Parker Vector Blue Fountain pen Medium nib, SM50136042

Vector is Parker's answer to the array of nouvelle lightweight fountain pens that have come on the market in recent times. Like many of its competitors, Vector utilizes cartridges to make for cleaner easier use for fountain pen novices or those wanting to use something a little different than the standard cheap Bic disposable. Much like today's lightweight ballpoint pens, the Vector is quite lightweight and is also very stylish, streamlined, and attractive. The Vector is a little thicker than a standard ballpoint, making for a nicer writing experience, but may not be as thick as some may want. The refills aren't always easy to find outside of a stationary store or pen shop, but thanks to online they're also not as hard to find as you may think. The pen operates without the mess and staining usually associated with fountain pens thanks to the largely contained cartridge operation. While the nib does seem rather cheap compared with the Parkers of old it's still a nice fountain pen that gives your everyday writing use a touch of flair!

Parker Latitude Fine Writing Medium Point Fountain Pen, 1 Black Ink, Silky Black Barrel Pen

I bought one of these to use at work, because 1) it has a steel nib - it takes more abuse than a gold nib, without damage / bending. 2) it's quite inexpensive for a fountain pen. I also use, at work, a Cross Century II fountain pen which I also class as inexpensive even though it was about $25 more than the Parker Latitude. It also has a steel nib. If you leave it uncapped, for just a few minutes, it will dry out - although tapping the nib against the paper will generally restart it. Or, just placing 1 drop of water on the nib will definitely restart it. My Parker Latitude is somewhat lighter than the Cross, slightly wider grip, and I like it better. If anything, it I think it is less problematic to use than the cross. I also have a couple of gold-nibbed fountain pens at home, and honestly, if someone wants a pen that they can leave idle for days and then it writes instantly, well, that's what made ballpoints so popular! If you want a pen that can write a bold solid line without voids, can vary that line width so you can write with expression, they you DO want a fountain pen, and you adapt to it. Fountain pens are beautiful, excellent writing instruments for actually writing, ie, a letter or a journal entry - that will keep the ink flowing. Conclusion: I'm very happy with my Parker Latitude because I bought exactly what I wanted, it writes beautifully and feels good, and otherwise behaves as I expected. It does not behave like a ballpoint, and I've never seen a fountain pen that did.