I wanted to just add a comment about my experience using a capacitive stylus "pens" on the iOS devices.

In China, I have purchased a number of these pens similar to the ones you will find in Staples (under the name of Targus), etc. I bought them for 30RMB. They have this rounded, hollow, black rubber tip. I have tested a number of these and its hit or miss, but some of them work bad, most work ok, and every once in a while, one works exceptionally well (e.g., dragging the rubber tip across the iOS screen will weight of the pen itself is enough to create a line.). So I would encourage anyone that has one that is not working so well to exchange it. Fortunately in China, that was easy as I just told the guy to let me try a bunch of them. In Staples, you would probably have to purchase and try, but there is a return policy.

The other thing that I found is that having a longer pen is better than a short one. The best functioning one I got in China was a bit shorter than the Targus one, so I actually found a regular ink pen in a shop and then put a the capacitive pen into one half of the ink I bought. The result is a much longer pen (approximately 7 inches long). It works great. The extra size makes if feel a bit like a paintbrush.

Here is a picture of it apart and assembled. https://dl.dropbox.com/u/4336369/Stylus%201.png

One other comment. I know Skritter is all about writing. However, Studying without a pen is not always convenient (e.g., elevators, subways). I would like to see a write-less mode where I could, when shown the definition, simply press the middle to reveal the character and then, based on whether I visualized the character properly in my head, mark the card known or unknown. Perhaps not the ideal scenario, but under certain conditions, it is better than not being able to study the characters at all.

Go to "settings," then "Vocab."
Under the "Parts" title, just uncheck "writing"
That should to it.

Thanks for the stylus info, ecurran. We're planning on doing a stylus roundup review soon, too, for some in-depth recommendations.

You can also double-tap the center to show the answer on a writing prompt, then do the grading as normal.

Good Suggestions, I'll play them all out.

I used Skritter for a few days on my iPhone before getting a stylus. Using one's finger is adequate, but I find the stylus more satisfying, more accurate, faster, and I guess is more likely to help me actually learn to write. I would recommend all the iOS app users consider getting a stylus. Look forward to reading the reviews. I have a Wacom Bamboo stylus, by the way. (short thin metal cylinder with pocket clip and hollow rubber tip.)

I have a stylus but I find it just slows me down. I only use it when it is too old to take my gloves off in winter. I am quite good at using my nose to answer a call...

My stylus is also the "thin metal cylinder type".

I firmly believe that if you are learning to write, you need a stylus. It allows you to closely duplicate the movements, etc. that will be necessary when writing on a paper (which is what the University I have attended in China fully expects).

Since my original post, I expanded my stylus commentary on my blog, with specific reference to Skritter (short video included). If you are interested, it can be found here. http://is.gd/R1eYxH

thanks @radiator that's a nice blog post.

David Pogue just reviewed a bunch of styluses here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/technology/personaltech/on-touch-screens-rest-your-finger-by-using-a-stylus-state-of-the-art.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

His favorite is this one: http://handstylus.com/

Thanks for the note. Need to see if handstylus crosses the "commercial" goal line. If it does, I'll pick one up. Always looking for the next best thing. But for now, my $4.50 cent one works!

and then there's this guy who shows how to make a stylus with a q-tip, aluminum foil, and water.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPkDqyZBCuU

it works pretty well! It showed me I do find Skritter quite enjoyable with a stylus, so that's one more reason to buy one. For the first time I can see what I am writing! And it feels more precise.

photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151978149160150