mobile ball and liquid ink to produce a smoother line. Technological advances during the late 1980s and early 1990s have improved the roller ball's overall performance. A porous point pen contains a point made of some porous material such as felt or ceramic. A high quality drafting pen will usually have a ceramic tip, since this wears well and does not broaden when pressure is applied while writing. Although the invention of the typewriter and personal computer with the keyboard input method has offered another way to write, the pen is still the main means of writing. Many people like to use expensive types and brands of pens, including fountain pens, and these are sometimes regarded as a status symbol. See also Active pen Counterfeit banknote detection pen Digital pen List of pen types, brands and companies Pen spinning Pencil Retractable pen Space Pen Technical pen References External links Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association Domestic implements Office equipment Stationery