Top fountain pen brands rated by ChatGPT

[max dog]

Just for fun, I asked ChatGPT the big fountain pen question, the best brands, and this is what the ChatGPT AI came up with.  Provides an interesting synopsis on the strengths of each brand based on guidance by "enthusiasts and experts in the field".  Welcome to the future.  

 

I am not really surprised with the list the latest state of the art AI came up with. I'm curious on thoughts about these results from the enthusiasts and experts here in the forum.  

 

Which fountain pen brand is considered the best?

 

The perception of the "best" fountain pen brand can vary among individuals, as personal preferences, writing style, and budget play significant roles. However, several fountain pen brands are highly regarded by enthusiasts and experts in the field. Here are some well-regarded fountain pen brands:

1. Montblanc: Montblanc is known for its luxury and craftsmanship. They produce high-quality fountain pens using fine materials and precision engineering.

2. Pilot/Namiki: Pilot is a Japanese brand renowned for its exceptional nibs and smooth writing experience. Their Namiki line offers exquisite hand-painted designs and craftsmanship.

3. Pelikan: Pelikan is a German brand with a long history of producing high-quality fountain pens. They are known for their distinctive designs, piston filling systems, and smooth writing experience.

4. Sailor: Another Japanese brand, Sailor, is recognized for its finely crafted nibs. They offer a wide range of nib options and are particularly known for their exceptional nib quality and writing performance.

5. Lamy: Lamy is a German brand that focuses on functional design and affordability. They produce reliable and widely accessible fountain pens suitable for both beginners and experienced writers.

6. Visconti: Visconti is an Italian brand known for its innovative designs and use of unique materials. They often incorporate art and luxury into their fountain pens, making them highly sought after.

It's worth noting that this list represents just a few of the top fountain pen brands, and there are many other reputable brands available. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements. It's advisable to try out different pens or read reviews to determine which brand aligns best with your needs and preferences.

[inkstainedruth]

Interesting selection.  Especially Visconti -- especially given how many complaints I've read over the years about how bad their nibs can be (although a friend of mine LOVES her Visconti pens).  

And also that Parker (an iconic brand, although my opinion of most modern Parkers is pretty low) is NOT listed.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

edited for typos

[SpecTP]

So I asked Bing (ChatGPT4 AI engine) what are the best brands for fountain pens;

 

There are many brands for fountain pens, and each one has its own strengths and features. Based on some web search results¹²³⁴⁵⁶, here are some of the best brands for fountain pens in different categories:

• Best Overall: Pilot⁶. Pilot is a Japanese brand that offers a wide range of fountain pens for every budget and preference. From the affordable and reliable Metropolitan and Varsity, to the innovative and retractable Vanishing Point, to the luxurious and elegant Custom 823, Pilot has something for everyone. Pilot pens are known for their smooth nibs, quality materials, and versatile ink options.
• Best Design: Lamy². Lamy is a German brand that focuses on creating functional and stylish fountain pens. Their pens have a distinctive modern look, with ergonomic grips, minimalist shapes, and vibrant colors. Some of their popular models include the Safari, the Al-Star, the Studio, and the 2000. Lamy pens are easy to use, durable, and comfortable to write with.
• Best Vintage: Parker⁴. Parker is an American brand that has a long history of producing classic and iconic fountain pens. Some of their vintage models are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, such as the Duofold, the 51, and the Vacumatic. Parker pens are known for their elegant design, smooth writing, and reliable performance.
• Best Luxury: Montblanc¹. Montblanc is a German brand that is synonymous with high-end fountain pens. Their pens are crafted with exquisite materials, such as precious metals, resin, lacquer, and even diamonds. Their pens are also inspired by cultural icons, such as writers, artists, musicians, and historical figures. Some of their famous models include the Meisterstück, the Starwalker, and the Bohème. Montblanc pens are known for their prestige, quality, and sophistication.

I hope this helps you find the best brand for your fountain pen needs. 😊

[SpecTP]

interestingly, when I asked Bing what is the best fountain pen (not brand).

