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

My notes on using 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