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Dell Active stylus Review: Natural, ready-to-use pen for notes and sketches?

Dell Active stylus - PN5122W
4.7
[Instant Use]  Works without pairing for immediate natural and accurate writing.
[High Pressure Sensitivity]  4,096 pressure levels enable variable strokes and detailed shading.
[Tilt and Precision]  Tilt support and cone-shaped tip deliver natural, comfortable writing response.
[Long Battery Life]  AAAA battery lasts up to 12 months for reliable daily use.
[Convenient Side Buttons]  Side buttons provide quick access to favorite apps and functions.
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An accessory for personal computers that delivers a natural, accurate writing experience, the Dell Active stylus suits sketching, note-taking and on-screen annotation. Responsive pressure and tilt make editing and drawing less frustrating and more enjoyable. Will the pen's reliability and long battery life be enough for frequent presenters and creatives?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Pressure Sensitivity: 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity for nuanced strokes
  • Best for: Digital artists, students and presenters needing precise, responsive input
  • Not ideal for: Users who require Bluetooth shortcut pairing or integrated hands-free controls

High-resolution pressure sensing and tilt support enable fine line variation. Supplied AAAA battery lasts up to 12 months with practical side buttons for quick navigation.


Write naturally with fine control - With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity

Internal pressure sensors register 4,096 distinct pressure steps, converting subtle finger pressure into proportional on-screen stroke width and opacity.

Accurate line control helps handwriting and detailed sketching feel like pen on paper, useful for handwritten notes and refined illustrations.

Shade and stroke with tilt support - Thanks to tilt functionality and cone-shaped tip

Tilt sensing detects the angle of the stylus so strokes can vary depending on how the tip meets the screen, while the cone-shaped tip offers a familiar tactile response.

Natural shading and smooth transitions become possible, making quick sketches and annotations look more expressive and less mechanical.

Ready to use and long lasting between changes - With AAAA battery and no pairing required

A supplied AAAA battery powers the stylus for up to 12 months under typical usage patterns, and operation begins without pairing on compatible systems.

Plug-and-play convenience suits busy professionals and lecturers who need dependable performance without setup delays or frequent battery swaps.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Dell Active stylus
  1. Robust build quality - Reliable construction stands up to daily classroom and office use
  2. Programmable side buttons - Quick navigation and shortcuts speed up presentations and editing
  3. Surprisingly versatile - Equally useful for note-taking, sketching and live annotation workflows
  4. AXES compatibility - Integrates with Dell AXES-enabled systems for consistent pen behaviour
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Personal Computer accessory, active stylus
  • Model: PN5122W
  • Protocol: Dell AXES
  • Pressure Sensitivity: 4,096 levels
  • Tilt Support: Yes, tilt functionality for shading and angled strokes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to pair the stylus before use?

A: No pairing is required, the stylus can be used immediately on compatible systems.

Q: What battery does the stylus use and how long does it last?

A: A supplied AAAA battery is included and provides up to 12 months of life under typical usage.

Q: Are the side buttons programmable?

A: Yes, practical side buttons allow quick access to frequently used applications or functions and are easy to programme.

🏆 Our Verdict

Suitable for digital artists, students and business presenters who value precise pen input and dependable day-to-day performance. High-resolution pressure sensitivity, tilt support and programmable side buttons combine to deliver a natural, productive writing and drawing experience. Long battery life and solid construction make it a sensible long-term choice for frequent users.