Your Buying Guide- Everything to Consider When Buying A Graphics Tablet
This article is a buying guide for those who are looking to buy a Graphics tablet. Know the features and specifications you must look for while buying a graphics tablet. Know which companies are trustworthy for producing Graphics tablet and how you analyse your own requirements.
Every artist needs a graphic tablet. It comes with a myriad more benefits than traditional art forms. However, there is a range of graphic tablets out there. Each performs differently, which is why you may purchase one that's not suited for you. We've discussed everything to consider below, so why don't you read ahead?Screen Resolution
One of the most important things to consider is the screen resolution of your tablet. The higher the resolution, the clearer your canvas will be. One of the great things about tabs with high screen resolutions is that you'll be able to zoom in without worrying about pixelation.
Purchasing a graphic tablet with a high screen resolution is wise, but know that it might not be necessary. If you don't draw intricate pieces, splurging on a tab that comes with a 2,560 x 1,440-pixel display is pointless.
If you're new to graphic tablets, you might be wondering how screen resolution is determined. It's simple, it's just the number of pixels per length and breadth of the tab. This is why smaller graphic tabs tend to come with sharper displays.
Many tablets measure resolution through pixels. However, some do so with LPI lines per inch. Size
The gadgets come in a range of sizes. The bigger the tablet is, the larger the canvas you have to play with. This has its ups and downs, though. As they're easier to work with, larger tablets tend to be more expensive.
If you have two tablets of the same price but different in size, you'll notice that the larger one has a worse screen resolution. This is usually how it is, unfortunately. Space
Where are you going to keep your tablet? Every artist has a space where they work. Remember that tabs come in a range of sizes, so they might not fit your workspace.
Not just this, you have to keep in mind the size of your backpack. You're going to want the take the tablet places with you. Price
No doubt about it, graphic tablets can be very expensive. You shouldn't spend so much, however. If you wait, you can get hold of a great tab for a fraction of the price.
You might have to wait long, though. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, gadgets are sold at huge discounts. This is true for after Christmas sales too, but not to the same extent.
If you can't wait for a sale, look to the internet to save big. Due to less handling fees, tech is sold for cheaper online. Let's not forget that the internet is a treasure trove of information. There are sites like https://convergeddevices.net/ that offer guides for the best cheap pieces.
You might not want to hear this, but the brand you're purchasing from plays a huge role in price too. Something from Huion may be just as good as a Wacom but sold for less.
As you can imagine, getting hold of a tablet used would save you considerably. This might not be a wise choice. Used tablets have their styluses worn down. Their displays probably aren't that sensitive either. Sensitivity
Speaking of sensitivity, you have to find out what the pressure sensitivity of your tablet is. The higher the sensitivity, the better. You'll have more control of your stylus, being able to create finer lines.
The pressure sensitivity of 2048 is recommended. To put things into perspective, the Note 9, which as you know is a phablet great for artists, comes with over 4000 levels of pressure sensitivity.
It's disappointing that cheaper tabs barely have sensitive screens. Tracking Speed
Like sensitivity, tracking speed determines how smooth of an experience you'll have. Tracking speed is the lag you experience between each stroke and the time it takes to show up on your computer's screen.
Like sensitivity, you need to look for a tablet that comes with the highest possible PPS. As you can imagine, price plays a considerable role in tracking speed.
If you're looking to splurge on a tablet that comes with a great tracking speed, don't look at an older model. Older tablets have not-so-great PPs. Just like processors, tablets' tracking speeds keep improving over the years. Smoothness
Your stylus needs to have a smooth surface to work on. This is why the material your tab's screen is made from is important. Cheaper tabs are known to have rough, almost toothed surfaces, which don't help the drawing process.
The smoothest graphic tablet on the market is the Wacom Cintiq. However, many brands have started to give it a run for its money. The Cintiq is so smooth due to its surface being glass. Stylus
The tab's stylus is your pen. This is why it needs to fit comfortably into your hand. Different tablets come with different stylus'.
You should purchase one that's as light as possible. You're probably going to spend hours on it. If the stylus is too heavy, your wrist will hurt. Connectivity
These days, tablets connect to computers through Bluetooth tech. This is effortless as everything is wireless.
Older computers and tabs may require wires, which is why you should avoid them. To make things worse, your tablet may have a USB-2 port while the cable your computer comes with may not be able to connect to it.
Let's wrap things up. When it comes to buying a graphic tab, there is a range of things to consider. One of the most important things is how much you're willing to spend. The more expensive the tablet is, the better its features will be. Thankfully, you can easily snag one during a sale, saving quite a bit of cash.
In terms of the features you have to look out for, a tablet with a sensitive display is a must. A tablet with great tracking speeds is important too. These ensure you have the smoothest possible drawing experience.
If you're someone who enjoys producing detailed pieces, the resolution of your tablet greatly influences the quality of your work.
