Top Selling Graphics Tablets

Find the right graphics tablet

This site aims to help you find the a suitable graphics tablet for your computer requirements. Whether you want to buy one to help you create illustrations and graphics on your computer or just use it as an alternative to a mouse, we will help you choose the right one to ensure you get the most out of your graphics tablet.

If you want to read more about graphics tablets, we have provided a short guide below to give you more information about them or if you know what you are looking for and want to compare prices, features and functions of a wide variety of graphics tablets available on the market, search for one using the links at the side of the page.

What is a graphics tablet?

A graphics tablet (also known as a drawing tablet, graphics pad, digitizing tablet) is a peripheral that is used as an input device for a computer. The device is usually flat and rectangular-shaped with an area where a pen-like instrument, known as a stylus, makes contact with it that controls movements on a computer monitor, similar to that of a mouse. There will usually be a pen/stylus holder where the writing implement can be stored so that it kept handy when needed and does not get lost.

They are popular with graphic designers and illustrators as an input device as using a stylus has a more natural feel, similar to that of using a pencil or similar drawing implement, when creating graphics and designs on a computer than using a mouse.

A graphics tablet can also be used as a replacement or in conjunction with a mouse and keyboard, giving the user greater options as to how they control movements and selections on their computer.

What can graphics tablets be used for?

There are a number of uses for a graphics tablet. They can be used to create graphics and images on a graphics editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop. For many designers, this is the design tool of choice when creating designs on a computer and is much preferred over using a mouse. Some designers, such as architects, create very intricate and detailed technical drawings on computer so require an computer input device that will give them the accuracy they need to produce these drawings, which is where a graphics tablet becomes an almost essential design tool.

For the average PC user, a graphics tablet can be used instead of a mouse, giving them the ability to make selections, open documents, close windows, drag files across the desktop, make handwritten notes, create simple drawings, video editing and playing games on their computer or online, the actions that a normal mouse can do. Some computer users may prefer holding a stylus to control their computer to using a big, bulky mouse; this really depends on the preference of the user so there is no “one device is better than the other”.

Graphics tablets can also come with a transparent sheet on top to enable users to trace their favourite pictures or photos and save them onto their computer. This function is ideal for replicating important images in digital format or to keep children entertained by enabling them to draw their favourite cartoon characters or pictures on the computer.

Some people carry out a lot of business transactions using their computer, which requires them to attach their signature to documents which they need to send to clients or business partners. This traditionally required them to use a scanner to scan their signature and save the image onto their computer as a JPG or other image file, which they would then insert into a document. Having a graphics tablet simplifies this process as all that is required is to write on the tablet and the computer will save their signature as a digital file. Signatures can then be easily added to any documents that require it. This process means that users can do away with a scanner, saving them money if they are not used for any other purpose.

How do graphics tablets work?

Most, if not all, graphics tablets use electromagnetic resonance technology where radio waves are sent to the stylus, which is picked up by the stylus' receiver and then transmits a signal back to the tablet using it's transmitter to tell it where it is positioned so that the computer can determine it's position and knows where to display the cursor on the screen. Since the electromagnetic waves power the stylus, there is no need for batteries.

Many styli will have a pressure sensitive tip to tell the tablet how hard the user is pressing down on it. The pressure applied can be useful when it comes to creating images and designs in graphics editing software as it can determine the thickness of a line that's being drawn (pressing down hard on the tablet creates a thick line; pressing on it lightly creates a thin line) as well as the opacity and colour used.

A stylus can also include an eraser at the tip, just like a normal pencil, which can be used to “rub out” mistakes in a graphics editing package. This handy function may be quicker than having to select the 'eraser' function and erasing the unwanted areas of an image.

Why use a graphics tablet?

There are various reasons why a graphics tablet is purchased; below lists a few of the benefits that they offer.

• As mentioned earlier on this page, using a graphics tablet and stylus is a much more accurate input device than a mouse for controlling actions on the computer screen due to the stylus' pointy “nib”.

• Some people will prefer the comfort of holding a stylus in their hand as opposed to the chunkiness of a mouse, which will mean they can work longer and more comfortably at their computer.

• Using a graphics tablet and a stylus offers more control and flexibility when it comes to creating graphics on a computer than a mouse can offer as many people will be used to the natural feel of holding a pen or pencil in their hand and drawing on a flat surface as opposed to moving a mouse around on a desk. They are also particularly useful for graphic designers as many styli have a pressure sensitive tip that can replicate the pressure that is applied when using a pencil on paper.

• In many Asian countries, words are entered into a computer by pressing several buttons just for one character and typing out a letter or essay can be time consuming. Graphics tablets can be used as a replacement for keyboards as it can be much easier and quicker to write characters using a stylus and will feel like a more natural way of inputting words into a word processor, Internet browser or any software that recognises hand writing and converts it into text.

