February 27, 2015

5 top graphics drawing tablets: $50 – $2000

doodlums / blog, graphics drawing tablets /

what drawing tablet should I buy and what will I get for my money?

Which is the best digital drawing pad for artists on the market and what will it cost? How much does price actually matter? Do you really always get what you pay for? Or is the best deal sometimes found within the unlikely gem that won’t break the bank?

We look at both drawing tablets that rely on the computer screen it is attached to to see the drawing or drawing tablets with screen that you draw directly onto. Let’s sneak a peek at a few of the most popular graphics tablets currently on the market, focusing on models within five specific price brackets.

$50 – $100

1) Wacom Bamboo Capture Pen and Touch Tablet

Featuring a resolution of 2540 LPI with 200 RPS, 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 5.8” x 3.6” of active area, the Bamboo Capture suits both the hobbyist and the professional. Powered by USB, the tablet works well with PC / Mac and includes a one-year warranty.

Packaged within the box are the tablet, USB cable, pen (battery-free), and various full version creative programs. The Bamboo Capture is applauded for its ambidextrous accommodation, natural-feeling surface, and installation ease, but the cons consist of a short USB cord, Windows 8 incompatibility, and a sensitive pen.

Overall, this tablet is an all-around excellent product in the cheap Wacom tablets range, but depending on the type of task and intensity required, taking a look at some higher-end tablets might prove worthwhile. Get the latest price right here…

$100 – $200

2) VT Realm Pro Graphic Pen Tablet

Featuring a resolution of 5080 LPI with 200 RPS, 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 8” x 5” of active area, the VT Realm is a nice choice that is aimed slightly more toward the occasional user, rather than the hardcore cartoonist.

Powered by USB, the tablet works well with PC / Mac and includes a two-year warranty. Packaged within the box are the tablet, USB cable, pen (battery-free), and full version software of Adobe Photoshop. The VT Realm is applauded for its ease of use, ambidextrous accommodation, compatibility with other major software, and programmable elements (macro keys / finger touchpads), but the cons are unspecific and essentially nonexistent.

Overall, this tablet is a stellar product, stacks up quite nicely to the Bamboo Capture and is one of the best cheap drawing tablets on the market. Get the latest price right here…

$200 – $500

3) Ugee 19” Graphics Drawing Pen Tablet

Featuring a resolution of 5080 LPI with 220 RPS, 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 15.8” x 10” of active area, the Ugee tablet gives you a real bang for your buck. Powered by both USB and a power adapter, the tablet works well with PC / Mac and includes a one-year warranty.

Packaged within the box are the tablet, USB cable, power adapter, P50S Pen, replacement nibs (8x), nib barrel, nib removal tool, and a Pergear cleaning kit. The Ugee tablet is applauded for its excellent value, ease of use, and the provided ability of seeing what is being drawn on the actual tablet itself, without having to stare up at the computer screen in order to see the creation in process, but the cons consist of a slight lag while drawing, fingerprint-filled screen, and glare on the sleek screen.

Overall, this tablet is of great quality and is a bargain for anyone in need of a high tech graphics tablet. Get the latest price right here…

$500 – $1000

4) Huion Pen Monitor 21.5” Pen Display Tablet

Monitor with IPS Panel HD Resolution GT-220
Featuring a resolution of 5080 LPI with 233 RPS, 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 18.8” x 10.6” (21.5” on the diagonal) of active area, the Huion tablet is a great idea, but the satisfaction received from this product is up to personal choice.

Packaged within the box are the tablet, USB cable, power adapter, additional cable for display, pen, replacement nibs (4x) penholder, and nib removal tool. The Huion tablet is applauded for its good pen hardware and good screen, but the cons consist of driver installation hassle, jittery drawings, and poor placement of buttons and cables.

Overall, this tablet doesn’t quite live up to expectations, but after some slight readjustments, it has the great potential of becoming one of the frontrunners on the market. Get the latest price right here…

$1000 – $2000

5) Wacom Cintiq 22HD Pen Display Graphics Monitor with Digital Pen

Featuring a resolution of 5080 LPI, 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 19.5” x 11.5” (21.5” on the diagonal) of active area, the Cintiq 22HD is an extremely impressive tablet, despite the high price tag. Powered by both USB and a power adapter, the tablet works well with PC / Mac and includes a two-year warranty.

Packaged within the box are the tablet, USB cable, power adapter, additional cable for display, grip pen, replacement nibs (10x), nib removal tool, pen stand, and an adjustable stand with display rotation feature. The Cintiq 22HD is applauded for its included full version software, excellent screen size, and great pen pressure, but the cons are nonexistent.

Overall, this tablet will be of great use to those who are serious about becoming a true professional, so if you have the budget, set your sights on the Cintiq 22HD. Get the latest price right here…

Ultimately, each of these five graphics tablets are useful for both the hobbyist and the professional, some more than others, depending entirely on the type of task and the intensity required.

That being said, many of these tablets are equipped with the versatility and capability to successfully handle nearly anything that is thrown at them. Because no two of these tablets are exactly alike, be sure to calculate carefully when choosing the right one for purchase. No matter which one you choose, they are all good tablets for drawing of excellent quality and satisfaction is ensured.