Ipad or graphics tablet ..... HELP!


Joker-laugh's avatar
Hello,

1st off I have 0 experiance with either the ipad or a graphics tablet so I was hoping someone might be able to help me ^_^

I love the look and idea of the ipad but I was wanting something I can highling my drawing with.

Usualy I draw on normal paper etc, Then I scan in my drawing so it is on my P.C. Can I download my drawing from P.C to the ipad so I can add or highlight parts etc.

also if I drew a pic on the ipad, can I transfere the drawing file to my P.C (Vista) where I can add more detail in photoshop etc.

Is it easy to connect a Ipad to a P.C ? just a USB ?

If I bought a ipad do they come with a Paint software or do you have to pay for a say photoshop app etc.

The only pens I have seen for the ipad seem to have a chunky nib, does this effect the detail ?

Also if the ipad is not a good choice, what is the best make of Graphics tablet out there ? I love the LCD screens but they are out of my price range at the minute so what is the best make to connect to a P.C.

Sorry for all the questions ^_^

any help or links etc would be awesome.

Thanks, Frank.
Comments21
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alevkov's avatar
Since this is already done i would like to suggest a cheaper but quality graphic tablet. Check it out [link] it s big, it s pretty good (especially if you re starter) nd the best thing it s way cheaper than the wacom version of same size. I m using it like a half year nd i m really proud of myself taking the risk by getting one from "non-wacom" but it s worth it.
Joker-laugh's avatar
Many thanks for the link ^_^
unholy-scribe's avatar
Ipad is great and I use it myself but the drawing tablets are the way to go. You don't have to spend a fortune as there are lots of graphics tablets out there with the same specifications as the higher priced branded versions, take a look at [link]
Joker-laugh's avatar
Many thanks for the link.

My girlfriend bought me a iPad and so far I have realy enjoyed using sketchbook pro on it. I am still planning on getting myself a good graphics tablet as well so any or all advice is greatly appriciated.
im-promptu's avatar
Is it easy to connect a Ipad to a P.C ? just a USB ?
Yup, just USB, same as connecting iPods and iPhones.

If I bought a ipad do they come with a Paint software or do you have to pay for a say photoshop app etc.
Some apps are free, but to get a decent quality app you'd have to pay. However iPad apps are significantly cheaper than PC software.

The only pens I have seen for the ipad seem to have a chunky nib, does this effect the detail ?
Styluses suck. You can buy a Cintiq pen, which will give you better detail. A Cintiq pen is the pen that comes with a type of Wacom tablet which includes a screen.

Also if the ipad is not a good choice, what is the best make of Graphics tablet out there ? I love the LCD screens but they are out of my price range at the minute so what is the best make to connect to a P.C.
I definitely think iPad is not a good choice for drawing. It's neat for drawing on the go, and many artists have created gorgeous artworks with an iPad, but for a beginner artist such as yourself, I would suggest to stick with the basics. Not only is drawing on a PC much more versatile, there are many more options you can tweak, more choices to work with, etc. The quality of work produced with PC is obviously superior. Basically IMO iPad=for funsies, PC=drawing. For choice of tablets, I'd suggest starting out with a nice little Bamboo tablet. It's a sound choice and only costs around $250. The advantages of using tablet with PC are things like pressure sensitivity, bigger resolution, more choice of software that will suit you and other handy things like keyboard shortcuts and pretty much the benefit of working at a computer. There's also the intuos4, but those are a tad more expensive. I'd suggest buying that after a couple of years, once you're sure you want to specialise in digital art.

tl;dr: buy a tablet.
HeavenhairSixes's avatar
I have a Cintiq. The pen works by electromagnetic resonance and is basically the same pen as other wacom tablets. That isn't how iPads work, they are simple touch screens, so you wouldn't get better detail by using a wacom pen with an iPad. The two systems are not compatable, so you would only get the same result as poking at the iPad with any other pointy object. You might even damage the surface by using it with something that it wasn't intended to be used with.

Just thought I would mention that...
im-promptu's avatar
Oooh I didn't know that hehe;; It's because I saw an artwork by another artist used with ipad and cintiq pen orz;; I think ipad touch screens work by heat *v*
HeavenhairSixes's avatar
Then I'm pretty sure that you either misunderstood or they were talking poop.