Things to consider when buying a graphics tablet

If you are planning to buy a graphics tablet, take a look at some things you might want to consider to ensure you purchase the right one for your needs.

The stylus

The stylus is probably the most important part of the graphics tablet kit as it is the tool that determines how activity is controlled on the monitor. Therefore, it is important that when you decide to buy a graphics tablet that the stylus feels comfortable to hold in your hand for long periods of time. This can depend on a number of things. The width and weight of the stylus will determine how it feels in your hand so if you have the chance to try it out before you buy it, do so as this will give you a good idea as to how comfortable it is while using it.

Some styli may require batteries to operate so this can have a major impact on it's usability. The extra weight of the batteries may make enough of a difference to impact on the comfort of holding the stylus so before settling on a graphics tablet to buy, check whether it's stylus requires batteries to function.

Usability and comfort can also be affected if the stylus is tethered to the tablet. If you are left handed and the stylus is tethered to the right-side of the tablet, this can seriously hamper comfort and make it difficult to operate.

Tablet size

The size of the graphics tablet you buy may depend on what you intend to use it for. If you want to use it for basic controls or just as a replacement for a mouse then a smaller sized tablet may be suited for your needs. This will minimise any strain that you will experience if used for long periods of time as smaller arm strokes are made and less space will be required on your desk to house the tablet. However, if you purchase a graphics tablet for design work then a larger size is more suited as the extra working space on the tablet will offer greater comfort and flexibility, allowing for more detailed and creative work to be produced.

When purchasing a graphics tablet, the tablet surface dimensions had to be in proportion with the dimensions of the monitor with which it was used so that the user could accurately control the cursor. However, software is now included that will perform mapping to ensure that an area of the tablet corresponds to the same area on the monitor.

Pressure Sensitivity

This is an important feature that many designers and illustrators will look for when considering purchasing a graphics tablet as this will provide greater design control when producing graphics. Graphics tablets will vary in pressure sensitivity and those with this function will generally cost more than those without. The higher the pressure sensitivity, the more natural using the tablet and stylus will be and the greater the control is to produce the required effect on-screen.

Price

The cost of a graphics tablet will depend on various factors, including size, features, functions, brand etc. If you are looking for one as a substitute for your mouse that performs basic controls then you can pick one up for less than £50. However, if you're looking for a specialist graphics tablet that has extra features and functions that will aid you in your design work, then you could be looking at spending several hundred pounds, possibly more, depending on what you're looking for.

If you are new to using a graphics tablet, it may be a good idea to borrow one from a friend or family so you get a good idea of how they work and feel and you can then decide what features and functions you require and how much you will need to spend. If you don't know anyone with a graphics tablet, then you can always visit a store that sells them and they will happily let you try one out.

Computer connectivity

There will be a number of ways you can connect a graphics tablet to a computer but the most popular ways are by USB cable and Bluetooth.

Most, if not all, PCs and laptops will have several USB ports so you can connect it simultaneously with your mice and keyboard. Power will be sent along the USB cable so no external power is required to operate the tablet. However, the distance you can use the graphics tablet away from the computer will be determined by the length of the cable so if you require several metres between the two devices, make sure the tablet enables this.

Some graphics tablets will use the wireless technology Bluetooth to connect to a computer, allowing you to use the device up to a 10m range. One down-side to using Bluetooth connectivity is that the tablet will require an external power source, either using an adaptor or batteries.

Inclusive software

Many graphics tablets will include basic graphics editing software so you can create simple images and edit photos so you can make full use of the device. Those who purchase one for design purposes will most likely not use the included software as they will be using profession design packages, such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.

If you plan to use the device to recognise your hand writing, you will more than likely have to purchase third party software to do this. However, some Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, will include software to do this.

Touch sensitive graphics tablets

With this functionality, you can control your cursor and on-screen actions with your fingers so no stylus is required. For some, this may be much easier to control than using either a stylus or mouse but many designers won't use this function when producing design work.

Some graphics tablets are multi-touch sensitive, meaning that they will recognise when more than finger is touching the tablet. If you have a mobile phone that is multi-touch sensitive or an iPad then you will know functionality this can bring to a computer. Users will be able to zoom in and out of photos by pinching or spreading their fingers, rotate photos by rotating two fingers on the tablet and various other actions.

Computer specifications

As with most computer hardware and software, always check that your PC or laptop has the right specifications to run a graphics tablets and any software that is included. The required specifications will be shown on a product description; if it's not, you can always get in touch with the retailer to find out what they are.

We hope you have found this guide to buying a graphics tablet useful. If you have any questions or queries, please don't hesitate to get in touch; our e-mail address is info@graphicstablets.org.uk.