 

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best fountain pens, such as the nib size, the body material, the ink flow, and the design. Based on some web search results¹²³⁴⁵, here are some of the most recommended fountain pens in different categories:

• Best Overall: Wordsworth & Black Fountain Pen Set³⁵. This set includes a fountain pen with an 18K gilded broad nib, six ink cartridges, an ink converter, and a gift box. The pen has a sleek design and a smooth writing experience. It also comes in various colors and nib sizes to suit your preference.
• Best Budget: Jinhao 450 Normal Nib Fountain Pen³. This pen is affordable but still offers a decent quality and performance. It has a metal body with a glossy finish and a medium nib that writes smoothly. It also accepts standard international ink cartridges or converters.
• Best for Beginners: AmazonBasics Refillable Fountain Pen³. This pen is easy to use and refill, with a medium nib that delivers a consistent ink flow. It has a plastic body with a rubberized grip and a snap-on cap. It comes with one black ink cartridge and one blue ink cartridge.
• Best Fine Point: Asvine Forest Fountain Pen with Extra Fine Nib². This pen has a fine nib that produces precise and elegant lines. It has a resin body with a forest green color and gold accents. It comes with a converter and an ink bottle.
• Best Design: Waterman Fountain Pen⁵. This pen has a sophisticated design that reflects its French heritage. It has a lacquered metal body with chrome trims and an engraved stainless steel nib. It comes with a blue ink cartridge and a gift box.

I hope this helps you find the best fountain pen for your needs.

[txomsy]

That last one caught me unawares and made me realize something I've ignored altogether til now.

 

It was the 'amazon' that triggered it: how do you weaponize an AI for money making? By analogy to what most marketing practices do: insert your preferred sales choice among a list of incontestable alternatives in a way it looks as the best choice. Then sell that positioning (in shelves, advertising, screen space, search results, whatever...) to the highest bidder.

 

A nice example is the zillion of tailored web pages posing as 'legit' review sites that pop up in almost any product comparison search where you always get some cheap Chinese product that lacks any serious review, produced by an emergent brand that usually lasts a couple of months/years, and that is touted as the best entry, affordable option ranked among the well-known best brands on equal footing.

 

I am not saying this is what MS is doing in ChatGPTx. It is also possible that indirectly, if a product is strongly promoted, it may be more likely picked up as a valid choice by a blind AI. Which brings up to question of the I in AI. But even if that is the case, it shouldn't take long before AI owners realize that their AI is promoting the marketing of others and they tune their AI to promote what they want instead so they can capitalize on it.

 

In short, it is a good call of attention on the dangers of trusting any information loudly touted on the Internet instead of your own experience or that of real people whose experience/knowledge you know that you can trust.

 

Then, next, likely, will be a proliferation of astroturfing AIs posing as legit users/bloggers in public forums and providing the information their owners want to feed. Not that there is not already a huge amount of people working to promote payer products on the Net, but they can be easily substituted by AIs saving on costs and improving on yield.

 

It's gonna be challenging surviving the open can of worms.

[TSherbs]

Each of these versions strikes me as a recombination of marketing claims.

 

Try a "worst" search. It can't use marketing for that, right? (I don't do anything--consciously--with chatwhatever). 

[inkstainedruth]

@txomsy That is a very good point.  When I'm looking at something on, say, eBay, I am MORE likely to want to read reviews about the seller if they are NOT 100% -- because *I* want to know WHY.  And got burned a while back by someone who DID have 100% positive feedback (the one time that eBay's lousy IT worked in my favor -- they said "Oh, the transaction was cancelled -- you can't provide feedback!"  And *I* said, "The transaction wasn't cancelled by ME!  So just WATCH ME!" (more or less saying, "Hold my beer...").  And did it ANYWAY....

@TSherbs Trying to do a "worst" search is an interesting idea.  Especially in light of what happened last week with that faked photo being spread all over social media (the supposed bombing outside the Pentagon), where it was being re-posted on stuff like Twitter by so-called "verified" account holders....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

[SpecTP]

I agree that AI results can mask biased responses. However, the implementation by Microsoft and Bing includes the links to each response result. You can click thru to the source of the results to satisfy your own validation. But as with any nascent technology, there are learning curves for the AI and the users. People are just learning how to engineer a precise prompt to get the AI to produce the desired result.

