So I was looking to grade papers using my iPad 2, and in doing so, decided I would need a stylus that works with the capacative screen. I spent a lot of time researching the competition and here's what I came up with.
DAGi Capacitive Stylus For Apple iPad & iPad 2 & iPhone 4 & iPod TouchLength: about 4.7 inches
Pros: See-thru tip lets you see exactly where you are writing. Weight close to what I was looking for.
Cons: Needs exact angle on the screen, so it gets tiring after some use, as you can't change the angle.
Ten One Design Pogo Sketch Stylus for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch (Silver)Length: 4.8 inches
Pros: Multiple color choices. Good length, responsive.
Cons: Foam tip seems like it could wear out too quickly. Too light.
Just Mobile AluPen Stylus, BlackLength: 4.7 inches
Pros: Multiple color choices. Responsive rubber tip. Durable aluminum shaft.
Cons: Really thick and heavy, like those crayons toddlers use.
SGP Stylus Pen Kuel H10 Series [Black]
Length: 3 extendable to just over 4 inches
Pros: Smaller yet responsive silicone tip. Three color choices. This was my second choice. Includes cap, and the shaft telescopes to make it longer.
Cons: Not too many, except perhaps a little too heavy.
Bamboo Stylus for iPad (CS100K)Length: 4.7 inches
Pros: Build quality seemed really nice, perhaps a little too light.
Cons: I liked this stylus, but it was just too expensive compared to the others.
Griffin Technology Stylus for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone and other touchscreensLength: about 4.3 inches
Pros: Comfortable.
Cons: Tip seemed too big for writing. Perhaps as a general navigation stylus.
Kensington Virtuoso Stylus for Tablet Computer - Black, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S Compatible (K39358US)Length: 4.3 inches
Pros: Available with a ball point pen for more money.
Cons: Nothing really stood out. Looked like the tip might wear out.
Targus Stylus for Apple iPad 16GB, 32GB, 64GB WiFi + 3G, iPad 2, iPhone, iPod, Tablet AMM01US (Black)Length: 5.2 inches
Pros: Well balanced but heavier with pen option. Available with a ball point pen for more money, for even more you can add a laser pointer. Inexpensive with no "options"
Cons: Imprecise. Hard to form letters, as tip was not rounded enough.
And finally, the one I bought.
AmazonBasics Stylus for Touchscreen Devices Including Kindle Fire, Kindle Touch, Apple iPad 2, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry PlayBook (Black)Length: 4.1 inches
Pros: Was exactly the weight I was looking for. Tip seems durable and it feels well balanced. I will post updates as I use it more. Price was good, and I have always had good experiences with AmazonBasics gear in the past.
Cons: Amazon put an ad for this product on a page for a competing product within Amazon. Kinda sneaky, but I am happy I saw it.
I did look at other styli, but didn't really have too much to say about the others. Perhaps I should have looked at the
Hard Candy Cases iPad Stylus but it seemed too expensive and kinda awkward.
As you can see weight was one of the most important factors in my decision. Too light, and it skips... too heavy and your hand gets tired. I also wanted something at least 4 inches for my rather large hands. The Amazon Basics Stylus seems to have hit the spot.
Update: 1/27/12 - The stylus is holding up well with a medium amount of use. I've found that cleaning the tip every once in a while has helped with responsiveness. Some people have asked how I was able to make an accurate comparison, some with anger... to that I say this: I've had small touch devices and big hands for a long time now, and have taken the opportunity to try these things as I have encountered them. This includes a combination of buying, borrowing, trying in stores/trade shows, and online research (especially regarding length). That being said, this is just an opinion, not something to get worked up about. Please keep that in mind when making your purchase decision, as well as when leaving comments. Thanks and happy tableting :-)
Update: 2/5/13 - Stylus still OK, but I don't use it as much anymore, since I got an external keyboard and my habits have changed somewhat. I removed the little lanyard on the end, as it occasionally got in the way. There are a lot of new styluses that have come out since my review as well as two new iPads. I purchased an iPad 3 for my wife and of course got her a stylus, plus a pretty cool Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover Black for iPad 2 and iPad (3rd/4th generation) (920-004013) which she loves. Might get one for myself but I have large hands (thus why I looked for a stylus some time ago).