PicoPen Mini Keychain Pen review

[LowWorm]

Got my PicoPen from Tec Accessories (http://www.tecaccessories.com/products/product.php?II=13) today, and have the following thoughts on this mini keychain pen.

Packaging, accessories, and build

The PicoPen came in a metalic gift box tin with a matte finish (nice looking!). Inside the tin was high-density foam with custom slots for the PicoPen (featuring a magnetic cap with 2mm wide hole and split ring attached), an extra split ring (10mm), a metal snap ring, a twisty wire keychain, and a stylus insert. There is also a laminated instruction card that talks about the pen's use, parts, and warranty.

All I can say is that it must have been an EDC junkie who designed the pen and decided on the accessories, because I have never in my life seen so much consideration given to HOW a pen may be carried. Most manufacturers just slap a clip on a pen and call it good.

The pen and all the accessories have a high-quality feel to them, especially considering the price of the pen. Nothing looks or feels cheap. On the bottom of the pen is an embossed TEC logo. The top of the pen is covered by a very strong magnetic cap, which connects to the pen tip securely (there is pretty much no way of dislodging it without a firm, direct pull).

A few thoughts on the magnetic cap. Tom from Tec Accessories has posted this comment on the Group Buy thread:


Regarding the question about the USB drives, if I may address this issue directly...FWIW we have extensively tested the PicoPen with Credit cards, USB drives (metal and plastic housings), and anything that may have the slightest sensitivity to the magnet. Safe to say we have had no problems. Additionally, 3 of my personal credit cards survived a direct wipe of the pen cap (with the embedded magnet) onto the stripe. We certainly cannot guarantee that nothing will ever happen, but we are pretty satisfied with the testing results. The fact that the magnet is recessed into the pen cap makes a big difference.

I have no reason to doubt his tests, and unless you are deliberately rubbing the pen against magnet-sensitive objects, you should be fine. The magnet is recessed quite well in the cap. The magnet is strong, though, and can attract metal objects through the cap. One big bonus of this is that the pen with cap can attach directly to any metallic surface (like a fridge or door). I LIKE this feature. The cap cannot be attached to the end of the pen to lengthen the surface. From top of cap to end of pen, it measures 3" (76mm). Without cap, the pen is almost 2 3/4" (69mm).

Refills and use

Refills for the PicoPen are .09" diameter x 2-5/8" long. The stock refills do not appear to be pressurized. I could scribble continuously upside-down for about about 45 seconds before the pen stopped writing. Used normally, the ink flow is glob free and smooth enough for the small writing tasks that such a pen would be ideal for. Its length and girth preclude it from being used for any sustained amount of time, but it wasn't intended for such use anyway. This pen is a finely tuned sprinter, not a marathoner.

To remove the refill, all you do is pull on the end. The refill cavity is snug enough that the refill has no chance of accidentally sliding out. The ease of changing the refill on this pen is a big bonus, in my book. No tiny parts to fiddle with or lose - just pull out the refill and replace it with another one. The next big bonus is that the PicoPen will take the Caran d'Ache XS Mini Ballpoint Refill - which is one of the smoothest pressurized ballpoint refills I've ever had the pleasure to use. It will also take the Cross refill for theMicro Pen or most typical pen/stylus/3-ink type of pen refills. And finally, it should take the Fisher Pressurized Universal refill at the first notch. The wide compatibility of this pen with multiple types of refills is totally convenient, and just adds to the value of it.

Conclusions

I really, really like this pen a bunch. For the regular price of $19.95 it is a great deal, and at the discount price from our Group Buy (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=3567.0), it's a big bargain.

The only area I could possibly even suggest improvement in would be for an unmagnetized version (with screw-on cap) for those who are ultra skittish about magnetic interference. Personally, I like the magnetized cap a lot, and think that the level of thought and detail that went into this pen make it practically the perfect keychain accessory.

[RoisonDubh]

I got my 2 pens today and I can concur with loWWorm. Neat pen, good number of accesories, and best of all great price. O0

[bruner]

If anyone can take pictures, or would care to describe it. What does the inside of the magnetic cap look like?

