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 strip
A touch-sensitive surface, usually located along one of the edges of the front panel of the tablet case.
The touch strip provides additional controls such as scrolling, zooming, canvas rotation, and other gestures that can be customized to perform different tasks. Thus, the strip can often be reprogrammed for certain actions, be it quickly switching between tools in a graphic editor or changing brush parameters.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
