Tech for Artists: Tablets!

So, I've come across questions about technology and art a lot with growing frequency as technology gets cheaper and better. A particular item of interest is the ALMIGHTY TABLET SCREEN!!!

Many artists are looking into buying Wacom Cintiqs without knowledge of cheaper alternatives. In the interest of transparency, I am typing this post into a Wacom Cintiq 22UX. I have had a great deal of experience with Cintiqs and my hardware works well enough (with an annoying driver that disappears every now and then). Wacom is a good company that makes good equipment and CHARGES FAR TOO MUCH FOR IT IN THIS DAY AND AGE.

I have looked into Cintiq alternatives as well as the growing field of tablet/laptops with digitizers (the ability to sense pen pressure). Here is a little of what I've found:



First, lets look at Cintiq alternatives.

I've found a fellow blogger, artist Ray Frenden, who has been putting up reviews for tablet screens with thorough and concise testing. All these reviews can be found HERE.

Particular front-runners include:

Monoprice 19” Tablet Monitor

-19” (1440 x 900)
-digitizer with 5080 lpi resolution
-stylus with 2048 pressure levels
-both DVI and VGA inputs
-AND DID I MENTION IT'S $389

Yiynova MSP19U

-19” (1440x900)
-digitizer with 4000 lpi resolution
-stylus with 2048 pressure levels
-VGA input
-AND THIS ONE'S $569


Full reviews can be found on Ray Frenden's blog: Monoprice - Yiynova

There are a couple things to remember when looking at "off" brand hardware. It has been my experience that cheaper products tend to be more lax in the 'support' area. One thing to check out with such purchases is what kind of support it comes with (contacting, repairs, warranty). Research is always a good idea. Another thing to keep in mind is that procuring the hardware occasionally takes some searching.




Second on the agenda is the matter of new tablet/laptop technology.

Yet again I have been able to find a wonderful resource for comparing and contrasting the various models available. THIS forum post keeps a goo working list of what's available and on the post is linked to THIS excel sheet listing models and details! The sheet is constantly updating and provides a wealth of information.

When looking at what's available you'll find two categories: Those with fixed keyboards and those without.

Why does this matter?

Well, tablets with detachable keyboards carry all hardware (motherboard, memory, processor) in the screen. The keyboard...is just a keyboard. This can be problematic when working in more hardware intensive programs (Maya, After Effects, Flash, ToonBoom...anything with video or modeling). These programs are hard on the processor and cause everything to run rather hot-which would be worrisome when all that hardware is crammed in the back of the screen.

When dealing with a more traditional laptop (screen is attached), the bulk of the hardware is given more breathing room in the keyboard section. I will note that all of these computers run Solid State drives with no moving parts which eliminates a lot of heat and makes everything run noticeably faster--meaning this MIGHT not matter THAT much. BUT why risk it? There are other factors (like all the inputs) as well but I see this as a main one.

I will touch on computer hardware at another time but I hope this helps artists entering the world of drawing on screens!