Collectors classify MB ballpoints and rollerballs clearly as luxury and prestige objects, since the high price is not justified by the writing properties of the refill itself. The value lies in design, mechanism (e.g. twist mechanism), housing materials and brand value. For historical comparison: according to the price list of 1982, a 164 ballpoint cost 75 DM, a 149 fountain pen 320 DM. Practically to consider is that a ballpoint, unlike a fountain pen and partly also a rollerball, writes reliably on thermal paper (debit/credit card receipts). The rollerball writes with more fluid ink and a feel more similar to a fountain pen but has a faster-empty refill.