In addition, while this procedure probably isn't sanctioned by Wacom, you can get even better angles by unscrewing the metal shaft around the tip of the stylus to expose more of the sides of the nib. If you're drawing, this trick is invaluable for shading.

For the coin, the Wacom Bamboo Stylus is absolutely top-tier for both writing and sketching. However, if you're looking for a simple navigation device, or you don't have $30 to blow on a stylus, this may not be the tool for you.

A pen-like aluminum design makes Griffin Technology's ( Macworld rated 3.5 out of 5 mice ; $20) one of the most comfortable styluses to hold. The accessory has the radius and weight of a good pen or mechanical pencil, though the length is more crayon-like. It definitely feels solid in your hand, and the stylus's metal clip allows you to attach it to a pocket or a bag like any other writing utensil.

The Griffin Stylus shines when sketching and navigating on an iPad; on an iPhone or iPod touch, the size of the nib and the length of the pen overpower the smaller device. I also ran into trouble on the iPad when I tried handwriting, as I tend to over-slant my hand, which meant I couldn't keep the pen steady without applying a decent amount of pressure--not very useful when you're trying to jot down quick notes. However, the pen does draw or write at almost any angle with the right amount of pressure, which can be useful when dealing with an app that doesn't ignore accidental hand gestures.