Pen-enabled mobile computers
Overview
If you're primarily interested in drawing or notetaking I think pen-enabled mobile computers are your best options.
The two real options in this space are:
Apple iPads + the Apple Pencil
Samsung Galaxy Tab S devices
Basics
Formally, these are not drawing tablets, but they can work just like one. And often I think they are your best choice for a standalone tablet. These include products such as Apple iPad Pros and Samsung Galaxy S series tablets.
Operating system: a mobile OS (iOS, ChromeOS)
Scenario: General purpose
Pen tech: varies. Apple Pencil, AES, EMR
Apple iPads
Apple iPad Air (4th gen and later) ($600)
Apple iPad Pro 11 inch (4th gen and later) ($800+)
Supports Apple Pencil 2
Apple iPad pro 12.9 inch 6th gen ($1100+)
Supports Apple Pencil 2
Samsung Galaxy Tab S series
My notes on Samsung Galaxy Tab S Series
My notes on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series ($800 to $1200) higher performance options
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE ($450) excellent mid-budget option
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2022 version or 2024 version) ($240) is a good a low-cost option for beginners.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A Series
I do not recommend this series of tablets. More here: Samsung Galaxy Tab A
Devices from Huion and XP-Pen
Huion Kamvas Slate 10 NOT RECOMMENDED
XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad NO COMMENT YET
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