Having two programmable buttons instead of three is a little disappointing, but those two buttons will still come in handy. The 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity is nothing to scoff at, and while it won't be ideal for artists, it's perfect for note-taking, schedule-planning, simple doodling, and web browsing. My new Dell Inspilaptops touchscreen just stopped working on me. It's also worth noting that the Dell Premium Active Pen works for the latest XPS 13 and XPS 15 devices, while the standard Active Pen does not.ĪES 1.0 and 2.0, Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP)ĭon't count out the regular Active Pen, though. It is brand new, there and re-enabling the touchscreen through the device manager didnt work. The extra programmable button is helpful too, and the fact that the Premium Active Pen works with Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) devices in addition to AES 1.0 and 2.0 ones like the Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 means that you can use it across a wide range of machines, which gives you versatility and the ability to save money on an MPP stylus down the line. The fact that it can be used while tilted is also a big plus, as this further opens the door for artists to use advanced shading techniques or fill in the edges of the screen easier. It gives you the ability to perform incredibly nuanced strokes that a simpler pen simply cannot do. The 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity is amazing for people who like to draw, especially if you're making artwork for a job. Overall, the main thing you need to consider when choosing between these two digital styluses is whether or not you want to spend the extra money in order to get your hands on all of the great things that the Premium Active Pen has to offer. The Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 with a Premium Active Pen. Regular: More functionality or lower price? People who are planning on more simple tasks like taking notes or jotting down a schedule should go with the regular Active Pen instead, as it offers great basic functionality for a much lower price. However, it's expensive, so only people who are planning to do advanced things like create artwork should opt for it. The Premium Active Pen is the best overall digital stylus you can get from Dell, offering a wide range of helpful features on top of fantastic basic functionality.