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How much it really costs to own a drawing tablet
The cost of the drawing tablet is often the only cost people consider. However, that is only the most obvious cost, and I suggest everyone get familiar with all the other costs. The sum of all these other costs is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
All costs below are rough estimates.
Costs of tablets vary significantly based on brand, audience (pro vs non-pro), quality, size etc,
Pen tablets - from about $50 to $250
Pen displays - $250 to $3500
Pen computers - $2500 to $3500
Mobile computers with pen support - $250 to $1200
New tablets usually come with the cables the need. However you may need to purchase cables if you bought your tablet used, or you lose your cables, or you damage your cables.
Pen tablet cabling - costs not much to replace. $10
Pen display cabling - These cabling options are more complex because they have to account for a decent amount of power and bandwidth for the display signal. $30 - $50.
These are useful for cases when you want to prevent skin oil from collecting on your tablet and also very useful if your tablet supports touch because they can help aid in palm rejection. $10
Pens are a big contributor to TCO. Even though pens come with a tablet, you have to consider their cost. Pens are very easily lost and very easily damaged. Replacement costs vary significantly. At the high end, Wacom's professional pens cost more than some tablets. $30 - $140.
These are popular for keeping tablets - usually pen displays at an angle. $30 to $70
Instead of a stand, some people prefer keeping their pen displays on a monitor arm so that they can switch between using them like a monitor and a tablet. $70 to $300
TBD
TBD
When purchasing or discussing drawing tablets you should never rely on the name alone. You should always make sure which model number you're talking about.
The naming of drawing tablets is simply too confusing.
The names can be confusingly similar.
The same name might be used for different versions in different years
The names meaning might have changed over the years.
All these issues can cause people to purchase the wrong tablet or purchase the wrong accessories for the tablet.
Currently this describes 5 different tablets of different kinds and manufacturer in different years and of different levels of quality.
Wacom One GEN1 (DTC-133) - a pen display released in 2019
Wacom One 12 GEN2 (DTC-121) - a pen display released in 2023 (I don't recommend this tablet)
Wacom One 13 touch GEN2 (DTH-134) - a pen display released in 2023 (I don't recommend this tablet)
Wacom One S GEN2 (CTC-4110WL) - a pen tablet released in 2023 (I HIGHLY don't recommend this tablet)
Wacom One M GEN2 (CTC-6110WL) - a pen tablet released in 2023 (I HIGHLY don't recommend this tablet)
Wacom One - any one of 5 higher-end consumer tablets (3 pen displays and 2 pen tablets)
One by Wacom - two low-end consumer tablets. Don't let "low-end" fool you. These are excellent tablets.
These tablets names differ by where the word "Pro" is in their name. One has it in the middle and one has it a the end.
Artist Pro 16 (ID160F-E) (product page)
Artist 16 Pro (doesn't have a model number) (product page)
If you see an "Intuos Pro Medium" you have to verify whether it is a PTH-660 or PTH-850. The same goes for the small and large sizes.
Between the PTH-x60 and PTH-x651 there are differnces in
What kind of USB port the have
Which pen they come with
Which pens they are compatible with
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202)
XP-Pen Artist 22 Plus (MD220FH)
Originally:
"Intuos" designated Wacom's professional line of pen tablets.
"Baboo" identified their consumer line
But Wacom at some point switched to:
"Intuos Pro" designated their professional line
"Intuos" identified their consumer line
You will occasionally see a products marketed as:
Foobar tablet
Foobar tablet PRO
It is tempting to believe that the PRO version must be better.
This is sometimes NOT the case.
Sometimes PRO versions were released some years before the non-PRO versions and the technology of the non-PRO versions has surpassed that of the PRO models.
If you can't find the model number for a tablet, I don't suggest you get it.
If the manufacturer doesn't have a model number listed this typically indicates a very old and discontinued model
Not having a model number will make it more difficult for you get help from others. because, they may not be sure which tablet you are referring to.
Of course, model numbers are sometimes hard to read, mysterious, and people may not be familiar with them.
So, I suggest if you need to discuss a tablet use "Model name (Model number)" when talking about them. This keeps the reference to the tablet easy to use, and still makes it easy for people who are familiar with the model numbers to know which tablet you are talking about.
For example:
Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860)
Huion Kamvas Pro 19 (GT1902)
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 GEN2 (MD160QH)
One of the most important pieces of information you need to collect if you need help with your drawing tablet is its model number. Knowing it will accelerate discussions with support and with community members who are trying to help you.
One reason it is very useful is that tablet are sometimes often similarly named, and sometimes they have the same name but come from different generations from different years. Having the model number removed ambiguity about which tablet is being discussed.
Usually the model number is printed on the back of the tablet.
In some tablets the model number is printed, but in a more hidden location. For example, some tablets might show it hidden under a leg or behind some removable panel.
