Gadget Reviews, Product News, Electronic Gadgets

iPic, a Stylish Stylus for Rocking out on your iPad

Every time I play a guitar-related app, I think about how fun it would be to have a pic instead of having to tap strings with my fingertips. Woodees had the same idea when they created the iPic. It is as if the iPad fairy came down and granted my wish. Now, I can shred on my virtual guitars like a real rock star.
The iPic, made of anodized aluminum construction, is about the exact same size as a real pick. The end has a soft rubber tip on it for interacting with touch-base devices. It can easily be held in either hand, pinched between the thumb and forefingers. Cold hands are no longer a problem when using touch-screen devices. Like all other styluses, the iPic makes gloved-fingers no longer a problem for iPad or iPhone use.
The iPic felt comfortable and natural in my hand. I opened up Miso Music: Plectrum to try out the guitar action. The company recommends Miso Music on its website and packaging. Sure enough, I was picking along with songs like a pro. The iPic fit perfectly in my hand without forcing me to hold it in an awkward way while plucking the strings of the guitar.
This rocking accessory is more than just a pick. It can be used as a regular stylus anytime, anywhere. Hold it upright and tap away at your QWERTY keyboard or use it to slash fruits and veggies to bits. Anything you would normally use your fingers for, the iPic can do without leaving smudgy prints behind.
I used the iPic to write emails, send text messages and play games. The soft rubber tip is an excellent simulation of the tips of the finger. Unlike hard rubber styluses, this one worked with every swipe and tap without needing to be strategically placed at an angle or anything.
I found that, while playing Aquaria for two hours, the fleshy pad below my thumb started to cramp up. It felt similar to the way my hands feel after playing a console game for a long time. Most apps do not require constant screen touching the way Aquaria does, but it is something to keep in mind when using this stylus.
One of the best parts about the iPic is how easy it is to use with gloves on. Because it is so wide, padded fingers can hold onto it more easily. I even tried it with snow gloves on. Because it is held only an inch from the screen, the thick gloves brushed against the iPad, but the iPic still worked perfectly.
The iPic is available from Woodees website for $14.99. It is also available at Guitar Center and Radio Shack for $19.99, but you won’t have to pay for shipping if you visit a participating retailer.