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Apple Pencil USB-C hands-on review
We got a chance to experience the Apple Pencil USB-C hands-on, and it was quite a ride.
The new Apple Pencil USB-C is the long-awaited refresh for the stylus and follows the iPhone 15‘s footsteps in acquiring a brand-spankin’-new port.
This is the first time since 2018 that the Apple Pencil has received an update, and with this new variant out on the market, I had a lot of questions. How does it differ from the second-generation Apple Pencil? Which iPads is it compatible with? Are there any benefits to using the Apple Pencil USB-C over any other model?
Like many of you, my mind was spinning with questions, but thanks to a recent hands-on experience with Apple Pencil USB-C, I’ve got some clarity about it now.
I tried out the Apple Pencil USB-C with the 10th-gen iPad.
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
Which iPads does the new Apple Pencil USB-C support?
When I tried the Apple Pencil (USB-C) for the first time, I took it for a spin with the 10th-gen iPad, so that answers your question about at least one of the models the new stylus supports. But what about the other tablets?
With the new USB-C stylus, 10th-gen iPad owners have two Apple Pencils they can choose from.
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
For your information, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible with the following:
-
12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd to 6th gen)
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11-inch iPad Pro (1st to 4th gen)
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iPad Air (4th and 5th gen)
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iPad (10th gen)
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iPad mini (6th gen)
Before the Apple Pencil (USB-C)’s debut, 10th-gen iPad users could only use the first-generation Apple Pencil. Now, with the new USB-C stylus, 10th-gen iPad owners have two Apple Pencils they can choose from. Win!
Why get the USB-C Apple Pencil when you can buy the wireless-charging Apple Pencil 2?
While wandering around social media, I noticed many folks questioning why one would opt for the USB-C Apple Pencil when its predecessor, the Apple Pencil 2, offers wireless charging.
The Apple Pencil USB-C has a specific target audience: budget-conscious users who simply want to take notes, make annotations, journal, and draft up digital plans. After all, the USB-C Apple Pencil is only $79. The second-gen Apple Pencil, on the other hand, will set you back $129.
The Apple Pencil USB-C made for a smooth write.
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
The Apple Pencil 2 gives you the luxury of charging the stylus by attaching it to the edge of a supported iPad, which is why it’s pricier.
And unlike the Apple Pencil USB-C, the Apple Pencil 2 has pressure sensitivity, making it ideal for creators who want to make digital masterpieces, calligraphy, and pro-level artwork. The Apple Pencil USB-C, on the other hand, is ideal for users — students, for example — who don’t need a sophisticated stylus.
Still, when I used the new Apple Pencil USB-C across several iPadOS apps, from Goodnotes to Animatic, I found the Apple Pencil to be as seamless as putting pen to paper. Hell, I’d argue that’s even smoother than that — like a figure skater gliding on ice — thanks to its tilt sensitivity and low latency.
For less than $80, it’s a good, affordable option.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Plus, it’s nice that the iPad I was using had excellent palm rejection, so I could comfortably sketch and draw without my hands getting in the way.
Yes, it’s more convenient to opt for the second-gen Apple Pencil, but the loss of that luxury nets you a more affordable Apple Pencil for less than $80. On the plus side, you can still magnetically attach the Apple Pencil USB-C to your iPad, but it won’t charge wirelessly.
How does the USB-C Apple Pencil’s port work?
If you remember, the first-gen Apple Pencil charges via a lighting cable. To access the port, you need to twist open the top cap, which was super easy to lose. Now, the new Apple Pencil USB-C has a sliding cap, which I kept playing with over and over again — it’s like the new fidget spinner.
You can magnetically attach the Apple Pencil USB-C to your iPad, but it won’t charge wirelessly.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
That cap isn’t going any damn where. So if you plan on gifting this Apple Pencil to a young whippersnapper, you needn’t worry about them losing the cap and running around with a headless stylus.
