I want to fabricate an iPad stylus for Mrs. Tuttle. She loves her iPad.

Ipad Stylus using drafting lead holder and conductive foam

Of course, geeks at this level seem to think that conductive foam is just something that you have laying around. Apparently, I am aspiring to a new level of geekdom, because I found none in my exhaustive search of "crap I keep in the garage in case I need it".

(as an aside, this search did afford me the opportunity to dispose of about 20 pounds of RG59, RG6, S-Video and other cables that I will never use. Upon being informed that I had gotten rid of a bunch of cables, Mrs. Tuttle astutely retorted "can you do that?")

I even checked with a local computer repair shop, and the kid looked at me like I was some kind of freak. Which - in his world - I guess I am. Living above ground and actually using my voice to speak to humans in public and all.

I'm going to try the scotch-brite sponge idea, although that seems like a pretty trailer solution.

So, can anybody hook a brother up? I'll pay for postage and stuff, of course. Send me a PM. Get your geek on. Peace out.

Are you looking for something like this Tom?

iPad stylii are abominations unto Nuggan.

Mom and Pop computer repair shops might have what you are looking for. Plenty of hardware (like video cards, motherboards, etc) still come with the box lined with the foam that is what I think is what you are looking for, so they should have a ton extra.

I did a quick check and don't have any lying about.

This reminded me of the story from last year.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/south-korean-iphone-users-turn-to-sausages-as-a-cold-weather-me/

Yeah, Ed, I think that's the stuff. Was just trying to not spend a silly amount of money on what might be lying about. Also, the DIY-guy says there are several different levels of coarseness. May end up there, though. Thanks for the link.

I'd go for the meat stylus in a minute, but the main problem I'm trying to solve is smearing on the screen.

Ken, I won't make it blue. Promise.