Thanks,
Dan

[dinoadventures]

i'm totally agreeing with you about the screw cap.

[LowWorm]

If anyone can take pictures, or would care to describe it. What does the inside of the magnetic cap look like?

Thanks,
Dan


My camera's on the fritz, otherwise I'd put up a picture. The magnet on the inside of the cap looks like a little silver donut - the nib of the pen goes through the hole, and the magnet part attaches to the ridge of the pen body. Hope that helps a little.

[k9gwb]

I received my order today, too - two pens, and I think I may order more!* Here are some pictures that might help - that's an Atwood glo-whistle next to the pen. The pen cap is propped up on the pen body for that picture.

Hope this helps!

Connie

[LowWorm]

Great pics, Connie!

They look nice together, don't they?

[Taylorf]

Hey were can I buy the Caran d'Ache XS Mini Ballpoint Refill. I can only find the goliath refills.
Thanks

[greencobra]

Hey were can I buy the Caran d'Ache XS Mini Ballpoint Refill.* I can only find the goliath refills.*
Thanks


http://www.penandink.com.au/catalog/index.php?cPath=22_198

[greencobra]

This PicoPen is a pretty neat product for the money. I'll put it on my edc carabiener riding in my truck. Hey even the tin box is useful, I filled it up with band aids, asprin, and all sorts of stuff and threw it in the glovebox. Nothing goes to waste.

[luigi]

I would like to try one but they don't accept paypal.
If some edcf member has one to sell me and can accept cash paypal please pm me and thankkks!

Luigi

[Jakpro]

Hey were can I buy the Caran d'Ache XS Mini Ballpoint Refill.* I can only find the goliath refills.*
Thanks


Caran d'Ache (http://www.pencity.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/CarandAche/Refills.htm?L+scstore+gxpc7260+1157565514)

Schmidt (http://www.pencity.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Schmidt/Refills.htm?L+scstore+gxpc7260+1157565514)

Cross (http://www.pencity.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Cross/Refills.htm?L+scstore+gxpc7260+1157566111)

Tombow (http://www.pencity.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Tombow/Refills.htm?L+scstore+gxpc7260+1157581981)

Lamy (http://www.pencity.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Lamy/Refills.htm?L+scstore+tsfz4547+1157557763)

Pilot (http://www.pencity.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Pilot/Refills.htm?L+scstore+tsfz4547+1157557763)


Shortened links :)

[nylaw]

I just received mine today and I was really disappointed. It is really much too skinny for me. If you were going to use the stylus there is no storage provided. They did package it very well and the xtra's were nice. I have an Inka on my keychain and frankly I haven't found anything better. They really thought of everything.

Luigi get in touch with me I can send it to you as I am not going to use it.

[bruner]

k9gwb,

Thanks for the pictures. That is exactly what I was hoping to see. I was thinking that the magnet must be a donut shape, now I know for sure.

This is a cool little pen, but like nylaw said, I too have an Inka and haven't found anything that is as useful. This pen though, would come in a very close second. I'm still tempted to buy one ;)

It's a shame that the cap cannot be put on the opposite end of the pen for a bit more length though...

Thanks,
Dan

[Lugsalot]

Okay...I still have over a week to get one of these! C'mon, SCHOLARSHIP CHECK! :help:

[LowWorm]

This is a cool little pen, but like nylaw said, I too have an Inka and haven't found anything that is as useful. This pen though, would come in a very close second. I'm still tempted to buy one ;)

It's a shame that the cap cannot be put on the opposite end of the pen for a bit more length though...

Thanks,
Dan


Dan, I think the PicoPen would make a great backup to your Inka - its slim footprint makes it practically disappear among your keys.

As to the cap appending to the other end, you really wouldn't gain that much length (fewer than 2cm). It really seems intended more for quick draw and sign stuff, like signatures, or checks, or shopping lists, etc.

[k9gwb]

I just thought of another use for the PicoPen - signing in at the doctor's office. I always forget this, but my brother always uses his own pen to sign in at the doc's, on the theory that the office pen is probably covered with everyone else's germs! With this little pen on my keychain, I might actually remember this!

