Buying a drawing tablet as a gift

Introduction

If you want to buy a drawing tablet as a gift, it can be challenging if you yourself have never used one and don't have a background. This guide is to help you make find a good choice.

Understand the kind of drawing tablets available

• Non-standalone devices

  • Pen tablets (also called "screenless tablets") - Don't have a screen and you have to use them with a computer or laptop

  • Pen displays (also called "screen tablets") - Have a screen and you have to use them with a computer or laptop

• Standalone devices

  • Pen computers - Drawing tablets that are essentially laptops. I do not recommend getting these. more here: The case against pen computers

  • Mobile computers with pen support - These are devices like iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices that support being used with a pen. They aren't strictly-speaking drawing tablets, but they use the same/similar tech and can work as a standalone drawing tablet.

  • Laptops with pen support - These are devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro or Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360 that can be used with a pen.

Does the giftee already have some experience with a drawing tablet?

This is important because:

• You should understand what they like and don't like about that experience

• They also have a set of expectations.

• It might even be that they don't need a drawing tablet because they already have a device that serves that role.

For example, if they already have an Apple iPad:

• The may want to continue iPad apps

• You can buy an Apple Pencil model that is compatible with their iPad

If you are looking an easy answer for your budget

See this list of recommendations

They are separated by type and size of tablet, and options are available at multiple budget options.

If relevant, make sure the tablet will physically connect with their computer

For a pen tablet and pen display , they have to connect to a computer. For a pen tablet, this is easy because the computer needs just one USB port to be available. But for a pen display this can get complicated.

See this: Connecting a pen display to a computer

Do they need to use certain apps?

Sometimes, the apps they need dictates what will work for them.

Examples:

• If they want to use the Procreate app -> the only option is to get an Apple iPad because procreate only works on iPads.

• If they need to use the full version of Photoshop (as opposed to the mobile version) -> then they can't use an Android device or an iPad

Join the discord for more help

Go here for the invite link: Drawing Tablet discord server

More resources

• Beginner's guide to drawing tablets
• The full buying guide: Buying a drawing tablet
• Video: Practical tips for buying a drawing tablet