iPad stylus for child with special needs?

daska

I have had a challenge set for me by DS2's teacher. She loves the iPad because it's helping him with his severe language problems but wants him to move away from using his finger.

The problem I'm finding is that (with the exception of one solid stylus that got a 1* rating on Amazon because it's so bad) every stylus I've looked at so far has a silly little rubber tip that I know he will want to pick at and which will then leave him with a nice scratching device. DS2 is 4 and has severe language problems so explaining the consequences of picking is not really a viable option.

What he really needs is a solid, one-piece stylus which is either quite chunky and triangular like a 'staedtler triplus' or the same diameter as a std pencil in order for us to put a finger grip on it.

I did find instructions for a DIY stylus but I'm not sure that it's much of an improvement, he'd be wanting to take of the tape and investigate the wire and before we could say 'try using this' we'd be completely disassembled.

Any ideas? Or ideas on a better design (most of my family are quite handy so if we know what to use, and can get hold of it, we can probably fashion something.)

Fingers crossed

richard734

Dont be put off by the name....

www.coldsteel-uk.com

They are mostly selling self defence products, but the 'Stylus' that they sell sound perfect for your needs. I dont have one myself, but I do own a couple of their other products. The company themselves are pretty nice, so it might be worth a chat.

Sorry, at work, and weapons are filtered from our firewall so going from memory!

Found this link to teh same product from a US site - you can take teh pocket clip off

http://edcdepot.com/stylussizekubaton.aspx

richard734

Apologies - just got home and Cold Steel have stopped stocking it!
try http://www.elitekubotans.com/ they are an Alpha Innovations stockist. PDA Stylus is the item you want.
Yes, I know that this is a self defence item, but it looks perfect for your needs.

Darksun

richard734 wrote: »

Apologies - just got home and Cold Steel have stopped stocking it!
try http://www.elitekubotans.com/ they are an Alpha Innovations stockist. PDA Stylus is the item you want.
Yes, I know that this is a self defence item, but it looks perfect for your needs.

Are you sure that is a capacitive stylus? A normal stylus won't work with an iPad (or any device with a high end touch screen)

daska

Thank you for the suggestion, they look ideal in terms of shape and size, I've e-mailed to ask whether they might work.

Still open to more suggestions if anyone has any.

daska

The man from elitekubotans, he say "Yes".

Hooray!

Thank you very much

richard734

Darksun,
can you explain? not doubting you just cant get my head around why any blunt upject would not be suitable for a touchscreen. Thanks.

Daska, glad I could help

kwikbreaks

A stylus for a capacitive screen needs to be conductive. Most are designed for resistive screens and are plastic or nylon so they won't work.

[Deleted User]

If you are worried about the screen getting scratched you could put it in a protective case (With a irremovable screen cover)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Griffin-GB02480-Survivor-Military-Stand/dp/B004SPVZKW

This is my case and it's actually toddler proof; shop around and you can get it for £30ish

neilwoods

Cant see that working on the iPad, as allready said, iPad uses a capacitive screen which relies on static (easiest way to explain). whereas resistive screen relies on pressure.

So you will need a capacitive stylus

molerat

http://www.snapps4kids.com/2011/10/make-you-own-ipad-stylus-ipad-stylus-socks-pro/

Says available to UK.