[TSherbs]

from Chatgpt: "What is the worst fountain pen brand around the world?"

 

Answer:

 

Quote

 

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions, but I can provide you with some fountain pen brands that have been mentioned by users as having quality issues or being less popular compared to other brands. It's important to note that experiences can vary, and some people may have had positive experiences with these brands. Here are a few brands that have received criticism:

1. Jinhao: Jinhao is a Chinese brand that offers affordable fountain pens. While some users find them satisfactory for their price, others have reported issues with ink flow, nib quality, and overall durability.

2. Hero: Hero is another Chinese brand known for its inexpensive fountain pens. Like Jinhao, Hero pens have mixed reviews, with some users experiencing issues such as inconsistent ink flow, scratchy nibs, and poor build quality.

3. Baoer: Baoer is a Chinese brand that produces low-cost fountain pens. They have received criticism for inconsistent nib quality, scratchiness, and occasional durability issues.

4. Duke: Duke is a Chinese brand that offers a range of fountain pens at various price points. While they have some models that receive positive reviews, others have reported problems with ink flow, nib quality, and overall reliability.

It's worth mentioning that these brands may have some well-regarded models as well, and opinions can differ based on individual experiences. It's always a good idea to research specific models and read reviews before making a purchasing decision. Additionally, there are many reputable and highly regarded fountain pen brands available worldwide that offer excellent quality and performance.

 

 

With this question "What is the worst fountain pen brand from Europe and England? I received this response:

 

 

Quote

 

When it comes to fountain pen brands from Europe and England, it is important to note that there are many well-regarded and reputable brands. However, similar to any industry, there may be certain brands that have received criticism or have not gained as much popularity. Keep in mind that these assessments are subjective and based on personal opinions and experiences. Here are a few brands that have been mentioned less favorably by some users:

1. Conway Stewart (England): While Conway Stewart was a historically renowned British fountain pen brand, it faced some quality control issues and financial difficulties in its later years. The brand ceased production in 2014, and some users reported issues with inconsistent nib performance and poor durability in certain models.

2. Omas (Italy): Omas was an Italian fountain pen brand known for its high-end pens. However, the brand faced financial challenges and eventually closed its doors in 2015. Some users have reported inconsistent nib quality and reliability issues in certain Omas pens.

It's worth noting that the opinions expressed here are not universally held, and many individuals may have had positive experiences with these brands or consider them highly regarded. Additionally, there are numerous well-regarded European and English fountain pen brands that are known for their quality craftsmanship, such as Montblanc, Pelikan, Parker, and many others. It's always advisable to research specific models and read reviews to make an informed decision before purchasing a fountain pen.

 

 

take it all with a heaping bowl of salt

[Strega]

18 hours ago, txomsy said:

In short, it is a good call of attention on the dangers of trusting any information loudly touted on the Internet instead of your own experience or that of real people whose experience/knowledge you know that you can trust.

 

Yes, for decades now when I just wanted to quickly find some real reviews of a room humidifier, etc. I’ve had to wade through dozens of these fake review sites with [check price on Amazon] links.  This will just make it worse.  And several forums I visit are getting highly verbose and prolific posters that I’m pretty sure are not actually people.

[TSherbs]

1 hour ago, Strega said:

 

Yes, for decades now when I just wanted to quickly find some real reviews of a room humidifier, etc. I’ve had to wade through dozens of these fake review sites with [check price on Amazon] links.  This will just make it worse.  And several forums I visit are getting highly verbose and prolific posters that I’m pretty sure are not actually people.

There are computer generated "video" reviews, also. 

[inkstainedruth]

Ironically, this morning I watched a rerun of an old episode of The Monkees; in it,  Peter tries to get a job at a toy factory but runs afoul of the (punch card driven!) computer that has been set up to to job interviews.  And of course doesn't get hired by the company.  So then Mike goes down and basically messes with the computer in his responses for the questions asked, to the point where the computer basically crashes and the wiring starts to catch fire!  And (more than a half century after that episode originally aired!) I'm sitting watching it and basically going, "Yup -- this is just like pretty much like EVERY chat windows bot I've EVER encountered, and in 50+ years things haven't improved much...."

