If you’re like most people, you probably have an iPad in your hands and are using it to do everything from browsing the web to writing reports. But if you’re like me, you also have a few extra things that you use your iPad for. One of these things is stylus use. And one of the best styluses on the market is the Apple Pencil. But what if you don’t have an Apple Pencil? What if you don’t want to spend money on a stylus? Well, there are a few different ways to use an iPad without a stylus. And one way is to use some cheap Wi-Fi antennas to get the same results as using an Apple Pencil with a stylus.

  1. Use an old Bluetooth keyboard as your tablet’s keyboard: This is probably one of the easiest ways to use your iPad without a stylus because it works just like any other Bluetooth keyboard. You can just connect it to your iPad and type in whatever text or code you need to get work done.
  2. Use an old mouse: If you don’t have an Apple Pencil or any other type of stylus, then this might be the best way to try out using your iPad without one. Just connect your mouse to your iPad and start typing away! The mouse will work just like any other computer mouse and will give you the same results as using an Apple Pencil with a stylus.
  3. Use some cheap Wi-Fi antennas: If all else fails and you still can’t find a way to use your iPad without a stylus, then maybe something about those cheap Wi-Fi antennas will help! Just connect them directly into your iPad’s USB port and start typing away! The results should be pretty good since most people only need around 10Mbps for their Wi-Fi connection when trying this method.

Once a week we dump out the tips box to share great reader tips with everyone; this week we’re looking at DIY iPad styluses, easy cable organizing, and how to hack your own dirt-cheap signal extending Wi-Fi antennas.

Roll Your Own iPad Stylus With A Drafting Pencil

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Branden writes in with the following tip for creating a quick and dirty iPad stylus:

We’ve got drafting pencils on hand; now all we need to do is go dig around in the workshop for conductive foam. Great tip Branden!

A super easy way to make a stylus is to simply take a small piece of conductive foam and pinch it into the lead holder in a metal drafting pencil. You might need to experiment with different drafting pencil bodies to get it right but all of the ones on my desk work fine.

Recycle and Organize Your Cables All At Once

Ollie writes in with a clever and simple organization hack:

We’ve used a variety of techniques over the years includes ties and Ziplock bags, as far as speed goes; however, this is certainly beats both.

DIY Dirt Cheap Wi-Fi Antennas

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Isela writes in with the following Wi-Fi extending hack:

We’re sorely tempted to go pull apart our router. We have all the necessary components: copper, solder, straws, and a healthy disregard for warranties.

Have a tip or trick to share? Shoot us an email at tips@howtogeek.com to share it with your fellow readers.