Surface Slim Pen compatibility for HP Spectre x360 bl101na

[AlexJCharles]

This isn't a question for the community, but an answer in case anyone else is in a similar situation to myself. 

In short, the bewly-released surface slim pen is indeed compatible with this model of the Spectre x360 at any rate.

I lost my included stylus sometime before Christmas (to my dismay). I wouldn't say I was reliant on it, but it was great to jot notes in whiteboard or annotate research papers in drawboard. There were things which I didn't like about it however, one was the shape / difficulty in using the button function. I'm not saying that it's hard, but it wasn't the easiest, and when being used all day you get a little picky about these things. Second, no matter which brand AAAA batteries I purchased, they all seemed to run flat within a few weeks leading to an inconsistent stylus experience when the battery was low, with no indicator of remaining charge. 

Seeking a replacement, I did find mention of a similar model spectre being compatible with a surface 4 pen. After looking at the technology used (and that the HP active pen was made by microsoft in my case, both using ntrig tech) I decided to spend some grant money taking the risk on a replacement:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/surface-slim-pen/8mn7mp9nqdlk?activetab=overview

The pen works perfectly as expected. I didn't gain 'tilt' support (as my model doesn't support it), but that was to be expected. Really quick and easy to set up, with bonus wireless recharging capabilities via the provided dock. 

Is this worth the £130 to upgrade? Probably not. If you already have the included stylus, you don't gain much unless money is burning a hole in your pocket, or the above issues are a real gripe. However, if you find yourself in a similar situation (lost stylus, not included etc) then it's certainly worth it, and would be easier to find than a HP replacement. 

Be sure to check your compatibility here:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05166879

Your MMV, but for my model (and most recent Windows 10 updates) the pen works flawlessly and is easier to write with than before. 

[erico · Accepted solution]

Your notebook model series is in the compatibility document list for the HP Pen (Microsoft) 1MR94AA  and the HP Tilt Pen (Microsoft)  2MY21AA.

That probably would have been quite a bit less expensive that the surface slim pen.

That is just my personal opinion. Everyone makes their own choices.

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[AlexJCharles]

Oh for sure, the models that you've specified would indeed work (first being a direct replacement, and the second being a rechargeable version in essence). 

The Surface slim pen however is far more ergonomic (if that matters to you at all) and the built in functionality (back-end eraser, and  triple macro top and separate right-click button on the side) has made paper review a doddle. As I said originally, is it worth the money if you already have the included pen? Probably not. It's an expensive convenience. But this was courtesy of a research grant, (as was the laptop originally) and not out of my own pocket. 

I just wanted to share my experience for those who aren't willing to take a £130 gamble, that's all.