Are you considering getting yourself a shiny new computer drawing tablet without knowing exactly what you should buy? While they're sophisticated tools, tablets are quite easy to get the hang of once you familiarize yourself with the basic distinguishing characteristics. Drawing tablets can be categorized according to several broad traits, such as size, input, and sensitivity. And, of course, there's always the brand name to consider.
By far the most obvious and significant aspect to categorize drawing tablets by is the space of the drawing area. Low to mid-range models will be about 8x6, while the more expensive types can go to 9x12 and even higher. The larger the drawing area, the more expensive the tablet it is. Do you favor delicate, conservative movements, or large, bold strokes? Choose a small tablet for the former, or a bigger one for the latter. More than anything else, this is the one thing that will influence how much you pay for a tablet. A small tablet may be just as good in quality as a larger, expensive one... it just doesn't have as much drawing space.
Method of hookup is also a distinguishing trait. Some of the older models will use serial connections, but the vast majority these days have USB-based connecting methods. If you're interested in paying a little more for added convenience, there are newer models coming out that utilize Bluetooth for the express purpose of hooking up with a nearby computer without cords getting involved.
All tablets also have a specific measured amount of levels of pressure they can register. The more levels they can identify, the more accurate and exact your strokes are. Top models will offer 1024 pressure levels, so if you want the best quality artistic output, don't settle for anything less than that. However, for more casual purposes, the lower grades of sensitivity are perfectly functional.
And as with all products, the manufacturing brand comes into play as a last important trait differentiating between tablet models. If you see two tablets that have the same functions but one is much more expense, chances are that's because of brand. Brand influences customer support, compatibility upgrades, and general production quality, so it's not really something you want to compromise on. Always select a tablet by a trustworthy company, like Wacom. There's nothing wrong with going with smaller companies if they have a history of supporting their customers, of course. But grabbing a tablet from a complete unknown is a good way to drown yourself in disappointment. Don't make the mistake of thinking a lower sticker price always means a lower price over the long haul.
So, there you have it, the most important traits for telling one computer tablet model from another. Now that you have the knowledge necessary to tell the good from the bad and the suitable from the unsuitable, it's time to go shopping... just in time for the holidays, hopefully!
