# Recommend me a drawing tablet, if you would. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 13, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138 "2012-07-13T19:41:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/1 "2012-07-13T19:41:12Z")
Not a tablet like an iPad, but something like a Wacom (I think is a brand) wherein it connects to the PC, someone then uses a stylus to draw on the tablet and it renders the drawing on the PC. Ideally, this would be something that is compatible with GIMP. Thanks in advance, oh mighty Millions. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/2 "2012-07-13T20:10:01Z")
You answered your own question. Wacom is the leading maker of drawing tablets these days. The Bamboo models are basic, yet more than enough for most people, and the Intuos line is aimed more at professionals. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/3 "2012-07-13T20:22:24Z")
If price is a problem (the Wacoms are pricy, IMO), I’ve used Genius tablets before and they’re OK. Not Wacom-good, but if you’re just starting out, they’re a nice first stop. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/4 "2012-07-13T20:23:59Z")
I use a Wacom Intuos 3. It comes with drivers that feed into the operating system. You can set up the various buttons on the tablet and the stylus to emulate mouse clicks, and thus supplements a mouse for pointer movement; you can even use it instead of a mouse (I do). Since it feeds into the operating system, any program can accept and use the information it provides. I use it with Photoshop and Illustrator, but I’ve had no problem using it with The Gimp, or indeed any other program. (This is on a Mac.) I’m actually on my third tablet. (I wore the first two out… the tips of the styluses, actually, and could no longer get replacements.) You get replacement tips with the stylus, but they’re real easy to lose.) ---
**Author:** ![I\_Like\_Pie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I\_Like\_Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Like_Pie)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/5 "2012-07-13T20:34:21Z")
I used a basic Wacom (it was affordable) and it worked just as well as some of the more expensive ones. I’ll see if I can find a link to the one I had. ---
**Author:** ![Curiosity\_Kills\_Her](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Curiosity\_Kills\_Her](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Curiosity_Kills_Her)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2012, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/6 "2012-07-14T05:51:38Z")
I am not a graphics tablet user but I _am_ a Monoprice fangirl that’s seen a few discussions praising some of their drawing devices. The prices usually can’t be beat, and I’ve been very pleased with the quality of my varied purchases. I also rate their customer service highly. I’d say they’re worth a look. [Monoprice graphic tablets](http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=drawing+tablet) ---
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2012, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/7 "2012-07-14T06:14:48Z")
I’m using the wacom bamboo pen and touch. The software is great, but the touch isn’t so good. I think it’s quite easy to make a tablet but most manufacturers skimp on software. Definitely get this if it’s in your budget. If you consider that it includes photoshop elements, it’s quite a good deal. ---
**Author:** ![typoink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@typoink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typoink)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2012, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/8 "2012-07-15T23:24:27Z")
I have a Bamboo and like it; I don’t do as much graphics work as I’d like, but it’s great when I find the time / motivation. A slightly more out-there suggestion, depending on budget and needs: the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet that will launch later this year will have the option to use a pressure-sensitive stylus on the screen itself. Way more expensive than a standard Wacom tablet, but if you were looking for a tablet / netbook type device as well, it might be worth a look. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/9 "2012-07-16T01:22:35Z")
If we’re speaking of luxury, for years I’ve wanted a Wacom Cintiq draw-straight-on-the-screen tablet/display. The latest one [apparently incorporates multi-touch](http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/Cintiq/Cintiq24touch.aspx), but at a price heading for $4000, it’ll be a while before I ever get one… ---
**Author:** ![typoink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@typoink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typoink)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2012, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/10 "2012-07-18T00:28:23Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > If we’re speaking of luxury, for years I’ve wanted a Wacom Cintiq draw-straight-on-the-screen tablet/display. The latest one [apparently incorporates multi-touch](http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/Cintiq/Cintiq24touch.aspx), but at a price heading for $4000, it’ll be a while before I ever get one… The old cintiqs that were like a digital sketchpad were cool. The newer ones that are like a digital drawing table are mindblowing. That’s some of the neato-est tech on the market. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2012, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-drawing-tablet-if-you-would/628138/11 "2012-07-18T00:50:31Z")
I have the Wacom Bamboo Fun. It’s a nice tablet, albeit a little too sensitive in some applications, but that could be a settings issue.