The Lina is a discreet vibrator from the Berman Center (a division of Cal Exotics). It comes in a purple box,with product information on one side and information about the Berman Center Intimate Accessories collection on another. The box panel is attached with Velcro, and opens to show a picture of the pen and the tickler sleeve. It says the sleeve is high-grade silicone, although it is actually made of TPR.

Lina comes with the tickler sleeve, 8 batteries (4 spares), and a storage bag. The bag is lavender, and large and tacky looking. If you want to store this in your purse, I’d recommend a small drawstring bag to make this more discreet.

The pen is silver plastic, 5 3/4" long, and about 3/4" in diameter at its widest point. It has a pink Berman Center logo on the shaft. The cap removes for battery insertion, and is 2” long. On, Off, and Open are clearly labeled in pink. When the cap is removed, the four batteries can be inserted, positive side up. The bullet is in Lina’s cap.

What makes Lina different in the discreet department is not only does it look like another item, it can be used as that item. Lipstick vibes look like lipstick, but you can’t apply them to your lips. The Lina, however, looks like a pen (albeit a large one), and it actually writes.

The bottom of Lina can be turned about 1 1/4" up from the bottom, to reveal the ball point tip. Lina writes in black ink like any other ball point pen.

Adding the tickler sleeve does make Lina a bit more obvious. The sleeve is 2 3/4" long, made of TPR, and has no smell or taste. It is covered with tiny nubs on its sides. The sleeve is stretchy and easy to put over the pen. The sleeve adds 1/4" to both Lina’s length and width.

While Lina can be inserted up to 5”, it’s tricky to hold on to (and never put Lina in your ass – it’d slip right in). Lina is best used clitorally, either with or without the sleeve. The nubs add some stimulation, but I found Lina felt best when used without the sleeve.

Lina only has 1 speed, which is a high tingly vibration. It can be felt up and down the length of the pen, although it is concentrated in the cap end. The vibrations are pretty strong, and with the hard tip you can apply good pressure where you need it.

But it’s loud. Really loud. The sound is dampened when Lina is pressing against your clitoris, but if it moves off the sound is incredible. This is best used when you have some privacy or lots of background noise. Public bathroom at work: no. Public bathroom at the bar: definitely yes.

Lina is made of plastic and TPR silicone. Both materials are phthalates-free and hypoallergenic. The sleeve can be washed with antibacterial soap and warm water, and should be dried thoroughly before placing on the pen. The pen itself should be wiped with a warm soapy cloth, and not submerged in water.

Water-based lubricants are safe to use.

I find discreet toys to be fun and a great way to have something with you for use almost anywhere and any time. Currently in my purse are a lipstick vibe, Mia, and Lina. Lina isn’t as discreet as I had hoped. While she does double as a pen, which is great, she’s nowhere near as quiet as my other purse vibrators.

I was disappointed in the bag this came in. It’s thin, and way too large for the toy. I have a smaller pouch that I use that works much better, and keeps Lina less conspicuously in my purse.

I had hoped Lina would be suitable for using at work in my office, but it’s so loud that just isn’t possible. In a noisy location or bathroom, however, it’s not as obvious what you’re doing.

I do like her vibrations. While on the buzzy side, they are strong enough to do the job.

I typically keep the sleeve at home, as I find the vibrations stronger without, and the sleeve does give it away. The sleeve is the right size for a finger tickler, and fun to use that way.

The Lina hasn't turned out to be quite the discreet toy I was looking for. I love the fact that it looks like a pen and actually functions as a pen so you can use it in a pinch to write with, but that makes it dangerous when you carry this in your purse. Lipstick vibes? Safe - you're not going to share your lipstick with anyone. Pen vibes? If someone asks if you have a pen and, instead of saying no you pull out Lina by mistake, you'll have to hope they don't see you stuff it back in quickly and dig for another one.

The vibrations on Lina are bad, but it's so loud that it's better used at home unless you're in a fairly noisy bathroom. The batteries last a fair amount of time but there's a lot to replace when they go.