I chose to put this in "Cafe Corner" rather than "Crazy House" in spite of the semi-ridiculous question because it relates to college students or those in a profession where it's imperative that they jot down a lot of notes or do a lot of writing.

Well, I just bought a big pack of pens today because I was sick of my sharpener acting up, but I still like pencils because they don't smudge everywhere, and they don't have a cap that poses a choking hazard (I have a terrible habit of pulling them off the pen with my teeth - I'm waiting for one to rocket into my uvula). Mechanical pencils can be a beast to use, though... for some reason I always end up breaking the metal while it's still inside the pencil and then I can't use it.

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aaaaaand I just realized a better place to put it would have been "general chat" rather than Cafe Corner, amirite?
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Mechanical Pencils! You don't need to sharpen them... it takes a long time to run out... it is erasable... it is the perfect solution!

I type everything I can. My handwriting is atrocious yet legible (an oxymoron!), so I prefer typing. But when I have to write... I grab whatever's closest.

I suck at typing, I hate writing, my handwriting is terrible, and I only ever take notes when it is absolutely imperative (meaning that it counts as a grade) but I use both. I prefer a pen with real ink in it, like a UniBall or Pilot, and for a pencil, I prefer mechanical.

I pretty much prefer using pens because they are easiest to write for me. I'm also a lefty so pencils tend to make my hand dirty when writing. I don't mind pencils, I just think pens write smoother and make stuff easier to read. But the best and most reliable out of all these is a computer because it's organized, professional, and user friendly(for the most part).

I don't really like writing things down, I memorize things pretty well, but when I need to, I go with pencils, you wanna know why? eRaSeRs FtW!

I always use Mech pencils, for three reasons-

1. My handwriting is horrible with a normal pencil
2. Erasers on Mech pencils last longer and are better
3. The ability to call them "Mech pencils."

I would used the mechanical pencil because it doesn't need to be sharpen, makes handwriting more easier and better than pencils, and it has better a eraser.

Mechanical pencils also looks cooler than pencils.

Since I barely ever use my notebook for note taking and drawing I'm going to go with pens. Not the crappy ones though. I use these gel ink, fine tip pens that actually belend toghether when using them unlike the crap ones that let you see each individual stroke. Then they actually are black and dark, not a noticeable mix of colors. I rarely take notes except when I have to. Great memory.

Same as SarothCyngus I use a mechanical pencil but for another reason really. I can fit more onto paper with it than with a regular pencil.

I own a few nice heavy refillable fine tip ball points. I got 3 as gifts, and one (my favorite) I bought. Only 15$ or so, but has a very nice weight.

I like pencils for doodling, or math.

Though when it comes to writting drafts and such, I use my computer.

While pen and pencils each have their place, I love a good fine tip ball point.

In the past, I used to have always a Mechanical pencil with me.
But now I mostly use pens, because I like them more.

I use the "Bic" brand of mechanical pencils. Sometimes yes, I would use pens, but that is when necessary. Pencils, nope I don't use 'em unless taking some BIG exam or a test of some sort.

I always use pencils, just out of habit and comfort. I used a mechanical pencil once, and then someone stole it I guess me and mechanical just aren't meant to be.

I choose mechanical pencils because you can refill them with more lead and they don't need sharpening.