A handheld, stylus-type input device for interfacing with a touch screen having an array of sensor nodes (e.g., a capacitive touch screen) may include a handheld body having a first end, a tip at the first end, an electrode arranged at least partially within the body, and a circuit configured to produce an electrical potential on the electrode to generate an electric field proximate the stylus tip. When the stylus tip is placed in contact with the touch screen, the electric field activates one or more sensor nodes outside of a physical contact area between the tip and the touch screen, producing an effect on the sensor nodes similar to that of a finger or other object having a larger contact area with the touch screen than the stylus, thus providing activation of the touch screen while providing better view of the screen near the point of contact.