These days, every art student needs a cool graphic tablet. Although traditional art is still alive and popular, there is no need to argue with the fact that digital arts are gaining more popularity. Therefore, if you want to be better prepared for the future and expand your career opportunities, you should really consider buying such a gadget for yourself and start getting used to digital art.
But, how do you pick the best graphic tablet for yourself, especially on a student budget? We have to admit that this can be a pretty challenging and time-consuming task. Therefore, as a student, you might even want to get professional college paper help to save up more time and ensure that your tasks are getting done even when you are busy choosing the best gadget for yourself. But what’s next?
After you find a way to back up yourself academically, follow the buyer’s guide we will share below to choose the best gadget!
Size
The first thing you want to consider when shopping for a graphic tablet is the size. Or, to be more specific, you want to consider two types of sizes inherent in it:
- The overall gadget size;
- The size of the active area (the area you draw on).
The sizes of graphic tablets can vary significantly. And there really is no one-size-fits-all option. But, let us give you a few tips that will help you choose wisely. First of all, when picking the right size, think about your goals. If you are planning to work on larger drawings, you want to buy a device with a large active area.
Secondly, think about the typical settings in which you work. If you are used to drawing on the go, chances are that you will be carrying your tablet around with you nearly all the time. If that’s true, you might want to opt for a more compact and lightweight option that will be easy to take with you wherever you go.
Pressure Sensitivity
The second thing you have to consider when shopping for a graphic tablet is pressure sensitivity, which basically determines how thick the line will be when you press on the stylus. So, if you want to get the most from your gadget, you want to keep this indicator in mind.
How do you choose? Different gadgets can have anywhere between 300 and 3,000 pressure-sensitivity levels. You should select the option based on your experience. Experts recommend beginners pick devices with a minimum of 1,024 pressure levels. Advanced artists should look for opportunities with 2,048 or more levels.
Resolution
Another important factor to consider is the resolution of the display. Everything is pretty simple here. Basically, the higher the resolution (the number of LPI), the more detailed drawings you will be able to create. But, note that smaller tablets typically have lower resolution. So, if you want to craft beautiful and intricate masterpieces, you won’t want to choose a very small device.
Responsiveness
In graphic tablets, responsiveness stands for the speed with which the lines you draw with a stylus show up on display. You really want this to happen instantly and with no lags. Therefore, be sure to check out customer reviews to learn more about the responsiveness of a chosen option.
Pro Tip: Although the responsiveness of a particular tablet matters, the specs of your computer also affect how quickly your lines will be transferred to the display. In some cases, you might need a more powerful computer to ensure a more seamless and pleasant experience.
Stylus Type
The stylus you use will affect the quality of your drawings and your experience no less than the type of device itself. These days, there are three common types of styluses:
- Rechargeable;
- Battery-powered;
- Electromagnetic resonance (EMR).
Each of these stylus types is good and has its perks. So, whatever type is compatible with the chosen tablet will let you implement your projects. But, one thing that really matters is how well each particular stylus fits in your hand. Ensure that the stylus that comes with the chosen gadget is easy to grip, doesn’t slip, and generally feels comfortable.
Features
Graphic tablets can come with a variety of controls and features that you should also keep an eye on when selecting the best option for yourself. Some of the key things to look for include customizability and compatibility. These two features are the most crucial for a positive experience!
Battery
The last technical spec you want to pay attention to is battery life. Of course, the battery life of every gadget will depend on a variety of factors, including how you use it, what apps you leverage, and even the temperature outside. But, it is still important to pay attention to the declared battery life, especially if you want to use your tablet on the go and, thus, want it to last longer.
Budget
Finally, one more thing art students should really keep in mind when shopping for a perfect graphic tablet is price. There is no secret that most students are living on a tight budget and, thus, can’t afford to buy too fancy and expensive gadgets.
The good news is that the price range for such devices starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $2,000 or even more. This basically means that everyone should be able to choose an option that fits their budget.
Therefore, when shopping for a gadget for yourself, be sure to compare different options by price as well. But, don’t go too cheap. After all, the price is dictated by the technical specs and quality of a device, and, often, buying something cheap isn’t the best decision.
The Bottom Line
This was our buyer’s guide for art students shopping for a great graphic tablet. Hopefully, this guide will help you find and compare different options and weigh out all the pros and cons. Use this guide to find something that suits your needs best!
