Write On: Lust-Worthy Pen Options for Every Office Professional

You may not give something like a writing instrument much thought. But, observe your coworkers in a meeting and check out all of the different pens they use. Go one step further and ask to borrow someone's pen and don't return it. Chances are, they will hunt you down and tackle that pen right out of your grip.

If you're tasked with purchasing pens for the office, you probably take one of two approaches: You can learn which types of pens and pen refills everyone uses and try to meet their needs. Or, you can buy the cheapest ink pens you can find and tell everyone to make due or buy their own darn pens. If you're in the latter camp and you can get away with it, more power to ya! But, if you need to have somewhat of an awareness of pens - what's available and what makes the most sense for your office - keep reading.

Pen Choices

What are your pen choices? Although it boils down to personal preference, here is a list of a few types of pens:

• Ballpoint: Something interesting I found is that ballpoint pens are oil-based. So, that's why they're nearly impossible to clean off of anything!
• Rollerball: Similar to ballpoint pens, but these use water-based ink. They were intended to give the "wet" feel of a fountain pen. Personally, I prefer ink that doesn't mark up my hands like that of a second grader... but that's just me.
• Fountain: These pens use a nib to deliver the ink onto paper. A nib is part of a quill that's used for different purposes, depending on the type of material you're writing on. These pens require the use of refill cartridges.
• Felt-tip (or marker): These pens come in various-sized tips, which deliver tiny, small, medium, large, etc. widths of marking, depending on the task. The tips are made of fiber and eventually dry out.
• Calligraphy pens: Need to create invitations for an office party or another corporate event? Take up calligraphy! Enabling formal, flowery scribe, calligraphy just makes everything look, well, fancier. Available in flat-or round-nibbed versions, these pens should be purchased alongside of a calligraphy brush.
• Plain ink: Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. Often sold in bulk, these pens are great if you're looking to save money. And, then again, aren't we all?

Upscale Choices

Montblanc Writing Instruments (Note the lack of the mundane term, "pen!") takes its writing instruments very seriously. Its pens aren't just manufactured; they're engineered. You don't go to a store to buy one; you go to a boutique. The company calls its Meisterstuck Collection "icons of the writing culture." Need I say more?

Ok, so this particular pen is handcrafted in Europe with a gold-plated clip and a black, precious resin barrel. If it's not exactly what you require in your day-to-day scribing, it may be the perfect gift for the lady or gentleman in your office who would appreciate an extra-luxurious writing instrument. However, be sure that this is a group effort and everyone in your office pitches in money. These beautiful pens can cost several hundred dollars while their limited-edition versions can run several thousands. Yes, for a pen!

Pen Innovation

Some fun new pens include:

• PenAgain^TM: Ergonomically correct writing instruments, which are unlike anything I've ever seen. The PenAgain is specially designed for "no-rip" use, which is sure to lead you to longer hours of comfortable scribing. They also make great gifts!
• Livescribe Pulse^TM Smartpen: This pen allows you to take notes, create sketches and graphs, and record audio simultaneously. Do you attend lots of meetings? If so, this pen is perfect for you! With the Pulse Smartpen, you can take notes, and the pen will record the audio of the meeting while you write. How cool is that?
• FoldzFlat® Pen: Looking to save space? Consider investing in the FoldzFlat pen. Able to be folded down to the size of a credit card, this patented pen is perfect for business professionals on the go. One popular edition is the "StingRay," which features stainless steel and a durable leather trim.

Up for Discussion

Do you have a favorite pen? What makes it so special?