Tag: SonarPen 2

  • Apple Pencil Alternative Now Compatible with MacBooks

    Apple Pencil Alternative Now Compatible with MacBooks

    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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  • Affordable SonarPen 2: Wired Apple Pencil Alternative Stylus

    Affordable SonarPen 2: Wired Apple Pencil Alternative Stylus

    Other than the Apple Pencil, there’s a wide range of styluses for Apple’s iPads, which come in many different styles, sizes, and prices. One standout option is the SonarPen 2, a stylus that combines numerous features with a unique design and a really budget-friendly price.

    Crowdfunding Efforts

    The SonarPen 2 is currently being funded through Kickstarter, but it’s still quite a bit away from its target of $25,698. Still, this stylus is being advertised as the most budget-friendly iPad pen with high-end features. It comes in a white design (with a black version planned if they hit $100,000) and has a replaceable pointed nib. It also supports pressure sensitivity in selected apps, palm rejection, hover capability on the iPad Pro, and tilt angle detection.

    No Pairing Needed

    Unlike many other styluses, like the Apple Pencil (2nd gen), which require pairing with the iPad, the SonarPen 2 doesn’t need any pairing. Plus, it doesn’t require charging since it has no battery. Instead, it connects to a compatible iPad using the USB-C cable that’s attached to its top. Once connected, the SonarPen 2 operates just like an Apple Pencil.

    Compatibility and Pricing

    The stylus works with iPad models from 2018 and later. While some of these models may not have a USB-C port, a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter will be available for purchase separately. Additionally, the SonarPen 2 features built-in cable management for safe storage.

    The SonarPen 2 is very affordable. Early supporters can grab one for just $31.5, which includes the stylus and a free set of extra nibs (three in total). If it meets its goal and goes into production, the retail price will be $45, still much lower than the $79 Apple Pencil (USB-C) (currently priced at $69 on Amazon) and less than half the cost of the $129 Apple Pencil 2nd Generation (available for $124 on Amazon).$79 Apple Pencil

    Production Timeline

    According to the Kickstarter page, the aim is to start production in January 2025, with shipping expected to take place in April 2025.

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