Occasionally, you may find that the model number has been worn off the tablet. In this case, you'll have to try other options.
Here's an example from the packaging of the XP-Pen Deco LW
If you have installed compatible tablet drivers for your drawing tablet usually there's some place where the drivers will tell you the exact model number.
This will typically we found in some kind of diagnostic tool in the tablet driver UI.
Here are some examples:
Click About > Diagnose
When you select a tablet you will see it right on the home page for that tablet.
As of 2024/02/27 the driver app does not provide any way to see the model number, only the name.
As of 2024/02/27 the driver app does not provide any way to see the model number, only the name.
If you got your tablet inside its original packaging, the model number may be printed somewhere.
Here's an example from the packaging of the Huion Inspiroy 2 L.
If you have the original documentation that came with the tablet, it might also contain the model number.
Sometimes you don't have the driver and you don't see the model number so you're going to have to go just by the way the device looks.
And for this you need the help of either customer support from your drawing tablet manufacturer or you need help from the community.
In either case what you can do here is take some pictures of the tablet: front, back, sides that have ports, etcetera. Any photos that show distinguishing characteristics can be useful.
Make sure to get some clear lighting on the tablet because many tablets are black plastic or dark Gray plastic and so it can be really difficult to make out visuals.
Most often people use tablets that have been very recently manufactured - in just the past few years. However, sometimes people ask about using tablets that are older. In summary, the primary issue that determines whether you can use an older tablet comes down to tablet drivers.
As of 2023 I have used tablets that were manufactured 25 years ago on my windows 11 system. So it is certainly possible to use an older tablet with a modern computer for creative purposes and was able to use pressure and tilt.
Models I have specifically used with Windows 11:
Wacom Intuos 4 XL (PTK-1240) - using Wacom drivers and OpenTabletDriver. This tablet was released in 2009.
Wacom Intuos 3 12x12 (PTZ-1230) - using OpenTabletDriver. This tablet was released in 2004.
Wacom Intuos 2 12x18 (XD-1218-U) - Using OpenTabletDriver. This tablet was released in 2001.
They bought the tablet a long time ago but haven't used it recently.
It was a tablet that was gifted to them
Every time a driver is updated it may be the case that a manufacturer drops support for one of the tablets that the driver used to support.
For example today, if you install the latest Wacom tablet drivers and then proceed to plug in a Wacom Intuos 3 tablet, the driver will simply tell you it does not work with this tablet.
if the latest drivers do not work with the tablet that you have, then you have two options:
These days all drawing tablets have ports so the tablet is separate from cables and those ports are almost always now USB-C ports.
Some older tablets - for example the Wacom Intuos 4 XL - have permanently attached USB cables.If
Some older pen tablets that have ports, do not use USB-C ports, but instead micro-USB or occasionally mini-USB.
Some older pen displays use proprietary ports and connectors.
With the popularity of iPads and iPhones, it's natural that people ask if they can use a drawing table with their Apple Device.
The summary is:
You can use a pen tablet (screenless tablet) with an iPad or iPhone only under very specific conditions - with specific apps and specific tablets.
There is currently no way to use a pen display (screen tablet) with an iPad or iPhone.
ONLY via Bluetooth. Wired connection is NOT supported.
ONLY specific tablets models.
Read more about Ibis Paint and pen tablet at these links:
HiPaint supports connecting a drawing tablet to an iOS device
ONLY via Bluetooth. Wired connection is NOT supported.
It is unclear which tablets are supported or not supported. I tested it with a Huion Inspiroy Frego M (L610)
There are instructions in the HiPaint user manual explaining how to connect to a tablet.
Currently I don't know of any way to use a pen display with an iPad.
For example, if you connect a Wacom Cintiq Pro 22 to an M4 iPad here is what happens:
The iPad will treat the pen display just like a normal monitor
Using the pen on the pen display does nothing
Even though this pen display supports touch, if you put your fingers on it nothing happens.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) can occur between your tablet and other devices. Devices could include cell phones or keyboards. It doesn't even really have to be a device- sometimes ordinary non electronic objects have magnets inside of them that can interfere with a tablet.
EMI can make the pen have jerky movements - making the pen unresponsive for a few tenths of a second and then the pointer will catch up.
Sometimes it is the tablet that is interfering with another device.
Examples:
A wireless mouse might have trouble working near some tablets.
A tablet might interfere with your WiFi network connection
Weird things can happen! I have a keyboard, that when I unplug its USB-C cable will act like a pen and control the position of the pointer on one of my tablets!
