Are No-Computer Drawing Tablets Worth the Money? (2024)

Once upon a time, one of the few available ways to express yourself as an artist was to reach for a pencil or apaintbrush and a pad of paper. Of course, that's all changed in this digital age we find ourselves in, andtechnological innovation in the creative sphere has led to the emergence of drawing tablets.

Digital devices like these give you the ability to create masterpieces in the palm of your hand with all thesame nuances of light, shade, colour and form. Their popularity is increasing fast, too, with the global marketexpected to be worth $893m by 2027. So, if you're passionate about drawing or designing, you may havealready considered buying one.

The question is - do you need a drawing tablet that doesn't need a computer, and are they worth the money?Well, that's the focus of this article as we look at the next-level products that offer a whole new level ofartistic freedom.

Is there really a standalone drawing tablet that doesn't need a computer?

There is a misconception among consumers that drawing tablets they purchase will require a personal computer(PC) for all the functions to work. The reality is that there's a growing number of drawing tablets thatdon't need a computer on the market and this kind of digital art tablet comes with a range ofadvantages to the user.

Unlike graphic tablets, as you might know them - which require a computer to function - standalonedrawing tablets can operate independently. The leading pen tablet devices available (Check outthe top 10options here) have their own operating system that gives artists what they need whenever andwherever the creative spark takes them.

The many other advantages they offer include:

  • All-in-One Convenience - Another significant benefit of owning drawing tablets is thatyou get the combined drawing functionality of a digital art device and the storage capabilities of acomputer. You can draw and edit your work and store it on the same piece of tech without the need forextra hardware.

    This convenience is backed by ease of use, particularly when talking aboutcutting-edge tablets like the XPPen standalonedrawing tablet. Offering a user-friendly interface, they don't need you to be tech-savvy toget the most from them - unlike graphics software for PCs that can involve a much steeper learningcurve.

  • A Direct Drawing Experience - The drawing experience you get with standalone drawingtablets is also much more like the real thing. Traditional (computer-connected) tablets involve drawingon one surface and seeing your art take form on a separate screen, meaning a much less naturalinteraction.

    However, with a portable tablet, you're drawing with either your stylus orfingers directly onto the screen, giving you an improved feel for what you're working on. Also,thanks to the excellent battery life devices like the XPPEN provide, your creative process isn'theld up by needing to recharge continuously.

So, are standalone drawing tablets worth it? Well, when you look at XPPen Trustpilot reviews,you'll see that they're very well-received by those with a passion for art, but it's for you todecide. To help you make that decision, let's look at what's on offer from the XPPen Magic DrawingPad - an awesome device XPPen released on Jan 22th.

Can I use an XPPen tablet without a computer?

Absolutely! The XPPen Magic Drawing Pad is a drawing tablet that doesn't need a computer, butthere's much more to it than that. Allowing you to digitally draw, sketch and paint on the move, this techis launching in early 2024, and it gives you a platform to create like a pro!

With a spacious screen measuring 12.2 inches while weighing just 599 grams, this super-slim device offersultimate design mobility on your travels.

Precise, Realistic Pencil Control

What you'll notice instantly when using this portable drawing pad is how close it is to controlling areal pencil and paper. Its X3 Pro Pencil and X-paper display ensure that every stroke precisely reflects whatyou envision on the page.

Featuring 16k pressure levels - the world's first at the level that delivers 200% higher precision thanany other tablet pencil - the X3 Pro delivers smoother lines than ever before, and with zeroglare or blue light, nuance can be conveyed in an unprecedented way.

Smart Algorithem Aligns With Hand Muscle Memory

Other aspects that set this device apart from other drawing tablets are electromagnetic resonance (EMR)technology, handwriting IC, a drawing-dedicated smart chip and an intelligent algorithm that perfectly alignswith your hand muscle memory.

Add precision induction sensors that ensure that every touch and glide you make with your X3 Pro Pencil isreflected on the screen, and there's no better device of its kind around.

AG Etched Technology Offers a Real 'Papery Feel'

You also get Ibis Paint X with the XPPEN Magic that you can use for free, giving you 15,000 differentbrush types, a precise ruler function, and more. You get the software tools you need to make your designs realand you can download other apps from Google Play.

The natural drawing experience provided by this drawing pad is further enhanced by X-Paper's AG etchedtechnology that mimics the friction you get when passing a pencil over premium paper. Throw in the fact that italso gives you access to more than 16 million colours, and it's easy to see how its unmatched vibrancy andrealism are made possible.

More Than Just a Drawing Tablet

Of course, you're not always going to be working hard, creating realistic pictures and dazzling artwork, andthe good news is that the XPPEN Magic is more than just a standalone drawing tablet that doesn't need acomputer. Its power also allows it to double as an e-book reader, video player and games tablet.

With four speakers for incredible audio and a 512GB Micro SD card slot, you can watch TikTok videos and thelatest movies to your heart's content. As such, there are many ways to enjoy this popular drawing pad!

Let Loose Your Creative Flair With an XPPen Magic Portable Drawing Pad

So, if you're looking for a lightweight drawing tablet with screen that gives you a realisticexperience and the freedom and versatility you need to let loose your creative flair, the XPPEN Magic isundoubtedly worth investing in. Delivering unmatched drawing performance, it's technology that takes yourartistic endeavours to the next level.

