Mostly for quick reference for myself & discussions I find myself in, and for other artists looking at new tablets. Will likely mirror offsite at some point

Some Pros & Cons to each of these options. The intended use isn't to frame one option as better than the other, but so you can look at them and choose based on your drawing needs

Drawing Monitors

ex: Wacom Cintiq, Huion Kamvas, XP pen Artist series

Pros

  • ✅ Hand-eye coordination / being able to see what you're drawing directly on screen

  • ✅ Can be a second monitor when not in use

  • ✅ Connects to your own PC / can use any device you like

Cons

  • 🚫 Cable management, some manufacturers have proprietary cables

  • 🚫 Not portable, usually has to be set up at a desk

    • Some smaller ones are portable, but keep in mind you're moving more cables & this draws more power than a pad tablet

  • 🚫 Steeper prices (variable between brands)

  • 🚫 Poor ergonomics

Pad tablets

ex: Wacom Intuos, Huion's screenless tablets, XP pen Deco series

Pros

  • ✅ Cheapest option

  • ✅ More portable when paired with a laptop

  • ✅ Less cable management issues or restrictions

  • ✅ Can use any monitor you like

  • ✅ Connects to a separate PC / can use any device you like

Cons

  • 🚫 Can't see what you're drawing / needs hand-eye coordination training

    • This can be a major deal breaker since learning to draw with a pad tablet has a learning curve, especially if you're coming off traditional or the other options.

Stand-alone Tablets

ex: iPad, Android tablets, MS Surface

Pros

  • ✅ Portable

  • ✅ All-in one solution; you get a whole device you can also use outside of drawing

  • ✅ Hand-eye coordination / being able to see what you're drawing directly on screen

  • ✅ Less cable management issues or restrictions

Cons

  • 🚫 Limited software (especially for iOS where you're limited to what's in the app store)

    • Tablet PCs like the Surface are exempt from this, but you may have to disable software restrictions

  • 🚫 Less power for graphically intensive work like hi-res files

  • 🚫 Upgrading means replacing the whole device

  • 🚫 Steeper prices (varies between brands)

extra feedback & input is appreciated, especially as I don't have a working pad tablet (nor a stand-alone tablet) right now & am going off past memory.