Touch screen devices.  Wonderful things.  But the search for the perfect input method is long and frustrating.

Styluses are great, but the ones that come in most devices are very small and difficult to use for a long period.

Pens with stylus tips are better for lengthy use, but carrying one for just the stylus adds to your pocket.  Or the pen is rather large.

Then there’s the finger.  Many software input alternatives are available, but they all result in a screen with fingerprints.

Here’s a new product from Gordon Adkins: the gpik™.  Read on for more.

The package I received contained 4 gpiks as pictured on the first page.  One each of pink (shudder), black, blue and clear.

The gpiks are very solid.  The instructions state that to fit larger thumbs, you spread the wings apart.  I was somewhat skeptical, but after repeated bending, there is no apparent weakening of the material.

Once on your thumb, the fit is secure.  So it doesn’t feel as though it will slip off.  If you look at the second photo above, you can see that the stylus tip extends a bit from the cuff. 

How easy is it to access the screen? In this picture from the gpik website, the device being held is a Treo. 

This picture shows me holding my Dell Axim X51V.  When I hold the device securely, I am unable to reach the majority of the screen.  I believe this is because there is much more screen area.  I do have small hands, but I believe that it is the device causing the difficulty.  Same problem is true when using the gpik with my AT&T Tilt.  Too much screen area.

I have used similar devices before, though they were aimed at being placed on your finger, instead of your thumb.  IMHO, the gpik is much superior to those products because it uses wings to size, instead of the "hat band" sizing that the others used.

What I like:

1. Made from durable plastic.  Appears it will last a long time without breaking.
2. Easy to resize with the "wings".  Much superior to a "hat band" approach.

What I didn’t like:

1. Pink should be banned from available colors. (Just kidding.)
2. If you have a device with a large touch screen, you may find it difficult to access the entire screen unless you sacrifice a secure hold.

Various packages are available.  The 4-color pack lists on the website for $14.95 + $3.95 shipping and handling.

You can read more about the gpik™  and get one here.

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