[Sharpdogs]

I just thought of another use for the PicoPen - signing in at the doctor's office.* I always forget this, but my brother always uses his own pen to sign in at the doc's, on the theory that the office pen is probably covered with everyone else's germs!* With this little pen on my keychain, I might actually remember this!




I feel the same way, even when I am signing for a credit card purchase at a store. This is reason alone to EDC a pen.

[copykat]

Got mine and was surprised how nice it is.
came with a nice keychain clip, couple split rings etc..
i call it my sticky pen. because of the magnet it sticks to my other keycahin items.
also, when you grab your keys, usually you can grab anything but if you grab them by the pen, the pen is all you will have.
My keys will hang by the pen but shaking or grabing fast will pull the magnet apart.
i think a screw in pen would be better but I do like it more than the inka.

[Joe Talmadge]

So far, I like both the PicoPen and Inka. PicoPen is less comfortable to write with, but positively disappears in a pocket or on a keychain. At work, my badge is attached to one of those retractable reels, and I attach my PicoPen to that as well; the Inka would have been too noticeable and goofy-looking. Since the Inka is more comfortable to write with, and has the "full sized pen" option, the Inka is what I use when it's attached to something bigger, like my backpack or whatever.

What I'm saying is that even if you like the Inka, I'd suggest you try out the Pico, you may find you like it better for certain carry modes

[Jakpro]

I received mine today. I am impressed with the quality and the small size. It will be a handy addition to EDC items. I just hope that the magnet is strong enough to retain it on a key ring. I would hate to lose it flopping around on the key ring.

[tvodrd]

I received two today at work, though they arrived via late snail mail yesterday. I'm trying to figure out what to do with them! I already carry some species of Bic clipped in my shirt pocket or between buttons of the dress shirt I wear daily. It's a quality piece, but I feel no need to add it to my keyring as some kind of back-up. I guess I'll toss one into the BOB. :shrug:

Larry

[Bighead]

I recieved two of these about a week ago, and here is how I feel:
They are small. Just small enough that it gets annoying trying to write with it. However, I think that as an emergency pen (in a pack or a car or something) or a back up pen, it's great, because it is small. It will fit probably where ever you can think of putting it, and the magnet IS strong enough to keep it in place. It writes well, and the refills go in very easily (just pull the dead cartridge out and stick the new one back it) and the pen is solid. There is absolutely no flimsey feel to it whatsoever. I would actually probably trust it enough to keep in my back pocket and sit on. So, for a daily writer, not worth the $20, for a back up pen that will not be bent in half or broken when you need it most, definitely worth it. Hope that this helps.

[Lunal_Tic]

The split rings look like the kind that can hang on stuff, the ones that the ends don't mate flush. This might be a good candidate for the oval split rings that Gadget Guy had.

-LT

[TedTheLed]

got mine and was surprised to see they are MADE IN CHINA.

no mention of this anywhere here or at the TEC site.

(Tec's address is given as in the US at the website.)

[TECENG]

got mine and was surprised to see they are MADE IN CHINA.

no mention of this anywhere here or at the TEC site.

(Tec's address is given as in the US at the website.)


Sorry if this is an issue. The design of the pen is exclusively ours, and we work with a company who is based in the US and has a facility in China to manufacture and assemble the pens to our specifications. I hope this does not give you the impression this is "cheap junk from China". We take great care to ensure quality work and manufacturing, as our reputation is at stake. The PicoPen (trademark applied for) is our design, we carry the inventory, and we work with resellers for distribution in addition to our website sales.

Of course, if anyone here objects to the fact that the merchandise is made in China we are more than willing to refund your total purchase price including shipping. It is not industry standard to "disclose" the country of origin for product sales and if we felt it was something our customers were concerned about we would certainly do so.

Regards,

Tom Clawges
TEC Accessories, Inc.

[TedTheLed]

TEC, I won't be returning my Picos, I said I was "surprised" not "dissapointed."

I am well aware though that many people choose to buy American when they can, and an item made in America can sometimes have a bit more appeal than an item made overseas.. The idea of the Pico being made in the USA had appealed to me, but nevertheless I am happy with the Pico's other fine attributes..

