Key Takeaways
1. The SonarPen 2 is a wired stylus alternative to the Apple Pencil, priced at $71, and compatible with iPads from 2018 onwards and MacBooks.
2. It uses a software called SonarPen Driver to make the MacBook’s trackpad function like a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet.
3. Users must adjust settings for pressure sensitivity and smoothness for optimal use.
4. The SonarPen is compatible with MacBooks running macOS 11 or later and works with various drawing applications.
5. The SonarPen 2 includes a USB-C cable, while users of the older SonarPen 1 need to buy a $9.45 adapter to connect to MacBooks.
The SonarPen 2 is a wired stylus alternative to the Apple Pencil, which is currently listed on Amazon for $71. When it was introduced on Kickstarter last year, it was announced to be compatible with iPads from 2018 and onwards. Recently, the manufacturer has shared that this stylus also works with MacBooks. But how can this be, given that MacBooks lack a touch screen designed for stylus use?
How It Works
Interestingly, the SonarPen 2 utilizes the large trackpad featured on modern MacBooks. This is made possible through a software named SonarPen Driver, which enables the trackpad to function similarly to a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet. Once the SonarPen is connected to the Mac, the driver facilitates the detection of position and pressure of the strokes, transferring them into whatever drawing application is being used on the screen.
User Adjustments Required
SonarPen indicates that users will need to make a few adjustments for optimal performance. These include selecting from low, medium, or high settings for pressure sensitivity and pressure smoothness, as well as deciding on the functionality of the SonarPen’s button.
Compatibility and Pricing
The SonarPen is compatible with any MacBook that runs macOS 11 or later. It has been tested to work effectively with various applications such as Clip Studio Paint, ArtRage, Art Studio Pro, Inkscape, Photoshop, MediBang Paint Pro, GIMP, Krita, Tayasui Sketches, and iPastels.
The SonarPen Driver is compatible with both the $43 SonarPen 2, which comes with a USB-C cable, and the older SonarPen 1 that uses a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, users of the SonarPen 1 will need to purchase a SonarPen USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter for $9.45 to utilize it with their MacBook.
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