The iPad touch screens don't work by heat, they have capacitive sensors. They basically detect things which conduct electricity differently to air - which is fingers and styluses with special foam and silicone-rubber nibs designed to mimic fingers (capacitively speaking). I don't think an iPad would even register a normal wacom pen although there is a branded 'wacom bamboo stylus' with a capacitive silicone-rubber nib made for use with the iPad and other devices. It doesn't really matter though - the device is limited by its own sensors rather than the stylus you are using, which are currently a bit naff compared to most graphics tablets.

A cintiq is exactly the same as other wacom tablets apart from it also has a built-in screen, which isn't touch sensitive. Mine is the 12WX and it uses the same drivers and pen as an intuos. You just set the screen up seperately as you would a second monitor. You can use it with the display inactive exactly like it was an intuos. The pen works by electromagnetic resonance which only wacom tablets have.

Sorry to go on, I just thought if you were giving people advice it would probably be best if it wasn't wrong.
im-promptu's avatar
ahaha it's okay~ thank you for correcting me C: :hug:
Nevma's avatar
The iPad can be a wonderful digital drawing and painting tool. It is not capable of the resolution or pressure sensitivity that a drawing tablet is, but that doesn't mean that you can't get any detail out of an iPad. Also, drawing on a tablet takes some practice, since you have to look at the screen and not your hand. Some traditional media artists find that a difficult transition. At least on an iPad, you're looking at the place where you do the drawing. By the way, if you want to see just how detailed you can get with an iPad, google David Kassan or Kyle Lambert. Phenomenal artists.

You will have to pay for software for an iPad, just like you would with a PC. That being said, iPad apps are significantly cheaper than what you'd pay for most commercial PC software, as mentioned previously. Some apps allow exporting of Photoshop native file types, so it's easy to continue your workflow on a desktop if that's what you choose to do.

It is worth saying that an iPad is not a drawing tablet; it is a computer, and as such, lets you do more than just draw. As a drawing tool, the iPad is extremely portable, allowing you to produce digital art just about anywhere, without the bulk of a PC and tablet. But since an iPad is not a dedicated input device, it doesn't have the precision and sensitivity that a tablet has.

You mention that all you want to do is retouch things you've drawn and scanned. If that's the case, a tablet might better fit your needs. If you're looking to create content digitally, an iPad may offer some advantages for you. If possible, I'd recommend trying out both, to see which experience you like better.
ArtofJefferyHebert's avatar
This guy knows what hes talking about!
Gamomo's avatar
I have an iPad and I draw on it for fun, BUT GET A GRAPHICS TABLET!
OEVRLORD's avatar
Graphics tablet. Without a doubt.
Avanious's avatar
I recommend a graphics tablet. Your just wasting your money on an expensive cellphone that tries to be a laptop. Those at minimum have a lifespan of 2 years or less. Graphics tablets are made for art programs and are very sturdy and last a long time. My oldest tablet I bought in 2002 still works like new. Also, they come with a few art programs such as Corel Paint and Photoshop bundled with it free. I recommend a Wacom brand. You don't need a $1000 one either. Even the basic $100 ones give you all that you need.

[link] Here is their website and you can see all the different art tablets that are offered.
Avanious's avatar
Oh yes, for the Wacom, Bamboos are the most widely used for home art use. The others are mostly for companies and professional use (Super expensive).
Joker-laugh's avatar
Thank You for your advice ^_^
Pakaku's avatar
An iPad is really just half of a laptop, not a drawing tablet. You could draw with it, but you'd be better off getting a proper drawing tablet.
pyrohmstr's avatar
First off, the iPad is not good for drawing. The sensor in it is meant for fingers and even with a stylus, it's not nearly as good as a graphics tablet.
To answer your questions, the iPad uses USB to connect and you can transfer images easily. You would have to buy an app for it. Most are .99 to $5. The stylus doesn't work too well for drawing.

Since you're willing to spend $500 on an iPad, you should look at the wacom intuos4 tablets. They'll be less money and higher quality.
bleachrocks2010's avatar
^ Listen to this person they are wise.