Technology has stepped forward, and now many designers and photographers can breathe a sigh of relief. Of course, this device can be used not only by people associated with creativity. There are those who are much more comfortable using a PC with a graphics tablet. We have to deal with this gadget and understand its true purpose.
Basic concepts
So, a graphics tablet is a gadget that helps you enter information into your computer. Its main difference from a mouse or keyboard is that the user uses his hand directly. That is, it creates information due to the movement of the hand. A graphics tablet is a gadget and a pen. Also, some models have a mouse.
History
Few people know, but the first graphic tablet is a "teleautograph". It was invented by Elisha Gray and patented in 1888. It is this scientist who is considered the forerunner of the famous Alexander Bell.
The next step in the invention of this gadget happened in 1957. Then for the Stylator PC, a handwriting identification device was used. Later RAND Tablet was presented. The device is considered the first graphics tablet. It was of a special design:under the "screen" of the device was a grid of conductors. Electric “shocks” were sent there using a ternary Gray cipher. This information was received by the stylus, which could decode the data into position.
Another graphics tablet was released over time. It was a device that had a special pen. It helped create sparks. The built-in microphones determined the location of clicks, that is, they looked for the location of the pen.
In the 80s, Summagraphics Corp was able to promote this gadget to the masses. Then the devices received a commercial triumph. They were used as data entry mechanisms.
Already in today's understanding, graphic tablets appeared under the name "KoalaPad". They were originally created for the Apple II. But later, other PCs also needed such an input system. Other tablet models began to appear.
How does it work?
The development of technology, although it has changed, the principle of operation of a graphics tablet is very similar to its very first counterpart. The device has a grid of wires. Its step is quite large - it reaches 6 millimeters. Despite this distance, fixing the pen on the tablet is very accurate. The device reads information in more detail - up to 200 lines per millimeter.
News
Wacom has taken a step forward. She was able to develop a mechanism in which the grid could be both a source and a receiver. The pen in this case receives a charge from the grid. After that, it sends a response signal, which is a reflection of the original one. Thisthe "response" can be considered new, since it already carries additional data. The resulting materials indicate the identification of the stylus, the force of its pressing, fixation and the position of the pointers.
Thanks to this mechanism, you can understand what is being used at the moment: the tip of the pen or its eraser. It is also convenient that a separate power supply for this gadget is no longer needed. Although such a mechanism may be affected by other emitting devices.
Feathers
This part of the graphics tablet may also vary depending on the gadget model. Some are able to adjust the pressing force. To do this, they use a variable capacitor. Just such styluses are made by Wacom. It is also possible to use a mechanism with variable resistance or inductance.
In general, different components can be used to create a stylus. One of them may be the piezoelectric effect. It creates a potential difference that appears when interacting with the pen. This way you can find the coordinates of the point.
Again, depending on the tablet model, different principles for the interaction of the stylus with the surface of the gadget can be developed. The device can perceive not only the force of pressing, but also the tilt of the pen, its course, rotation and the force of squeezing the device with your hand.
What should I pay attention to?
Now many people know that a graphics tablet is the best assistant for those who work with graphic editors. Depending on the purpose, the gadget may have certaincharacteristics. When buying a device, you should pay attention to several main parameters. In addition to the price, the dimensions of the device, the sensitivity of the stylus, the resolution, the speed of operation and the working surface are important.
Sizes
Depending on what you need a graphics tablet for, you need to choose its dimensions. If you use the device not only in the office, but also at home, at school, and even for a walk, then you need to choose a compact size. It will be much more comfortable if the tablet fits in a bag. For such purposes, it is optimal to choose the A5 sheet format.
If you need a tablet only for work, and you are not going to take it out of the office, then you can choose larger sizes. But keep in mind that the price for such dimensions will be much higher.
