Format
The paper size that corresponds to the size of the tablet's active surface.
This parameter is specified only for traditional tablets and smart-notebooks (see "Type"). At the same time, the specific size of the device does not always strictly correspond to the specified format. For example, an
A4 tablet can be either a little larger or a little smaller than a standard landscape sheet of 210x297 mm. Nevertheless, according to the specified format, one can easily estimate the dimensions of the tablet as a whole and its general “weight category”.
Nowadays, on the market you can find devices in formats from A3 to A7, and the most popular options are the A4 mentioned above, as well as
A5(148x210 mm) and
A6(105x148 mm). In general, larger tablets are easier to use, but also more expensive.
Workspace
The exact size of the active area of a tablet (or screen in a graphic display) in width and height. In general, it is more of a reference than a practically significant parameter: when choosing a traditional graphics tablet, there is often enough information about the format (see above), and for displays, primarily the diagonal (see above) and aspect ratio (see below) are of practical importance . However, the exact dimensions can also be useful in fact: for example, you can determine the aspect ratio from them (for classic tablets, this parameter is often not indicated).
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio of the tablet working area (width to height). This parameter allows you to evaluate the overall proportions of the device: for example, the ratio of 4:3 gives an almost square shape of the work area, and in 16:9 models it is noticeably elongated in width.
Actually, "widescreen" aspect ratios —
16:9 and
16:10 — are now much more common than the classic
4:3. The
3:2 standard is also rare, although it is actually also a widescreen. This situation is due to the fact that, ideally, the aspect ratio of the monitor and tablet should be the same (otherwise, there may be a mismatch in the movement of the pen and the cursor on the screen, or part of the screen or tablet area will be unused). And the most popular nowadays are just monitors in 16:9 and 16:10 formats, the 4:3 standard is much less common, and 3:2 is extremely rare.
Control keys
The number of control keys provided in the design of the tablet.
Each of these keys is responsible for a specific function, while the set of these functions can be configured: in some models they can be selected manually, in others the functionality of the keys changes automatically, depending on the currently active application. Anyway, additional keys allow the user to perform various actions without looking up from the tablet — this can be very convenient in the midst of the work process, when you don’t want to change the pen to the mouse again or reach for the keyboard. And the more control keys — so, respectively, more additional actions can be performed using the tablet. On the other hand, with relatively simple tasks, the abundance of additional buttons can hinder and confuse the user rather than help.
The most modest modern tablets provide
up to 5 control keys ; the most popular option is
from 6 to 10 keys, and in advanced models this number can reach
15 or even
more.
Pen model
The model of the pen that comes with the device. Allows you to understand which one is used and learn more fully its full characteristics. In this case, in the case of a replacement, you will already be aware of which accessory is needed for the purchase. However, nothing prevents you from replacing the existing one with a more advanced one, of course, if the graphics tablet itself allows you to work with a different pen model.
Pen power source
The power supply method used by the supplied pen (stylus) of the tablet.
A lot of modern tablets have
pens without a battery, or rather, without any power at all. This is the most convenient option from the user's point of view: there is no wire in the design that gets tangled at hand, while the operating time is not limited by the battery / accumulator charge, and in case of breakage or loss, the pen can be easily replaced. The disadvantages of such models include the lack of any additional functions — for example, quick switching between tools with a button on the stylus. In addition, the lack of electronics in the pen puts forward increased demands on the working sensor on the tablet itself: in particular, it is he who must recognize pressure levels. Therefore, devices with pens of this type are themselves quite expensive.
In turn, with the presence of electronics, a number of sensor functions (in particular, recognition of pressure levels) can be transferred to the stylus, which makes it possible to simplify the design of the working surface and reduce the price of the tablet. Feeding methods for such feathers can be as follows:
— From a tablet. Powered by the cable that connects the pen to the tablet. Such pens are simple, inexpensive, you do not need to buy additional power supplies, and their operating time is not limited. On the other hand, the wire noticeably limits mobility and can get tangled und
...er the hands, and the above-mentioned advantages are generally not decisive. Therefore, nowadays, this option is extremely rare.