There are computer desks that are made of metal and deliberately magnetized. These can interfere with your drawing tablet. See:
Name | Model ID | Year |
---|---|---|
They bought the tablet used - for example from eBay (more here: )
Drivers allow a tablet to be used with a computer. They are required if you want to use the special features of a drawing tablet and the pen such as pressure sensitivity and tilt. More here:
Use
Use
2021/10/01
Ibis Paint () supports connecting a drawing tablet to an iOS device
Wacom specifically calls out that their Intuos models do not work with iPhones or iPads in this document:
Sometimes the EMI takes the form of a region that warps straight lines. Below is an example of such a warping caused by a magnet. This this case it was a magnet attacked to a stand underneath the tablet. ()
EMI interference can also present as a region where pen seems unable to make a mark. Notice that some warping is also present. In this case, the causes was that the tablet was resting upon a laptop keyboard. Note that there is also some warping of the pen position. ()
See:
Intuos Pro Large
PTH-860
2017
Intuos Pro Large
PTH-851
2013
Intuos Pro Medium
PTH-660
2017
Intuos Pro Medium
PTH-651
2013
Intuos Pro Small
PTH-460
2019
Intuos Pro Small
PTH-451
2013
Depending on the android device you have and the specific tablet you may be able to use your android device with your drawing tablet. Overall though, there will be limitations - and some very severe ones - and you should be aware of them before trying to use a tablet with an android device.
Do not assume a drawing tablet works with an android device. Check with the tablet manufacturer before trying this.
With a pen tablet, your android device will be able to provide enough power for the tablet.
With a pen display, your android device may NOT be able to provide enough power. You may need to get additional power from an adapter. Even if the android device can provide more power, be aware that the pen display reduce your battery life.
Mapping
A pen tablet may not be able to map the active area as you would intuitively expect to your android device. With some tablets only a portion of the tablet's active area will be usable for drawing when connected to an android device.
Proportional drawing and lack of it
The mapping may (likely) be non-proportional and create a distortion. This means that tracing out a circle on the pen tablet may result in an oval on the android device.
With a PC, to use your tablet you normally install drivers provided by the manufacturers.
But for Android devices, you don't install any drivers (and manufacturers don't provide any Android drivers). Instead, you will rely on the built-in support in your android device.
While this seems like a good thing, it also means you cannot configure the tablet or take advantage of some specific features.
Because there is no manufacturer driver on an android device, there is no way to control what the buttons or dials on the tablet do. They are inactive when using an android tablet.
Because there is no manufacturer driver, there is no way to control what the pressure curve within the driver.
You will have to rely on the pressure curve control in your applications - if it has them.
For a list of applications that work on Android go here: Applications.
Bluetooth. I don't know if this will work. I haven't ever tried.
Your android device must have a USB-C port that supports DP alt mode. Not all Android device support have such USB-C ports.
The USB-C cable you use to connect the tablet to the android device must be capable of transmitting a display signal.
Setup 1: Huion Kamvas 13 + Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
The following setup below worked for me.
For this setup, I used a Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Samsung S8 Ultra connected to the dock via the dock's attached Thunderbolt 3 cable
Huion Kamvas top USB-C port connected with Huion 3-in-1 cable:
3-in-1 cable red USB-A end (for power) connected to dock.
3-in-1 cable black USB-A end (for data ) connected to dock.
3-in-1 cable HDMI end not connected
Huion Kamvas 13 lower USB-C port connected to the USB-C port on dock using a Thunderbolt 3 cable.
Step 2: Samsung Galaxy S9 FE
Samsung Galaxy S9 FE does not work with an external monitor. Because of this, I was unable to get it to work a pen display.
General
Pen tablets
Wacom - Wacom Center for Android app 2023/08/10
ibisPaint - I connected a Wacom pen tablet to my smartphone [Wacom Intuos] 2019/10/04
Pen displays
Chromebook hardware: HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
ChromeOS version: 126.0.06478.132
General limitations Keep in mind the general limitations that apply to pen tablets when used with a Chromebook
No pressure curves
No ability to match the aspect ratio of the tablet's active area to the display which will result in distorted drawing
Wacom One M (CTC-6110WL)
Nothing works
Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH-660)
Pointer: No pointer visible when using pen
Pressing down draws or clicks: YES
Pressure: works
Tilt: works
Lower button: works
Upper button: works
Device recognized as a pen tablet: yes
ChromeOS allows button to be customized: YES
Works with single USB-C cable: YES
HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook + XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 GEN2
Display: works
Pointer: No pointer visible when using pen
Pressing down draws or clicks: YES
Pressure: works
Tilt: works
Lower button: does not work
Upper button: works
Device recognized as a pen display: NO
Works with single USB-C cable: YES
HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook + Wacom Movink 13
Display: WORKS
Works with single USB-C cable: YES
Device recognized as a pen display: NO
Nothing else works. The movink essentially works as if it is just another monitor.
Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus 4K
Display: works
Pointer: No pointer visible when using pen
Pressing down draws or clicks: YES
Pressure: DOES NOT WORK
Tilt: DOES NOT WORK
Lower button: DOES NOT WORK
Upper button: DOES NOT WORK
Device recognized as a pen display: NO
Works with single USB-C cable: NO. Required another USB-C cable for power.
XP-Pen Artist 13 GEN2
Display: works
Pointer: No pointer visible when using pen
Pressing down draws or clicks: YES
Pressure: DOES NOT WORK
Tilt: DOES NOT WORK
Lower button: DOES NOT WORK
Upper button: DOES NOT WORK
Device recognized as a pen display: NO
Works with single USB-C cable: YES
Pen tablets and pen displays can be used with Chromebooks. But be aware of the limitations.
You MUST verify compatibility with your tablet manufacturer. Not all tablets work with Chromebooks. Only some do. I suggest you also seek out the opinion of other users of your tablet model and see what their experience has been with Chromebooks.
Tablets work with the built-in drivers in the Chromebooks not the manufacturer drivers. This means that some features of your tablet and pen may not work with a Chromebook.
With pen tablets you will not be force the active area to match the display of the Chromebook. This means there will be a distortion to your drawing. More here: Matching aspect ratios.
Wacom - Connect Wacom One with Chromebook 1 2021/11/11
Brad Colbow - Can you Draw On A Chromebook? (Testing One by Wacom and XP-Pen Deco) 2021/02/22
Even without a drawing tablet attached, SOME Chromebooks work with a stylus on their screen.
Chrome Unboxed - Better pen experiences are coming soon to Chromebook tablets 2023/05/04 - NOTE: this video is speculation.
Tablet Pro - The Best Stylus for Chromebooks: A Game-Changer for Artists and Designers - Introducing USI 2.0 2023/06/17
You CAN use multiple drawing tablets at the same time with your computer.
However, you need to be know which specific scenarios work and some issues that might encounter. There are also issues that are specific operating systems that come into play.
"Using multiple tablets" can mean mean various things.
This scenario works:
2 or more drawing tablets attached to the same computer
where you are using then pen with only one of them at one time
This scenario does NOT work
2 or more drawing tablets attached to the same computer
With two people simultaneously using a pen on each tablet
Fundamentally a driver needs to talk to all the tablets
One driver and many tablets of same brand
If all the tablets are of the same brand - you can install a single driver and it will know how to deal with each tablet.
This works on both Windows and MacOS
Many drivers and many tablets of different brands
If you want to use brand X and brand Y tablets, you need brand X driver and brand Y driver installed.
On Windows, this usually leads to problems in my experience. The drivers interfere with each other. Some people seem to have no issues with this scenario. But I have experienced problems.
On MacOS, this works.
All modern drivers I've looked at let you configure each tablet individually. There's some way to "switch" which tablet the driver is configuring.
In the Wacom Tablet Properties app you will see the tablets shown at the top
In the Huion app, you can switch at the bottom
In the XP-Pen app, you can switch in the upper left
Each tablet can use a different pen. Of course, if you intend to switch between tablets it is convenient if you can use the same pen with each tablet.
You can use both pen tablets and pen displays together with the same computer.
Tablet drivers can occasionally get confused when you have multiple tablets. In my experience this has happened when I've been plugging them in and unplugging them back in very rapidly.
In those cases, I saw issues like it wouldn't let me use one of the tablets. The issues were was resolved by just restarting the tablet driver or restarting the computer.
In general I have not seen this kind of problem simply not rapidly attaching and detaching tablets to a computer.
Sometimes people want to use two tablets on a computer because they have two children and want each to be able to draw at the same time. This scenario does not work.
Let's suppose both children are drawing simultaneous on their individual tablet. The pens will "fight" and the pointer will bounce back and forth rapidly and it will be impossible to draw.
Wacom - YES
Huion - YES
XP-Pen - YES
Xencelabs - YES
Wacom Setup 1 (tested in September 2023)
Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 (DTH-271)
Wacom One 13 touch (DTH-134)
Wacom One 12 (DTC-121)
Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860)
Wacom Intuos M (CTC-6100WL)
Wacom Setup 2 (tested in September 2023)
Wacom Intuos Pro Large (PTH-860)
Wacom Intuos 4 XL (PTK-1240)
Huion Setup 1 (tested in September 2023)
Huion Kamvas 22 Plus (GS2202)
Huion Giano (G930L)
Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331)
Huion Setup 2 (tested in September 2023)
Huion Kamvas 24 Pro 4K (GT2401)
Huion Kamvas 13 (GS1331)
XP-Pen Setup 1 (tested in September 2023)
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 GEN2 (MD160QH)
XP-Pen Deco Pro XLW GEN2 (MT1592B)
Xencelabs Setup 1 (tested in September 2023)
THIS DOES NOT WORK - the driver explicitly says it doesn't support multiple tablets
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium
Xencelabs Pen Display 24