While we live in a world where people use their thumbs to type on touchscreens, the pen remains one of the most used tools in human history to date. As we gear up for the imminent arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 in the next few days, Samsung have come out with an article describing the role of various pens in human history with perhaps the inclusion of Samsung's own S Pen stylus. Currently available on Samsung devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and other Galaxy Note devices, the S Pen can be used to replace your mouse and keyboard while giving your thumbs a rest as well. Check out Samsung's take on the role of pens (and the S Pen) below or see our review of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 as well.
- Calligraphy Brushes - Asian calligraphy began thousands of years ago in China and became the most revered art form in the Middle Kingdom. Chinese calligraphers used brushes fabricated from bamboo or other more ornate materials, with bristles made from animal hair or feathers. Artists would paint inscriptions on paper as well as on crafts such as ceramic goods. While styles evolved over hundreds of years, the characters had both specific and symbolic meanings.
- Quills - For a long time, the main writing instrument of choice for writers was the quill – essentially this is made from a feather from a large bird, often a goose. The feather is sharpened and dipped in ink in order to write. Authors Jane Austen and Charles Dickens were among those who used quills to write their most famous works and Beethoven was known to use both a steel quill and a goose quill. This type of writing instrument was beloved for its sharp stroke and its flexibility, and was notably used to write the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence.
- Fountain Pens - While some great contemporary writers used typewriters, or even pencils, some preferred pens. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the manuscripts for the Sherlock Holmes novels using a pen called the Duofold. Fellow author Mark Twain, too, preferred to use a fountain pen to write. The fountain pen had a large internal reservoir of ink, which meant that the writer did not have to dip the pen in an ink well.
- Technical Pens and Ballpoint Pens - The ballpoint pen, which first appeared in 1888, has now long been the world’s most popular type of pen. Ease of use, convenience and performance have led the innovations of pens over the years, and the ballpoint pen has proved to be a versatile, all purpose writing instrument. However, there is still a need for more specialized instruments, such as pens that are used by engineers or architects, which must also be very precise. Technical pens have evolved over the last half century to meet the needs of professionals in many technical fields. These pens typically have a very small nib.
- S Pen - Much like the pens above, the S Pen has evolved to meet the needs of users. Since the debut of the Galaxy Note and the S Pen, Samsung has endeavored to improve each edition that has followed. The S Pen for the Galaxy Note 4 has a small, lightweight design that makes it easy to be accurate – it is styled similarly to a premium writing instrument, but fits perfectly in the S Pen compartment of the Galaxy Note 4. The S Pen simulates finger touch, tap and swipe to provide a full, touch-screen environment. You can also use the S Pen’s multifunction button with shortcut gestures for faster input. The S Pen is already in its fourth edition. It is exciting to consider how it will continue to evolve and improve as time goes on.
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