I have been using a PDA Panache Trio-1 for the past 7 months. I
typically wear it clipped to the collar of a t-shirt, with the pen
inside against my skin. The aluminum finish is disappearing along
the contact line, and the rubber grip is flaking off in an area
radiating out from that line. Worrying about losing a $20 stylus/pen
combo is one thing, but worrying about it self-destructing before
I lose it is another!

Dave Eckhardt

I purchased the Trio-1 pen/pencil/stylus awhile back. I liked the way the
stylus wrote very much. I think one reason why writing with it felt so good
is that the stylus is "sprung" and the cushiony feeling makes it glide. The
pencil sufficed in a pinch (once I loaded it with 2B lead), and the pen was
adequate for writing checks, etc. In all, it was a very convenient tool for
taking with me when I did not wish to be burdened with a pocket full of
writing devices.

I only had one problem with it, and that was that the barrel kept
separating at the joint between the grip and the mechanism portion. It was
either because my thumb pressure in extending the points, and _especially_
in advancing the pencil lead, exceeded the friction of the joint, or
because the *>THWACK!<* of the mechanism slamming into the back of the
barrel after releasing a point was sufficient to jar it loose. I never
thought of doing what Julie suggested to me AFTER I had already lost it,
which was to contact PDA Panache and see if they would rectify the problem.

Anyway, the denoument of my Trio-1 tale is that I found the same tri-pen in
a bargain bin at the local FedCo for $5, because the packaging had been
mislabeled (wrong color ink). I bought several, and found that this version
is better than the Trio-1 in that the entire pen is rubber-coated, the
release button is more refined in both feel and action, and the barrel
screws together with fairly coarse threads. The tip is also more
"bullet-shaped" compared to the conical Trio-1. I replaced the red ink pen
with a PDA-Panache stylus refill, and voila! I have a Trio-1-alpha serving
the same role that the Trio-1 did for about $11. I'd be more than willing
to provide one to PDA-Panache if they want to examine the differences for
consideration.

I also bought a PDA-Panache Cross refill for an idle Cross pen that serves
well in "full pocket" mode with my Rotring pen and pencil, and my
PDA-Panache "black nail" will always do in a pinch. I have not felt another
stylus tip that feels as good as PDA-Panache's.

Thanks for all the great reviews,
Greg

Hi Julie,

I'm certianly glad someone is out there reviewing all of the offerings that
plague us "gadget-challenged".  I received my Trio-1 a few days ago, and I
am fairly happy with my choice.  I was considering the Rotring Quattro Data,
but the Trio had what I needed for less.  PDA Panache's service was
excellent.  When the pen arrived, I had some initial trouble with the pencil
point, but reloaded the lead and it has been fine ever since.  The pen does
rattle quite a bit when no point is extended, and only a bit less when one
of the points is extended.  I would like to agree with a comment made on the
stylus point....although the stylus point is as good as my "Brass Nail" type
(from PilotgearHQ), it moves substantially within the extension hole, so
that it feels as though it is bending when one writes.  That is, the point
moves from centered in the hole, to pressing against one of the edges when
pressure is applied. I am annoyed that this should happen, as it does NOT
happen in my Cross digital writer.

Overall, I'd grade the pen 7/10.  Does anyone have any experience with the
above points on the Rotring Quattro?

Mark Tosiello

I have been using my Trio for a couple of weeks now and have to say I
have not noticed any of the negative things referred to by other
owners.  No rattles or leaks (yet).  It lets me write with much less
cramping of my big ol' paw and it has a nice heft.  The only drawback I
see is that it sticks out so far above my pocket that it should come
with an attachable "I belong to this nerd" sign.

I bought it based on your review and am not sorry.

Thanks.
Pete Shifflett

i just received the pda panache trio-1 today.  i ordered it after i had
already placed an order for
the rotring quattro and then after reading your review, realized there
was a much cheaper product
with comparable funtionality.  anyway,  i was a bit disappointed with
the overall quality of the device.
i bought three and each had its own unique little problem.  on one, the
cap (plunger) was loose and
couldn't be be fixed to set properly.  on another, the pencil point was
defective and kept breaking
the leads.  on the third, the ballpoint pen leaked ink all over the
other two points.

i agree with you that the pen rattles when no tip is chosen.  also,
however, when the stylus tip is
extended, it's a bit loose.  in other words, the tip moves around in the
penhole as you write with
it.  that's a bit annoying.  i do like the fact that it has a rubberized
grip, which is the main reason i
liked it more than the rotring quattro on in the picture.  well,  i'm
gonna return two of the three trio-1's
i've ordered.  in the meantime, i'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of
the rotring to see if it's really
worth the $ 30 difference in price.

anthony

I recently purchased the Trio-1 3 in 1 stylus based upon your review.
I'm extremely satisfied with the stylus.  I find it very comfortable to
write with plus it allows me to eliminate having to carry a pen and
pencil as well.  The stylus tip appears to be as good as my Cross stylus
giving me the same level of tactile feedback.  Your review was right
on.  PDA Panache's service was excellent in that I ordered the stylus on
a Sunday, it shipped on Monday and I received it on Thursday via the
standard Postal service.  The only complaint I have, which is minor, is
that there were no instructions on replacing the pencil lead or pen
refill.  It wasn't obvious, other than disassembling the barrel, how to
replace those items.

I appreciate all the reviews of the PalmPilot products that you
provide.