According to one embodiment, a data input system includes an active stylus and an apparatus. The active stylus switches a mode from a first mode in which the signal is output with a first transmission interval to a second mode in which the signal is output with a second transmission interval longer than the first transmission interval when a pressure in a handwriting input operation is not detected for more than a first period. The apparatus displays an object indicative of a position pointed to by the active stylus based on the signal. The apparatus maintains, when the active stylus is in the second mode, a display state of the object displayed on the basis of the signal output at a first timing until the signal is output at a second timing following the first timing.