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.
Touch ring
The device has
a touch ring for quick control of popular parameters. By simply moving your finger around the ring, you can zoom and scroll in graphics applications, switch between layers, change brush size, rotate the canvas, etc. Note that the touch ring can have several operating modes, and a physical button in the center of the circle is often responsible for switching between them. In advanced devices, the ring can be reprogrammed for certain actions, and even sensitivity (scrolling speed) can be adjusted.
Connector on device
- microUSB. A smaller version of the USB connector designed for portable devices. Currently it is losing ground to the USB type C interface with a more convenient symmetrical contact group.
- miniUSB. Almost the same interface as described above, which differs only in the size and shape of the connector.
— USB A. Standard (full-size) USB connector used to connect the device to a computer and other external devices.
— USB C. A miniature version of the USB connector, gaining popularity and in the future capable of displacing microUSB. The interface has a high data transfer rate, and most importantly, it is symmetrical, so the plug can be connected to either side.
- Branded. A connection connector that does not belong to generally accepted standards and is used to a limited extent - in models of one or several manufacturers. However, due to general standardization, this option has practically disappeared from the scene.
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 angle
The maximum angle of the pen (relative to vertical) at which the tablet continues to perceive it as a working tool and respond to its movements. The larger this angle, the greater the allowable deviation of the pen from the perpendicular position and the higher the degree of freedom when working with the tablet.
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.
