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

The first thing you need to understand is the type of drawing tablet you want to give as a gift. This is very important because it determines how they will use the tablet and the cost. So, read this document first before you continue: Types of drawing tablets.

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

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