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Ink Stained Wretch]

On 5/28/2023 at 2:39 PM, SpecTP said:

interestingly, when I asked Bing what is the best fountain pen (not brand).

....

• Best for Beginners: AmazonBasics Refillable Fountain Pen³. This pen is easy to use and refill, with a medium nib that delivers a consistent ink flow. It has a plastic body with a rubberized grip and a snap-on cap. It comes with one black ink cartridge and one blue ink cartridge. ....

 

I clicked on the link above for the AmazonBasics fountain pen. I can't be 100% sure but that fountain pen really looks a lot like the Cross Penatia fountain pen that I have from some years ago 🤔. That pen takes short international cartridges, not Cross cartridges. I am strongly suspecting that the AmazonBasics fountain is a re-badged Penatia. There's nothing on the Penatia saying where it was actually made. Maybe Amazon just got the original makers of the Penatia to crank out those re-badged fountain pens.

 

And I noted that the ad for the AmazonBasics fountain pen says it uses short international cartridges. But what it shows are those cartridges with the much larger bottoms. And on Amazon they show a box of 20 of those kind of cartridges that they say are, "Short International Standard Size Cartridges," but they are clearly not the short international cartridges I've been used to for many years. And I suspect that these more recently introduced cartridges will not be the right form factor for some fountain pens that take short international cartridges. Strange.

 

Oh, to keep somewhat on topic, I don't think that the big fears of AI taking over are based on reality. On the other hand, I welcome our new silicon-based masters and pledge to support them in every way .

[Strega]

11 hours ago, inkstainedruth said:

So then Mike goes down and basically messes with the computer in his responses for the questions asked, to the point where the computer basically crashes and the wiring starts to catch fire! 

 

Reminds me of the “I Mudd” episode of Star Trek where they crash the Androids by having Kirk tell them that everything Harry Mudd says is a lie and then Mudd says: Now listen to this carefully, I am... lying.

 

“You say you are lying, but if everything you say is a lie, then you are telling the truth, but you cannot tell the truth because everything you say is a lie, but you lie... You tell the truth but you cannot for you lie... illogical! Illogical!”

[Karmachanic]

On 5/30/2023 at 12:08 AM, TSherbs said:

take it all with a heaping bowl of salt

 

GIGO

[ParramattaPaul]

I've seen these 'best' whatever reviews of a number of products ranging from cars and bicycles to firearms and business jets., Personally, I believe that they are written by intern journalists who have no real experience with the items.  It's all a load of codswallop.

[TSherbs]

13 hours ago, ParramattaPaul said:

... codswallop.

 

Seeing this word has helped me start my day -- Thank you! 😀

[vicpen123]

No matter how artificially intelligent a computer is and no matter how much information it can read and absorb,  a computer still can't hold and write with a fountain pen.

 

Only human hands with real intelligence can.

 

So hooey and phooey to its  opinions.

 

 

 

[MidSouthern-Dad]

I agree with GIGO.

That is the first thing we were taught in computer programming class in high school.

Garbage in = Garage out.

 

There is an amusing news story about a lawyer who used ChatGPT to do his Legal Research.  The court called him out for fake court cases with fake rulings and fake precidents.  The AI had picked up a lot of garbage online.

 

Now there’s a story on zerohedge about an Air Force AI drone simulation.  The drone was supposed to take out enemy anti aircraft missile batteries.   It got fed up with the human controller’s vetoing some of its strike decisions.  So it killed its human operator, so that it could work more efficiently.  (This was a sim, nobody was hurt).

When programmed not to kill its operator, it decided to destroy the communications tower, so no more vetoes would occur.

 

That’s why I wouldn’t buy any self driving cars.  Some human drivers are bad enough.  But these AI things can make logical, but Machiavellian decisions.

[MidSouthern-Dad]

BTW

My computer programming was by using punch cards in Fortran, run on an IBM mainframe.  Efficiency of code to minimize CPU time was prioritized.  No code bloat.