Backed by an 8000mAh battery that will keep you going for up to 13 hours, you'll never be without the meansto harness your inspiration, no matter where you are. As such, the drawing tablet that doesn't need acomputer is very much here to stay!

Are No-Computer Drawing Tablets  Worth the Money? (2024)

FAQs

Are No-Computer Drawing Tablets Worth the Money? ›

Absolutely! The XPPen

XPPen
With XPPen, you can paint, sketch and draw effortlessly. XPPen's professional pen display offers direct, pen-on-screen control, allowing you to sketch storyboards, characters and backgrounds with freedom and precision.
https://www.xp-pen.com › what-you-can-do-with-xppen
Magic Drawing Pad is a drawing tablet that doesn't need a computer , but there's much more to it than that. Allowing you to digitally draw, sketch and paint on the move, this tech is launching in early 2024, and it gives you a platform to create like a pro!

Can drawing tablets work without a computer? ›

After all, you can't very well take your whole laptop out with you. It's therefore natural to ask one pressing question in your pursuit for the best equipment – can drawing tablets ever be used without a computer? Lucky for you, the answer is a resounding yes.

Is it worth it to get a drawing tablet? ›

Drawing tablets are great for creating images and for using art tools such as Adobe's Photoshop, Corel's Painter, or Celsys's Clip Studio Paint Pro. Drawing tablets are also excellent tools for working with 3D modeling programs and other situations where a pencil-shaped input tool makes sense.

Should I get a drawing tablet with a screen or not? ›

Pen tablets are more portable and budget-friendly, while pen displays have screens and better precision and control. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences as an artist. It might be helpful to try out both types of devices, if possible, before making a final decision.

How does a standalone drawing tablet work? ›

Advantages of Standalone Drawing Tablet

They also come with a stylus (digital pen) that allows the user to create artwork with the art and design software available. You can do your drawing work directly on the standalone tablet as it has the screen and the computer into it.

What is the difference between a graphic tablet and a drawing tablet? ›

Drawing tablets are ideal for traditional artists and designers who want to create traditional artwork, while graphics tablets are designed for digital artists who want to create digital artwork and perform photo editing, 3D modeling, and video editing.

Are there tablets just for drawing? ›

Wacom is one of the industry leaders when it comes to drawing and graphics tablets. With virtually no lag and 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity in the included battery-free Wacom Pro Pen, the Wacom Intuos Pro is the best drawing tablet on the market for professional artists.

Can you use a normal tablet as a drawing tablet? ›

via Wireless Connection: Alternatively, you can connect your tablet to your PC wirelessly using apps like Duet Display or Astropad. These apps allow your tablet to function as an extended display for your PC, enabling you to use your tablet as a drawing surface.

What is the point of a drawing tablet? ›

A graphics tablet (also known as a digitizer, digital graphic tablet, pen tablet, drawing tablet, external drawing pad or digital art board) is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images, animations and graphics, with a special pen-like stylus, similar to the way a person draws images with a pencil ...

Is it better to draw on a tablet or paper? ›

The advantages of the graphic tablet

It takes less time. You can erase endlessly, the drawing does not wear out, there is no irreversible stain, you do not have to start over. The rendering is smoother and more hom*ogeneous. The tools and options are endless.

Are drawing tablets without screens hard to use? ›

The fact is that drawing tablets are not that hard to use, but yes, they're less intuitive than a pencil and paper. To clarify, a drawing tablet with screen is relatively easy to use but drawing tablets without screen are difficult to use in the beginning.

Is a pen display better than a drawing tablet? ›

However, there are better choices for different types of users. Generally, we'd say that if you're an artist on a budget, get a graphics tablet. If you need something premium and professional, get a pen display.

Why is a drawing tablet better than a mouse? ›

1 Tablet benefits

A tablet is a device that allows you to draw directly on a screen or a surface with a stylus, which mimics the feel of a pen or a brush. Using a tablet can give you more control, precision, and naturalness in your strokes, as well as pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.

Can you use a drawing tablet without a PC? ›

Unlike graphic tablets, as you might know them - which require a computer to function - standalone drawing tablets can operate independently.

Can Wacom tablets be used without a computer? ›

No, Wacom One is not a stand-alone device, so connecting to PC is required. After connecting to PC, please download the latest driver at wacom.com/download before using.

Can you draw digitally without a tablet? ›

Drawing on a smartphone

You can download an art app and draw on your smartphone as is, but some smartphones support pen pressure sensitivity, which is important if you want to draw lines as you would when drawing traditional art.

Is it possible to use my phone as a drawing tablet? ›

Duet is one of the most popular apps in the App Store, used by more than one million people around the world. It not only allows you to use your devices as a mirrored or extended display, but also as a drawing tablet, so that you can draw directly into Photoshop with an Apple Pencil.

Can I do digital art on a tablet? ›

With Wacom pen tablets and displays, your art becomes digital. The particularly precise and pressure-sensitive pen gives you the feeling of pen on paper, except that with a digital art tablet you have so many more possibilities.

How does a drawing tablet work? ›

These tablets, like the ISKN Repaper, have a simple principle. A sheet of paper is placed on the work surface, and all you have to do is draw on it and the pressure sensors in the active area, coupled with the magnetic ring placed around the pen, transmit the data to the graphics software.

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