— From a battery. A replaceable battery or several standard size batteries is the most popular way to power pens today. Such styluses do not have a wire that limits mobility; the time of their work is limited, but in general it usually turns out to be quite large (weeks, or even months); when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to replace the dead battery with a fresh one; and the batteries themselves can be chosen at your discretion. The unequivocal disadvantages of this option include the need for additional costs — you either have to periodically buy fresh batteries, or spend money on batteries with a charger (besides, batteries are not produced in principle in some sizes).
— Accumulator. Powered by the original built-in battery, often non-removable. Such power also allows you to do without a wire, while you do not need to spend extra money on the battery — it is initially supplied with the pen, and when the charge is exhausted, it is enough to recharge the stylus, there is no need to buy a new battery. On the other hand, charging itself takes time (sometimes quite a lot), while a replaceable battery can be quickly replaced. Therefore, batteries are used somewhat less frequently, although they are also quite common.Pressure levels
The number of pressure levels supported by the pen.
The more levels of pressure, the more accurately the pen tracks the force of pressure and the closer the drawing is to the drawing made by real tools like a pencil. The minimum value for a modern tablet is
512 levels, an indicator of
1024 levels is considered relatively small,
2048 is considered average, and in some models
4096 and even
8192 levels are found. At the same time, it is worth noting that the difference between pens with different accuracy becomes noticeable mainly on the thinnest strokes and on lines with a thickness that changes along the stylus; so numerous levels, even a professional artist is not always required. For this reason, this parameter has practically nothing to do with the general class of the device: for example, there are low-cost models on the market with 8192 levels, and professional solutions with only 1024.
Response
A characteristic of a graphics tablet that determines how many times per second the tablet records the artist’s actions. The response rate is expressed in PPS (Points Per Second).
The higher the PPS value, the more responsive the surface is. If responsiveness is low, there is a possibility of getting jagged lines when working with the pen, and the stylus cursor may lag behind the movement of your hand. Devices with a response of
266 PPS or
more perform best, the “golden mean” is the range of values
230 – 233 PPS and
250 – 260 PPS, and in entry-level models the response can be
220 PPS or
less.
In the box
- Mouse. Availability of a computer
mouse included with the tablet. Note that such an accessory can be useful even if you already have a mouse: tablet mice are usually specialized models that are distinguished by high accuracy and/or advanced functionality and are well suited for working with graphics. However, it wouldn’t hurt to clarify the specific capabilities of the mouse separately.
—
Replaceable pen nibs. The use of such accessories is connected with two points. Firstly, the stylus tip is usually made quite soft so that when working with the tablet, it is the pen that is erased, not the touch surface. Secondly, specialized tips are produced for styluses that allow you to simulate the sensations of using various artistic tools - felt-tip pens, brushes, etc. Accordingly, the delivery package may include both spare tips of the same standard type and tips of different designs; This point should be clarified separately. However, in any case, such a set will be useful for those who draw often and a lot.
—
Pen holder. In accordance with the name, this device is used to secure the pen during non-working hours - so that the stylus does not get lost and is always in a clearly defined place. Note that the holder can be made either as a part on the tablet body (for example, a hinge), or as a separate device that can be mounted in a convenient place on the tab
...le. In addition, it can have seats not only for the pen, but also for replaceable nibs for it, if they are provided in the kit (see above).
- Glove. The kit includes a special glove made of lycra or other similar material. The glove reduces friction between the hand and the active area of the graphics tablet, providing a smooth glide while working and helping to avoid hand marks. As a rule, such “clothes” are designed for two fingers (little finger and ring finger). And the fingers that hold the pen for drawing remain free.
- USB receiver. A device found in models with wireless or combined connections. Such a receiver is connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop, and communication via a radio channel is carried out through it. However, this accessory can also be found in Bluetooth models - in them it plays the role of an adapter for equipment that is not equipped with its own Bluetooth modules.