TEC Accessories PicoPen Review

by Julie on July 31, 2009 · 7 comments

in Gear

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I don’t know why, but I have a thing for unique and tiny ink pens. I’ve been a fan of the Inka Pen for awhile, but when I saw the PicoPen from TEC Accessories, I knew I had to try one because it looked like a slicker alternative to the Inka. Let’s check it out.

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Everything comes packaged in a Altoids sized tin box, with all the bits arranged in a specially molded foam insert.

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Package Contents

PicoPen with ink pen insert
PDA/Stylus insert
Snap ring
10mm split ring
Stainless steel wire rope keychain

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The PicoPen is made of stainless steel and is about 3 inches long (from cap to end) and 3/16 inches in diameter. It weighs in at less than 1/4 ounce.

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The cap is held in place with a rare earth magnet. Just give it a tug and it separates from the pen.

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The PicoPen comes with an ink pen insert and a stylus insert. It’s easy to replace either one. Just grab the tip with your fingers and pull. Replacement ink inserts are $1.85 for a package of 3.

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The pen is very short and thin,  but it’s still comfortable enough to use to jot a short note or list. I wouldn’t want to use it to write a novel, but that’s not its intended purpose.

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I like that several options for attaching the PicoPen have been included with the package. Here it is with the snap ring. I don’t carry  it around on my belt loop as shown, but I do connect it to the eyelet on one of the zippers on my Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger bag.

The PicoPen is a simple product with an elegant design and a great price. It’s definitely my  new favorite travel pen. :)

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Product Information

Price:$19.95
Manufacturer:TEC Accessories, Inc.
Pros:
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Magnetic cap
  • Easy ink refill installation
  • Comes with different attachment options
Cons:
  • None

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Aybara July 31, 2009 at 4:21 pm

I still like the Inka pens screw on ends. With my luck something would cause the magnet to drop this pen off.

Plus, I like the fact that the Inka can be converted into a more regular sized pen for longer use.

I bought 4 of them for various places around the house and work based on your original review. ;)

2 Julie July 31, 2009 at 5:37 pm

@Aybara Yes, I also like that the Inka can be converted into a regular sized pen, but I rarely do that… So the PicoPen seems perfect as it’s easier to use (for me).

3 Jose August 1, 2009 at 4:37 am

It sound quite cool.

What is the magnetic catches fail ability?

4 jake August 1, 2009 at 7:12 am

wouldn’t there be a problem with it getting “stuck” to things.

5 Julie August 1, 2009 at 5:27 pm

@Jose The magnet is really strong. It’s not going to pull apart easily on its own.

6 Julie August 1, 2009 at 5:28 pm

@Jake Not really. The magnet is inside the lip of the cap. It does cause the whole cap to be magnetized, but not strongly.

7 john September 20, 2009 at 1:04 pm

magnet loss! the pen would fall of magnet if you are somewhat active
I was jumping up the stairs and it feel off…sitting on the couch, fell off
not a good buy unless all you do it sit upright and not actgive

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