Sensitivity
The stylus also has its own characteristics. Depending on how sensitive it is, its response to your commands will be correspondingly faster. There are variants in which the pen distinguishes up to more than a thousand pressure levels. Relatively inexpensive tablets can identify up to 500 levels. Usually the thickness of drawing depends on this parameter. That is, this characteristic is important for animators and artists.
Permission
This is also an important parameter that you should pay attention to when buying a tablet. As in the case of the image, this characteristic helps to determine the number of lines per inch: more precisely, the density of working sensors on the surface. It is clear that the moreindicator, the better the response will be. Expensive models have more than 5 thousand lpi.
Speed
This parameter speaks for itself. He has no specific figures. Therefore, when choosing a tablet, it is better to focus on reviews. Sometimes the words of manufacturers may differ from what happens in practice. However, the faster the response speed, the faster the tablet will transfer information to the PC.
Work surface
Do not confuse this parameter with dimensions. This characteristic refers to the monitor of your gadget. Remember that when choosing, you need to know the aspect ratio of the screen. It will have to match this indicator for the tablet. Otherwise, the work will not be entirely correct.
Variety
Most likely, the meager variety of graphics tablets is due to their rare use. Now rarely anyone chooses this gadget as an input device. Most often, a graphics tablet can be found with designers, architects, artists, photographers, in general, with those who need to create projects in electronic format.
Reliability
The most reliable and main manufacturer of these devices is Wacom. The firm was founded in 1983. Now it is a leader in the manufacture of these gadgets. One of the most popular and affordable graphics tablet is the Wacom Intuos Pen Small. Its cost is about 6 thousand rubles.
This device belongs to the youngest of the entire series. It was designed for creative people, those who are engaged in design, photography and illustration. Its working area is 15x9 cm. It has an average resolution of 2500 lpi. The case is of high quality: it is ergonomic, has rubberized legs and a slight slope for ease of use. The tablet has a battery that lasts up to 15 hours of active work. The main advantage of this model can be considered the presence of express keys settings, as well as the operation of the wireless network module.
Another model of the Bamboo Pen&Touch graphic tablet manufacturer. It costs about 5 thousand rubles. Has very similar characteristics with the previous model. Its dimensions are slightly smaller. Resolution 2540 lpi. You can enter both with a pen and using a conventional sensor. The sensitivity of this tablet is up to 1024 pressure levels.
Also last year, Wacom introduced a new line of gadgets. The Intuos graphics tablet was presented in four variations: Art, Comic, Draw and Photo. Such model names were obtained due to their configuration, or rather software. Each gadget has its own software designed for a particular area of work.
The new Intuos family also includes the Wacom Pen&Touch S graphics tablet. The model also received good reviews from professionals. Its main advantage for many was the size - A6 format. The gadget also supports multi-touch, 2440 lpi and 1024 pressure levels.
Best of the best
Wacom Cintiq 22HD DTK-2200 stands out among all models. This tablet can be attributed to the best. Histhe main disadvantage is the huge price - more than 180 thousand rubles. However, the gadget is considered an interactive tablet monitor. It can serve not only for creating illustrations and photo processing, but also for three-dimensional modeling. It has a large screen diagonal - 21 inches. Resolution - Full HD, more than 5 thousand lpi. To secure information, you can apply a pattern on the tablet.
The gadget can identify 2048 pressure levels, as well as up to 60 degrees of stylus tilt. In addition to wide functionality, the tablet has well-thought-out ergonomics, as well as high-quality case materials.
Other options
Besides the most popular and reliable Wacom, there is another manufacturer. Budget graphic tablet Genius EasyPen i405X can be purchased for 2000-2500 rubles. The main advantages of this model are 28 programmable keys, as well as high-quality case materials.
This drawing tablet is hardly suitable for professionals. Most of all, it will appeal to just free artists and amateurs. It is very compact, has a good resolution - 2540 lpi. The disadvantage is that you will have to buy batteries for the stylus, the touch keys have small cells, sometimes there are difficulties with "firewood".
