With so many options to draw on an iPad, do you still need your old PC drawing tablet?
Key Takeaways
It seems like Apple is always adding new features to its iPad lineup, but one of the most notable additions was the ability to draw. When it comes to drawing, you can’t get much simpler than pen and paper, but professionals need a way to create digital sketches that they can modify on a computer.
It’s quite surprising just how easy and effective it is to draw on an iPad rather than a traditional drawing tablet. Best of all, an iPad lets you create wherever you are, thanks to its portability. But is it worth it to go with an iPad and replace your drawing tablet altogether? Drawing tablets are an old favorite Design on a computer in real-time
Drawing tablets have been around for quite some time. They actually date back to the 1950s, but the earliest models used a wired pen and weren’t very accurate. The most popular modern-day models are made by Wacom, which started making tablets in the early 1990s. Some are large trackpad-like devices with a pen, while others are essentially touchscreen computer monitors that you place on your desk like you would a keyboard.
While some drawing tablets are relatively affordable, ones with screens typically start at several hundred dollars and can go into the thousands. Additionally, most drawing tablets rely on a PC to function and cannot be used as standalone devices. Therefore, the barrier to entry is very high for artists just getting started and mostly only attainable for those with the resources to use them. How the iPad challenges drawing tablets iPads can allow designers to draw on the go
Apple released its first iPad over a decade ago, and over the years, it’s added a lot more functionality that blurs the line between tablet and computer. This includes allowing you to connect to an external storage device and introducing a wireless keyboard with a trackpad.
Today, Apple has several iPad models available. Each of them has drawing capabilities, but the specs and pricing vary quite a bit. You can get a ninth-generation iPad for just $329 these days, but the iPad Pro, which is the most powerful, starts at $800 and can go up to over $2,000.
