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Why Should I Buy A Graphic Tablet?
When it comes to stepping up your creative digital game, there are arguably few investments more valuable than a graphics tablet or pen display. However, it might be challenging to determine what to look for when purchasing one for the first time. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a graphics tablet. It is a good idea to thoroughly research all your alternatives, compare pricing and features, and read customer reviews. You will soon discover the ideal tablet for you.
Benefits of a Graphic Tablet
Graphics tablets can be highly beneficial, depending on the task at hand. Depending on the sort of work you perform, you may discover that using a graphics tablet is far faster than using a pencil and paper or even a mouse.
Another significant benefit of utilising a graphics tablet is that your work will become more precise in general. The same set of tools that enables you to work more quickly also enables you to make fewer errors. While there is a disadvantage to this, there are also significant advantages, like the potential to generate higher-quality work. This is advantageous for both painters and graphic designers. Learn graphic design online with Blue Sky Graphics and start practising on your tablet!
Everything you need to know before purchasing a graphics tablet is as follows:
1. Non-Display vs Display
You will need to consider whether you require a display on your graphics tablet, as this has a significant influence on the pricing.
While tablets without displays are much less expensive, they might take some getting used to. You will be sketching and writing on the tablet in your hands while simultaneously gazing at your computer screen. This can feel quite strange to inexperienced digital artists.
Using a display tablet eliminates that uncomfortable setup altogether, which simplifies the move from conventional to digital art. Directly on the screen, drawing will have the sense of putting a pencil on paper. However, this is the more expensive choice.
2. Replacement Parts and Drivers Availability
Certain graphics tablets may require further purchases in the future. For instance, a new battery if the tablet features Bluetooth connectivity, or, more often, pen tips and nibs. This is something to bear in mind, especially if you purchase an older graphics tablet model or a used graphics tablet. You do not want to get a tablet at a good price to discover that the manufacturer no longer manufactures the components you will ultimately need to repair.
To truly save money on a graphics tablet, pick one that still has “refills” in stock (if applicable) and driver support (which is typically available on the manufacturer’s website).
3. Shop in-person
We strongly advise you to purchase your graphics tablet in person rather than ordering one online. This is so you can determine the size of your tablet and how to handle the stylus in person (if the store allows this before purchase).
The area of your tablet on which you may draw is referred to as the “active area.” Tablets with a bigger active surface are often more costly. However, it may be a worthy investment. You can work on large artworks without zoom in as much, and details will be much simpler to work with.
Additionally, styli come in a variety of forms and sizes. You will want one that fits perfectly in your hand, which you will not know until you hold it.
4. Pressure or Sensitivity of the Pen
Pen pressure or pen sensitivity refers to the ability of the stylus on a graphics tablet to detect the amount of pressure applied when drawing or writing. The advantage of having several pressure levels is that it enables you to make more precise line thickness differences.
Having an absurd number of levels is typically unnecessary for novice painters, and some programmes limit the number of pressure levels they can manage. For most graphics tablet users, 1,024 pressure levels should be sufficient.
Ensure that your tablet supports some form of pen pressure or pen sensitivity. Some less expensive tablets lack this feature entirely, forcing you to draw ugly strokes with no variation in thickness or taper.
5. Avoid Being Convinced by Brand Names or Exorbitant Prices
Simply because a graphics tablet is made by a well-known brand or is pricey does not mean it is superior to those made by lesser companies or is less expensive. While the adage “you get what you pay for” is somewhat accurate, it is not always essential to blow your budget on every new piece of technology.
Given their outstanding ratings, it is undoubtedly extremely tempting to browse the Wacom and XP-Pen product lines, but do not be scared to look at other companies. Consider all of your alternatives and choose which one is the greatest fit for your goals and budget.
6. Special Offers
Occasionally, manufacturers of graphics tablets may partner with creators of the art software to sell them together as a package. This means you may get both at a lesser price than you would if you purchased the tablet and application individually.
7. Consistency
This may seem self-evident to some, but you must check that the tablet you choose is compatible with your setup. While many big graphics tablet companies offer complete support for Windows, Mac, and Linux, it is not unusual for more affordable alternatives to just support Windows.
Specific tablets can also be fussy with certain applications, so if you are not a typical Photoshop or Illustrator user, we recommend checking into that as well.
8. Warranty
Spending a lot of money on anything may be stressful, but having a guarantee on your purchase will help you breathe easier. As is the case with many other electronic products, warranties are frequently divided into levels, with the more costly tiers providing more comprehensive coverage (e.g., damage caused by handling, water, etc.).
Most drawing tablets come with a manufacturer’s guarantee that begins immediately upon purchase, although the duration of the warranty varies according to the tablet our brand. A decent drawing tablet should come with a one-year guarantee.
