[mseebach]

At least for that purpose (can't argue with the aesthetics of a fountain pen), there is a large selection of "post-ballpoint" pens that keeps the ink flowing with no effort. The Pilot V5 and Uni-Ball Eye are both ubiquitous classics in the space. Much cheaper and much easier to deal with than fountain pens.

[bunderbunder]

Uni-Ball Signos live in my pencil case and my pockets, and a Pilot Metropolitan lives at my desk.

I agree 100% that the rollerball is cheaper and easier to use. There's much to be said for not having to clean the pen, being able to take it on an airplane without fear, etc. It's also much more pleasant to use than a ballpoint. For whatever reason, though, I find I can still write for longer without discomfort, and maintain a higher quality of penmanship, with the fountain pen.

(That, or I'm just a hopeless nostalgic. I also exclusively own wristwatches that contain no electronics.)