While the Surface Slim Pen 2 looks almost the same as its predecessor on the outside, on the inside are new features that rival those of the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2 new features It can also wirelessly charge when slipped into the Signature Keyboard (compatible with the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X) or magnetically attached to the Surface Laptop Studio - just like the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, which can attach magnetically to most modern iPads for pairing and charging. Like its predecessor, the Surface Slim Pen 2 charges via a built-in USB-C connector, so you can just plug it directly into a USB-C port to recharge it. It's not as mobile-friendly, both bulkier and non-rechargeable, but helps keep your funds in check.Surface Slim Pen 2 plugged in and charging via USB-C (Image credit: Microsoft) The second-generation design and up still maintains all the signatures you'd expect, including accuracy and ergonomics akin to a real ballpoint pen. This is among the best Surface Duo accessories for inking on your new dual-screen phone.īut the slim variant isn't your only choice, with the standard Microsoft Surface Pen (opens in new tab) also compatible with inking. The slimline, lightweight design conveys a premium in-hand feel, and its rechargeable battery gets you writing with a moment's notice. The Microsoft Surface Slim Pen (opens in new tab) delivers that ideal balance of precision and portability, both functional and easy to store when inking on the move. The Microsoft Surface Duo launches with a handful of stylus options, but the latest and greatest leads the pack. Those minor differences result in a lower RRP, also frequently on sale below $70, which is significantly cheaper than other Microsoft-approved pens. It's also a little less portable, but that shouldn't be an issue if you're slapping it in your bag between home and the office. Opting for the basic Surface Pen has its setbacks, including reliance on disposable AAAA batteries. The hardware includes buttons that currently don't work with Duo, although with interchangeable pen tips, and more color options if your style, too. The latest revision serves Microsoft's best to date, with advancements to ensure low-latency and precise tracking on the Duo or other Surface devices. While the Surface Slim Pen is more like a pencil, its chunkier counterpart mimics your everyday ballpoint. The shift in technology means those oldest peripherals won't function, requiring one of three succeeding generations instead. The only Surface Pen that doesn't work is the first-generation design shipped in 2012, designed back when Microsoft used Wacom over its newer N-trig tech. The Microsoft Surface Duo supports almost every existing Surface Pen, including those designed around PCs like the Surface Pro and Surface Book, or even the 50-inch Surface Hub 2 whiteboard. While it may misalign on some minor details, it delivers all the inking benefits for less. The standard Surface Pen also works on the device, and if you have an existing Microsoft Surface tablet, the same pen fully works on the Duo. When looking to save on a Microsoft Surface Duo stylus, it's worth revisiting previous-generation accessories. It also magnetically connects to the Duo, sort of, due to the magnets that keep the screen closed. It measures 136.8mm long, while 11.3mm by 6.3mm thick - weighing just 14 grams in-hand. The move to condense the pen into a smaller, squared-off shape also provides portability, ideal for the mobile market. Sadly, pairing does little at launch, with no pen button mapping on the device. That provides low latency to ensure a responsive feel, acceptable precision, and an LED light for connectivity status and battery levels. This slimline revision of the stylus trims extra fat from the legacy design, parting with the traditional pen-inspired silhouette for one akin to a carpenter's pencil. It has the expected high-precision hardware inside, as first shipped with the Surface Pro X in 2019. The Microsoft Surface Slim Pen boasts the same high-quality construction and in-hand feel of other Surface Pens. And when paired, it's suited for note-taking via OneNote, annotations in Office, or signing documents with apps like Adobe Acrobat. It's the one in the commercials, product renders, and store listings often found adjacent to the Duo. While the Microsoft Surface Duo supports the majority of existing Surface-branded pens, there's no competition with its latest and greatest, the Microsoft Surface Slim Pen.
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