The European Union (EU) mandate requiring that all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU have USB-C ports likely played a part in this update, but it’s a welcome refresh for iPad owners who don’t want to splurge nearly $200 on an Apple pen.
Final thoughts
What was even more intriguing during my hands-on experience was how well apps like Animatic, an incredible platform that made me feel like a pro animator in seconds, worked seamlessly with the Apple Pencil. I thought it was pretty cool that I could upload my animated creations to Freeform, too.
The USB-C Apple Pencil worked seamlessly with a variety of apps.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Goodnotes is another gem of an app, which has a new “Tidy Up” feature that lets you lasso your messily handwritten notes to organize them in a neater, more organized fashion. Any of you known for having awful handwriting should be using “Tidy Up” before subjecting others to your chicken scratch.
I look forward to experimenting with the Apple Pencil USB-C thoroughly. Stay tuned for the full review!
The Apple Pencil USB-C will be available some time in early November.
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Credit: Amazon
Amazon Luna gaming controller deal: Take 29% off
The Amazon Luna wireless gaming controller is on sale for $49.99, or 29% off, at Amazon as of Oct. 27.
SAVE $20: The Amazon Luna wireless gaming controller is on sale for $49.99 at Amazon. With a regular list price of $69.99, that’s 20% off.
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Credit: Amazon
If you haven’t tried out Amazon’s cloud gaming service, Luna, now is the perfect time. You can get a wireless controller made just for the Luna experience for less today.
The Amazon Luna wireless controller is $49.99, down from $69.99, at Amazon as of Oct. 27. That’s $20, or 29%, off. We’ve seen the controller drop to $39.99 before, but the last time the price dropped that low was in January. We wouldn’t recommend sleeping on today’s savings.
It’s important to note that in order to stream your favorite games through Amazon Luna, there are a few things that you’ll need in addition to the wireless controller. First, you’ll need a Luna+ subscription, which costs $9.99 per month. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can play some games (like Fortnite and Trackmania) without a Luna+ subscription.
Once you establish your subscription, you’ll need a compatible streaming device. Fortunately, you probably already have one of these: the Luna controller connects to your device through the cloud, so you can move seamlessly between any of your PC, Mac, Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Android, and select Samsung smart TV devices.
Score the Amazon Luna controller today for $20 off and bring a whole world of gaming to your fingertips.
Samsung Galaxy S7 deal: Save up to $150 at Best Buy
As of Oct. 27, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE for up to $150 off the usual price at Best Buy — your purchase will also come with some extras, including three-month subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass, YouTube Premium, and a six-month membership to Norton 360.
SAVE UP TO $150: As of Oct. 27, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE for up to $150 off the usual price at Best Buy. Your purchase will also come with some extras, including three-month subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass, YouTube Premium, and a six-month membership to Norton 360.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 deals
64GB
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
$399.99 at Best Buy
(save $130)
(save $130)
128GB
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
$449.99 at Best Buy
(save $150)
(save $150)
256GB
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
579.99 at Best Buy
(save $100)
(save $100)
We know what you’re thinking: If you already have a laptop, why on Earth would you need a tablet? And that’s actually a pretty good point, but we’re big proponents of having both. (Hellow portability!) Plus, they’re fun to use — who doesn’t love a good touchscreen?
If you’re thinking of hopping on the tablet train and don’t want to immediately jump to an iPad, we think the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a fantastic alternative. At the time of this writing, you can get one on sale at Best Buy for up to $150 off the original price, and it comes with some fun extras including three-month subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass, YouTube Premium, and a six-month membership to Norton 360. (Amazon also has the Galaxy Tab S7 FE on sale for the same price, but you won’t be getting the bonus perks.)
While newer versions of the Galaxy Tab have since been released, the S7 is still a more-than-worthy tablet for plenty of people. It comes with a large, high-quality touchscreen, which is paired with Samsung’s fan-favorite S Pen — perfect for taking notes, drawing doodles, and regular web browsing. The battery life is also pretty impressive, clocking in at around 12 hours on a single charge (that’s comparable to most iPads, if not better). It’s all brought together by the device’s Qualcomm SM7225 Octa-Core processor, which will allow you to work, browse, and stream at the speeds you’d expect from a great tablet.
