Smartphones and Computing
Modern day devices such as touchscreen phones can often be used with a stylus to accurately navigate through menus, send messages etc. As before, the stylus is pointed at one end and is made to fit in the grip of a hand comfortably. These styli can be found in all different styles. For example many new phones like the Nokia 5800 and LG (C) Cookie have a built in stylus which tucks in behind the back cover. Some styli may extend and contract into small, pen-like cylinders, which are easy to put away.
Today, the term stylus often refers to an input tool usually used with PDAs, graphics tablets, Tablet PCs, and UMPCs. In this method, the user operates a touchscreen with a stylus, rather than using a finger, which avoids getting the natural oil from one's hands on the screen. It also improves the precision of the touch input, allowing use of smaller user interface elements. Styli may be used for handwriting or drawing on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g. the Nintendo DS).
Styli are also found in use with commercial devices, particularly for electronically retrieving signatures.
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