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Gear & Gadgets: On the go with the write stuff
By JUDI DASH If you think all pens are equal, behold these versatile versions, which can come in quite handy on the go. Products have been tested by the author and may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping. INK-CREDIBLE: Those who have never owned a Fisher Space Pen have missed the relief of knowing the ink will flow smoothly in freezing cold, boiling heat, underwater (or in the rain), upside down and even in zero gravity (the pen has been tested in space). The pens use a sealed pressurized ink cartridge that allows the ball to write no matter how the pen is held or what it's writing on. The new Telescoping Pen model has the added advantage of being all one piece; there's no cap to lose. Pull back on the shaft about a half inch to expose the point; push to close it. Closed, the pen measures 37/8 inches; open, 47/8, making it a natural to stash in your pocket or carry-on bag. I've found it handy in the rain, boating and at the beach. Telescoping Pen (model TLP) is $35. For information, contact the Fisher Space Pen Company; toll-free 1-800-634-3494; www.spacepen.com. * * * PEN-ULTIMATE: It was only a matter of time before some clever pen manufacturer realized that the top of the instrument might be used for housing more than just the usual clip-on device. Built into the translucent top of the Swiss Pen, from Wagner, are a small retractable knife-letter opener, nail-file, screwdriver and scissors. Pressing the insignia at the top of the barrel activates a miniflashlight, fueled by an included battery. The ink cartridge and battery are replaceable. An obvious asset on a trip, but if flying, pack this in your checked luggage to comply with air security rules. Can a pen telephone be far behind? Swiss Pen (65440C) is $49.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer; toll-free 1-800-543-3366; www.hammacher.com. * * * QUICK-CHANGE ARTIST: Cross pen sets have a tradition as gifts for pivotal events: bar mitzvahs, graduations, first jobs. Now the pens have made some notable strides of their own. The new Cross Matrix is a multifunction writing instrument that can be useful while touring or on business trips. On one end are dual ball-point pens; twist the pen tip one way for red; the other way for blue. On the other end is a PDA stylus tip. Pull the stylus module out of the barrel, flip it, and you've got either a fountain pen or gel roller ball pen (depending on the model). The fountain pen and roller ball modules are interchangeable and available separately for more flexibility. The roller ball unit can be removed and replaced with a yellow highlighter (good for marking maps or guidebook pages), which is included with that unit. Cross Matrix is $70-$80. For information, contact Cross; toll-free 1-800-722-1726; www.cross.com. * * * WELL RED: Red is a hot fashion color this year, and that includes the designer pen scene. Particularly classy are the sleek coral-colored ball-point pen, pencil and fountain pens in the new Guilloche series from Faber-Castell. The red resin barrels are engraved with a tiny woven pattern, then coated with a protective lacquer. The silver cap and accents are sealed with rhodium to preserve the shine. The propelling pencil has a built-in reservoir for spare leads and a replaceable white eraser under the cap. The retractable pen uses a long-lasting cartridge in a standard refill size. Purists no doubt will splurge on the fountain pen, which has an 18-carat gold nib. Each comes in an embossed gift box. You'll certainly make your mark wherever you roam, assuming you can avoid pen snatchers. Faber-Castell Guilloche coral red ball-point pen or pencil lists for $119; fountain pen for $250. Available in stores or from Joon; toll-free 1-800-782-5666; www.joon.com. * * * ADD-VANTAGE: The kids may get a special kick out of this inexpensive pen, which has a calculator built into the casing. A little nub at the end of the plastic pen clip slides over a tiny keypad adjacent to an LCD display. Press the nub against the desired numbers and function keys and the total, up to eight digits, appears on the screen. It may take a little practice to fine-tune nub manipulation, but the calculator works quite well once you get the hang of it. The pen comes in several colors, has an automatic shutoff and runs on one included button battery. An extra battery and two extras ink cartridges are included. Calculator pen is $6 from Mega-Sound & Light; toll-free 1-800-662-5372; www.mega-sound.com. - Judi Dash is a freelance writer living in Beachwood, Ohio.
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