Why is the 'Stylus' missing from iDevices & Smartphones?

Because most new devices like that are not the same kind of touch screen. These are heat sensitive, not pressure sensitive, like the Nintendo DSi.

I have a stylus that I purchased for my iPod touch - they are available...and cheap!

Because they don't need them. Touch based is better than using a stylus. Also capacitive touch screens (iPhone, iPad and newer smart phones) feel better. Resistive touchscreen need pressure applies to them.

I think it is because it makes things simpler and appeal more to the consumers. I'm like you and prefer to use a stylus when I can because it makes navigation more exact.

You can't really do multi touch things with a single stylus, at least easily. So things like pinch to zoom and that kind of stuff won't work well.

I think it is because it makes things simpler and appeal more to the consumers. I'm like you and prefer to use a stylus when I can because it makes navigation more exact.

You can't really do multi touch things with a single stylus, at least easily. So things like pinch to zoom and that kind of stuff won't work well.

You can use a stylus with the iPhone or iPad, you know. You just need one that works with a capacitive touch screen -- http://www.tenonedesign.com/sketch.php. I love my Pogo Sketch stylus with my iPad.

its simple.. people are lazy and plus they keep losing their styluses..

I personally find a stylus to be better. When a UI is designed around a stylus, you get a lot more usable screen space. When it is designed around finger friendly elements, you get oversized buttons and everything else, leaving very little space for user content.

For example on my older windows mobile device, the UI is completely designed around a stylus. The screen is 3.7 inches, If you had to use your finger to navigate, you will get frustrated very quickly.

Also wanted to add, using a finger = smudges

With a Stylus you can break,lose them and easily scratch the phone surface, on the other hand you can do a lot more than with your finger, you can do more precises work.

I don't want a stylus for my iPod touch. I think it would be useless.