I see many products carrying the legend "Proudly Made in the USA" -- why not the Chinese label theirs in a similar manner?

[Lunal_Tic]

This is a pen review folks, let's keep it that way please.

Thanks,
-LT
:gz:

[Frenchyled]

I posted this picture in another thread, but I think it'll* be good to post here too :)

Enjoy ;)

I posted this pictures in another thread, but I think it'll* be good to post here too :)

http://frenchyled.free.fr/images/Picopen1.jpg

http://frenchyled.free.fr/images/Picopen2.jpg

[AndyTiedye]

For about the same price you can get a Victorinox pen… with a light and a small Swiss Army Knife included :)
http://www.swiss-knife.com/images/photoSmall/0.6226.jpg

[oxford_guy]

Does anyone know if there's anywhere in Europe (preferably the UK, as its where I live) where I can buy the Picopen from online? Shipping from the US to the UK is $20 from Tac Accessories (http://www.tecaccessories.com/), which is as much as the pen costs... Thanks

Paul

[Lugsalot]

I don't know of any authorized European sellers of the PicoPen, but that certainly doesn't mean there aren't any. An alternative may present itself if some generous soul offers to forward one to you; it's been known to happen from time to time! :)

Either way, you ought to be able to get at least one of the little pens without having to pay shipping equal to it's cost! :shocked:

[oxford_guy]

I don't know of any authorized European sellers of the PicoPen, but that certainly doesn't mean there aren't any. An alternative may present itself if some generous soul offers to forward one to you; it's been known to happen from time to time! :)

Either way, you ought to be able to get at least one of the little pens without having to pay shipping equal to it's cost! :shocked:


That would be grand if someone could, I have a Paypal account...

[Lugsalot]

Starting a "Want to Buy/Trade" thread in the Buy/Sell/Trade (http://edcforums.com/index.php?board=50.0) area of the forums will go a long way towards finding people who are willing and able to help you in your acquisition. :thumbsup:

[oxford_guy]

Starting a "Want to Buy/Trade" thread in the Buy/Sell/Trade (http://edcforums.com/index.php?board=50.0) area of the forums will go a long way towards finding people who are willing and able to help you in your acquisition. :thumbsup:


I can't seem to post or reply to anything in this area >:(

[Lugsalot]

Aw, goshdarnit! :doh:

In my haste to direct you to the B/S/T section, I forgot to tell you that you'll have to have logged 25 meaningful posts before you can open a thread there! Geez!

I hope you'll forgive me if I've frustrated you; it's nearly bedtime for me and I've had a busy day... :brickwall:

[oxford_guy]

Aw, goshdarnit! :doh:

In my haste to direct you to the B/S/T section, I forgot to tell you that you'll have to have logged 25 meaningful posts before you can open a thread there! Geez!

I hope you'll forgive me if I've frustrated you; it's nearly bedtime for me and I've had a busy day... :brickwall:


Ah, I see... Will see how long it takes me to get there... :)

[DB]

Ooh, wish I would have found these about a week or so earlier...would have made great stocking stuffers! I think I'll order a couple anyway...

[AndyTiedye]

Do they make a fountain pen version?

[TallNHairyDave]

Does anyone know if there's anywhere in Europe (preferably the UK, as its where I live) where I can buy the Picopen from online? Shipping from the US to the UK is $20 from Tac Accessories (http://www.tecaccessories.com/), which is as much as the pen costs... Thanks

Paul


Heinnie Haynes have started stocking them - unfortunately they're out of stock at the moment 7-10 days availability. But they're UK based, and do next day delivery ;D
http://www.heinnie.com/8en5hw646936/Pens/Tec-Accessories/Tec-Accessories-Pico-Pen/p-290-450-3069/

Hope this helps

Dave
(Not associated with Heinnies. Just a happy customer).

[Pshrynk]

I just lost mine after only a few mths.
>:(
IMHO the magnet isn't strong enough to keep the pen together in the pocket on a keychain. I thought this might be the case when I got it.

Poor design.

Ti Inka here we come.