.5 oz.
Ink Colors Available Black/Blue/Red/Green
Availability Unknown
$25.99 (At www.styluscentral.com)
The Pen/Stylus
Laser
pointers are a fairly new and useful technology, which have dropped quite
significantly in price over the last few years. Now, standalone laser pointer
keychains are available for under $10. Laser pointers are convenient for
teachers or for any type of presentation. If you write, have a PDA, and give
presentations, the
Infiniter 3P
is for you. It combines a stylus, pen, and laser pointer all in one.
The pen works like any other pen stylus combination. To change between the two
tips, simply rotate the lower portion of the pen. The pen comes standard with
black ink. However, you can purchase refill ink in black, blue, red, and green.
Simply pull on the bottom to replace the ink.
The Laser
The
top of the pen contains the housing for the laser pointer and the batteries
which operate the pointer. A laser is a device that controls the way energized
atoms release photons; LASER is an acronym which stands for Light Amplification
by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. I could go into a detailed explanation
of the relationship between quantum mechanics and how laser radiation works.
However, it is much simpler to say that a laser is a very intense focused beam
of light energy.
The type of laser you find in this pen is very typical for a laser pointer. It
operates at a wavelength of 650nm, giving this laser a range of about 500 yards
(1,500 feet). It requires 3 small LR41 batteries, which is a lot considering
they only provide around 30 minutes of continuous use and cost around $5.00 for
the three. One drawback of lasers is that they draw a lot of power; but, try
lighting up something 1,500 feet away with your mag-lite.
To operate the laser, simply press the button to the right of the clip. To open
the compartment and change the batteries, unscrew the top. Also, when you
replace the batteries they rest face up in the compartment.
Usability
The combination of pen, stylus, and laser pointer works great. I use it quite often when I give presentations. The pen itself works great
and has a good feel to it. Switching between the pen and stylus is quite easy
with just a twist of the cap. The only qualm I have with using the pen is that
it is slightly top heavy due to the batteries and laser apparatus.
Using
the laser is great, especially indoors. Outside on a sunny day is a different
story. It is difficult to see the laser during the day, because the sun drowns
out the light. At night however, you are able to take advantage of the full
1,500 ft range.
I frequently lecture on various aviation topics. The other day I was speaking to
a group of pilots regarding the use of technology to aid in flight planning. I
brought this pen/stylus/pointer with me and used it during my presentation. I
found it very handy for what I was presenting. I used a PowerPoint presentation
to present the material, and pointed to various items on the screen using the
laser pointer function of the pen. Later in the presentation I did a live
demonstration using my Visor to show the different Palm OS programs which are
aviation related. It was great to just flip the laser pointer over and have a
stylus to use with my Visor.
Disclaimer
I
know this may sound silly in a review but it is serious. The laser pointer comes
with a warning label which you can remove. However, remember what it has to say.
Avoid contact with eyes. Laser radiation can cause instant damage to your eyes
due to its power. Never shine it into your eyes or anybody else. Also, if you
are traveling on an airplane laser pointers were originally on the ban list for
carry-on luggage. I am not sure if the rule has changed but I would recommend
placing it into your checked baggage.
Conclusion
Users who want more in a stylus and have a need for a laser pointer or just
want to have fun, can't go wrong with the Infiniter 3P. The pen itself normally
retails for $44.95, but you can purchase it for only $25.99 at
StylusCentral. Also available at
StylusCentral are the ink refills for $0.99 each and the batteries are available
for $4.95 for the three pack. So take a look at this pen to solve your
presentation needs and consolidate your PDA accessories.
Cost/Benefit - 4
Features/Functionality - 5
Durability - 4
Weight - 3
Final - 4
Pros
- Multiuse
- Long Range Laser
- Great for Presenters
Cons
- Top Heavy
- Short Battery Life
