The Apple Pencil is tied with a keyboard case astheno-brainer iPad accessory to buy.
(Instead of typing into a text field, try writing in it instead.)
But it gets confusing when you take a stab at actually buy one of these Apple styluses for yourself.
Apple currently sellsthreeApple Pencils for the iPad,including a brand new one that uses USB-C.
It retails for $99, and is arguably worth the price tag.
Things get weird when you go to charge it, however.
To charge the Pencil, you simply stick it into the base of your iPad.
This Pencil was an excellent upgrade over the original.
So long, snapping Pencils.
But it isnt just the charging advancements that make the Pencil better.
Plus, Apple will engrave this Pencil for you, the only Apple Pencil it offers the service for.
Apple prices it at $79, whichisthe lowest MSRP ever on one of these styluses.
At first glance, this Pencil looks nearly identical to the second-gen Apple Pencil.
It even connects magnetically to your iPad, unlike the first-gen Pencil.
Its a weird design, and makes charging the pencil less intuitive than either of the other pencils.
Thats right: This Pencil connects magnetically to your iPad, but it wont charge.
For the first time, however, Apple is offering some iPad owners the choice between two Apple Pencils.
Which Pencil should I buy?
If you have an iPad thatsonlycompatible with the first generation Pencil, your choice is simple.
In my view, its second-gen all the way.
Plus, stores often have the second-gen Pencil on sale.
Thats only $10 more than the USB-C option, for a better product.
If you need the cheapest-possible Pencil for your compatible iPad, sure, go with the USB-C Pencil.
But as far as Im concerned, a discounted second-gen Pencil is the move.