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Best iPad Pro deal: Get the 6th gen iPad Pro for $109 off
Get a 2021 iPad Pro (128 GB) for $989.99, which is $109 less than its usual price of $1,099, as of Oct. 27. That’s this iPad Pro’s lowest price ever.
SAVE $109.01: As of Oct. 27 get the 2022 Apple iPad Pro (128GB) at its lowest price yet at Amazon for $989.99. That’s a discount of 10%.
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Credit: Apple
Black Friday may not be until mid-November, but we’re already seeing a slew of deals roll in ahead of time. You can save big right now on goodies like smartwatches and tablets, including the iPad Pro. If you’re an avid iOS user, especially if you picked up a new iPhone 15 or Apple Watch Series 9, there’s a lot to love about the iPad, and out of all of the current models, the 2022 iPad Pro is the newest one you can get right now, at least until Apple announces a whole new slate. It’s one of the most premium iPad experiences, so when it’s discounted, you should sit up and pay attention.
As of Oct. 27, the 2022 iPad Pro (128GB, 12.9-inch) is on sale at Amazon for $989.99. That’s $109.01 off its usual price of $1,199 and a savings of 10%. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen yet. Currently, this price only applies to the 128 GB silver model. However, the 256GB configuration is also on sale (in only silver as well) for $1,049.99, which is a discount of $149.01 and a savings of 12%.
This is the best iPad you can get right now, from its powerful M2 processor to its large 12.9-inch display. It’s the perfect companion for a lengthy commute and the best device for helping you wind down in bed at the end of a long day. Thanks to its support for the Apple Pencil, you can also use it to sketch, take notes, or mess about with your favorite apps with a stylus. Pair the iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard and it suddenly becomes a great alternative to a MacBook Pro. There’s a long list of uses for this tablet, and it’s a great option for just about any user.
So whether you’ve had your eye on an iPad Pro for a while or just needed an excuse to get one, now’s your chance. Lock one in before the holidays are finally here.
Save $100 on this iPad refurb
Get a refurbished 2018 iPad 6 in good condition for just $149, 40% off for minor wear and tear.
TL;DR: As of October 27, get this refurbished iPad 6 for only $149 — that’s 40% off.
Looking for a reliable, budget-friendly tablet you can use for general browsing, streaming, and maybe a little work here and there? This refurbished 6th-gen iPad might be a great fit for a low price. While it’s in stock, this iPad is on sale for $149.
Refurbished and ready to go
iPads improve every generation, but that doesn’t mean a model with a few years on it isn’t worth your attention. This 2018 tablet has a 9.7-inch Retina display with a 2048×1536 resolution, so you can get a super clear picture whether while you’re browsing or marathoning your favorite series.
This tablet is equipped with the Apple A10 Fusion chip. It’s not the newest processor, but that plus the 32GB internal storage means you could store a good variety of apps and multitask between them. It also has an 8MP iSight camera for capturing stills, Live Photos, and 1080p 30fps videos. And you can hop onto a video call with the 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera.
If you want to unwind at the end of a long day, you can go online with WiFi or connect to a Bluetooth speaker and play some tunes. This refurbished tablet has a maximum battery life of 10 hours, so you could still have a few hours after the work day before you need to track down a charger.
A low price doesn’t mean low quality. This tablet only has faint signs of use, with a certified refurbished grade “B”. You might notice some minor scratches or scuffs, but that’s why it’s $100 off.
Save on a refurbished iPad 6
Why pay for brand-new when ‘new-to-you’ gets the job done?
For a limited time, get a 2018 refurbished iPad 6 on sale for $149 (reg. $250).
Prices subject to change.
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Credit: Total TR/Cal State Electronics
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