I can carry a thumbpad. However, this will make me stand unique among crowd and people might think I am on some other mission. Pad isn't my favorite word after all.. can cause huge misunderstanding to the extent making me look suspicious...

I don't carry a pen for one good reason that I can write!

Since I started using my new credit card, shopkeepers are less interested in taking my signatures on card payment receipt...

rishimba, your idea to have pen handy for scratching back is a practical one.. I am afraid if others started taking advantage of I having a pen handy!