Many programs aren't as beginner-friendly as drawing appsĪpple Pencil 1 and 2 in X shape (Image credit: iMore).Can cost a lot less than an iPad and Apple Pencil.Far more pressure sensitivity levels than an iPad.However, also having an iPad to work from when you're away from your desk is a very useful and common practice. If you're someone who works professionally, you'll likely want a full-blown drawing tablet. Who should buy this: People who need access to more intensive programs to make more controlled projects. Many graphics tablets also have customizable shortcut keys near the drawing area that you can program your most accessed commands to for easy use. Since these devices connect to computers, they are compatible with far more programs since you're not at the mercy of a simplified drawing app. That being said, there are plenty of other brands that don't cost as much while still offering powerful features and conveniences.
Wacom is the big name in the drawing tablet world and as such, products by this company tend to be the very best you can buy, but also the most expensive. Wacom Tablet (Image credit: Casian Holly / iMore)
However, the trade-off here is that drawing tablets aren't nearly as portable since they either need to be connected to a computer or can be too bulky for easy mobile use. Drawing tablets can also have massive displays making it easier to work on the finer details of your work. Since drawing tablets interact with computers, it gives you access to more intensive drawing software than an app can provide. This is often what you'll see high-end professionals working on. Pen computers - Standalone machines that feature HD displays and don't need to be connected to other devices to function.They cost a bit more, but being able to draw directly on your art instead of staring at a computer monitor with your hand on a separate pen pad is really convenient. Pen displays - Feature a screen that you draw on but must be connected to a computer to supplement the necessary amount of power.Nowadays they tend to be wireless with an internal battery. They're perfect for beginners or established artists looking for an inexpensive option. Pen pads - Simple drawing pads that connect to a computer and are typically less expensive than other options.These drawing tablets come in three forms: Graphics tablets come with a stylus or pen with removable tips and have far more pressure sensitivity levels than iPads, allowing artists to have more brush stroke variation as determined by how hard they push the pen to the screen. Xp Pen Artist 22 Review (Image credit: Jez Corden / iMore) Far fewer pressure sensitivity levels than a drawing tablet.Better pressure sensitivity than other tablets.If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, this is definitely the way to go. Who should buy this: Anyone who wants user-friendly-yet powerful drawing software that they can take with them wherever they go. As you'd expect, the finer details of how many options you'll have and what brushes you can use are determined by the app you're using. If the artistic mood takes you while on a trip, you can whip out that iPad and have at it. The compact size and mobility of the iPad allows users to work on projects wherever they are instead of requiring them to sit at a computer. IPad apps tend to be more user-friendly than full-blown computer software but anyone who understands a program well enough can easily create impressive work from start to finish from an iPad. IPadOS 14 (Image credit: Joseph Keller / iMore)