I am thrilled to welcome JetPens as a new sponsor of iPhone J.D. JetPens is an online store that sells high-quality pens and other writing instruments and associated stationery products. A big part of my life may be paperless and digital, and I frequently take handwritten notes on my iPad using a stylus, but that doesn't mean that I have stopped using a pen and paper. In many circumstances — such as when I am in court, taking a deposition, or in some meetings — pens and paper are still the best tool for the job. Ever since I discovered JetPens last year (and long before JetPens and I discussed this sponsorship), JetPens has been my go-to place for ordering excellent pens.
JetPens was started in 2004 by three Stanford students who wanted to use the high-quality pens made in Japan but had trouble finding them in the U.S. Over ten years later, you can now find an amazing collection of pens on the JetPens website, including many excellent and inexpensive pens that you cannot find easily anywhere else — ballpoint, roller ball, gel ink, fountain pens, etc. And the site makes it easy and fun to discover new types of pens because of the numerous guides published on the website. For example, a few weeks ago, the site published an extensive guide to finding the best paper to use with a fountain pen. Last year, the site featured an extensive guide to finding the best felt tip pen.
My personal preference is for an inexpensive pen (since I tend to lose them) that has dark ink. After exploring the JenPens website, I learned that to get that result, I needed a gel ink pen with a larger tip. I considered the well-regarded Pilot Hi-Tec-C and the Uni-ball Signo line, but ultimately found the JetPens comprehensive guide to the Zebra Sarasa line of pens. There are seven pens in that family, each with a multitude of tips, clips and features. After reading the guide, I decided that the best one for me was the Push Clip model:
I bought a bunch of them in the 0.7 mm size, and that is the size that I like the best. (I also tried the 0.5 mm size, but the lines that it drew are a little too fine for my tastes.) The smooth ink looks fantastic, the pen feels great in my hand, and the spring-loaded clip works great. This pen is simply a joy to use.
I also purchased some in the 1.0 mm size. That size is a little too large for my tastes for taking notes, but it is nice when I want my ink to be just slightly larger and bolder, such as when I am signing my name or making a list.
You can order the Zebra Sarasa Push Clip in 20 different colors. (And the other varieties in the Sarasa line come in even more colors.) I also ordered some red and blue pens, and while I tried some of them in the 0.7 mm size, I prefer to use those in the 1.0 mm size, the reason being that while I take notes in black ink, I use red or blue when I am writing on and around text that is typically printed in black, and when I am doing so I want my writing (such as my edits) to be larger and bolder. Sometimes I use the blue pen to sign my name, and again I think that the 1.0 mm size looks better for that.
As much as I love and value these pens, they are a steal at only $2.20 each. That means that you can buy a whole bunch of them — keep some in your desk, some in your briefcase, some at home, etc. — and it is not the end of the world if you lose one or if someone else "borrows" one. You can also order refills for only $1.35 each.
But I don't want this post to just be about the Zebra Sarasa pens. JetPens sells lots and lots of other pens, so depending upon your own personal taste and style, you'll find exactly the right pen for you. For example, the folks at JetPens told me that iPhone J.D. readers might also be interested in the Uni-ball Signo 207 BLX, which contains archival quality, fraud-proof ink in unique off-black colors; the Uni Jetstream Rubber Body Ballpoint, a smooth and comfortable ballpoint pen with water and fade-resistant ink; and the Ohto Graphic Liner, which features archival quality ink and a sturdy metal tip that won't wear down with heavy use.
And not only does JetPens offer an incredible selection of the best pens, JetPens also has a great selection of pencils, markers, and office accessories from around the world. Perhaps you want durable bag organizers with various pockets and compartments to hold tablets, notebooks, and more; or convenient index tab stickers perfect for marking documents without looking crooked or worn; or innovative highlighters that are capable of three highlighting functions in one unique tip design.
JetPens was nice enough to put together a special offer for iPhone J.D. readers. During April of 2015, if you click this link and make a purchase of over $35.00, JetPens will include a free Zebra Sarasa Push Clip Gel Ink Pen (0.7 mm, black), the pen that I love to use so much, so that you can try it out yourself. So even if you just get some office supplies, you can try out a Sarasa pen for free and see what you think, and then if you like it as much as I do you can go back and order a bunch more. Complete details of the offer are available when you click that link.
If you are reader of iPhone J.D., then you are most likely (1) an attorney or other professional who uses pens every day and (2) someone who appreciates high-quality products. JetPens is perfect for people like us. I encourage you to have fun exploring the JetPens website and treat yourself to some of their great products. And thanks again to JetPens for sponsoring iPhone J.D. this month.
