iPad 2 or Wacom tablet with SketchBook Express?

Question

iPad 2 or Wacom tablet with SketchBook Express?

Which is the better experience for using SketchBook Express: With the iPad 2 or with the Wacom tablet, specifically the Wacom Create tablet?

I now realize that if I get the iPad 2 and use SketchBook Express on it, I will be able to draw right on top of the iPad 2 with the stylus. However, if I get the Wacom Create tablet and write on the tablet, the results of the writing or drawing will show up not on the tablet, but on my iMac monitor.

This makes me think that it is easier to learn to draw with SketchBook Express on the iPad2 because I wouldn not have to be looking back and forth from the Wacom tablet to the iMac screen.

However, I heard/read somewhere that one can't do something with files on the iPad 2. Does this mean that if I make a drawing with SketchBook Exp. on the iPad 2, I cannot save that drawing to a file and then transfer the file to my iMac?

If it IS possible to save a SketchBook Exp. drawing to file on the iPad, then how would I get it to my iMac? Must I use Wifi? (I have Wifi with my Time Capsule.)

Last: Other than not having to look from the tabet to the iMac monitor if I use the iPad 2, is there any other difference between the two experieces? Does the Wacom tablet offer any advantages? I don't mean the software that is included. I mean only the experience of using the tablet with a software program like SketchBook Express.

Hoping for some enlightening answers with some details. Thank you in advance.

Note: I don't have an iPad 2 but if the answers here are right, then I will go out and buy one.

-L

iPad 2, Mac OS X (10.6.5), Lexmark AOI printer/copier/scanner/fax. 2-TB external HD, 1TB

Posted on Oct 29, 2011 5:57 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 29, 2011 6:37 PM in response to Lorna from Hawaii

I did some reading and saw that the iPad 2 does not respond to pressure differences from a stylus the way the Wacom tablet does. Are there any other ways that the drawing experience on the Wacom tablet with SketchBook Express would differ from SBExp on the iPad 2?

Is the SketchBook experience less precise on an iPad than on a Wacom tablet? Now that I think about it, I would think that it would not be as good as with the Wacom tablet since drawing is the whole reason for the Wacom tablet.

Am I right in thinking this way?

-L

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Answer 2

Oct 29, 2011 6:39 PM in response to Lorna from Hawaii

As an artist, my best advise is Wacom by far. As Lorna mentioned, you don't get the touch sensitivity. Also, the Wacom provides nibs for fine brushes etc... you simply don't get the accuracy with an iPad as it requires a broad contact stylus to work.

I use iPad for very quick sketching and brainstorming, but it lacks so many features for drawing that a Wacom offers. Why not also take a look at Wacom's new product, Inkling? I haven't got one - yet - but intend to purchase.

I guess it comes down to how serious you are about your art. If it's just for hobby, then maybe an iPad is okay for you, but once you use a wacom, you won't turn back. And if it's portability you want, as I mentioned above, look up Inkling by Wacom to solve that issue.

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Answer 3

Oct 29, 2011 6:41 PM in response to Lorna from Hawaii

"

I would think that it would not be as good as with the Wacom tablet since drawing is the whole reason for the Wacom tablet.

Am I right in thinking this way?"

Definitely not correct. No way near as good as a Wacom - it's a totally different kettle of fish.

Drawing on an iPad is like finger painting - you really lack the preciseness, flexibility and control that you get on a Wacom. Drawing on a Wacom (or using Inkling) is as close to the 'real thing" (pencil/brush) as you'll get.

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Answer 4

Oct 29, 2011 7:11 PM in response to juicymango

Dear Juicymango...

Your answer makes it clear that the final product is better on the Wacom tablet, since that is what the tablet was designed for.

One thing concerns me, though: How difficult is it to get used to drawing on the Wacom tablet but looking at the iMac/Mac screen to see the drawing? I imagine that it is not an easy thing to get used to.

And now I must say: Last week I ordered the Wacom Create tablet, which comes with SketchBook Express. (I had it anyhow, downoaded from the App Store.) It looks like I will actually open the box and start to learn from it, now that I have gotten some input.

Not looking forward to having to learn how to watch myself draw, though.........

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP, JUICYMANGO. This forum is so friendly and helpful.

-L

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Answer 5

Bill H.

Level 2

179 points

Dec 7, 2011 1:27 PM in response to Lorna from Hawaii

What is the best stylus for sketching on an iPad?

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Answer 6

Dec 11, 2011 7:54 AM in response to Lorna from Hawaii

It depends on what kind of drawing you want to do. If you're someone who just wants to doodle things when they're bored, but wants to be able to use their device to do other things like games/internet/movies/music then you should spring for the iPad 2. But if you're someone that wants to get serious with their electronic artwork, or even if you just want to make really cool and detailed pictures easier, then get the Wacom tablet. The reason you're going to be able to do alot more (in terms of drawing) with the wacom is because it has a pressure sensitive pen, the ipad doesn't, this makes shading and other things much easier with the tablet. Also, the free sketchbook program for mac/pc is much better (in my opinion) than the ipad version. The iPad version seems to be a little bit more confusing and seems to not be able to do as much (not sure if im right about it not doing as much). The Wacom tablet takes a little bit of time to get used to, but once you do it is AMAZING to draw with. So if you're just wanting this tablet to draw very detailed pictures or even use as a mouse and you're fine with using a computer for your other entertainment purposes, then go for the Wacom tablet. But if you want to be able to draw simple to slightly complex images, and you want to be able to have a touch-interface for playing games or other things, then go for the iPad 2. You should find someone who has both and use theirs for a little while and see which one you would like better.

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Answer 7

aep123

Level 1

0 points

Feb 17, 2012 10:23 PM in response to Lorna from Hawaii

When you draw with a Bamboo tablet and pen you can see you cursor as you hovver (3mm) over the tablet and then when you apply it to the tablet you begin to draw. I'm not a professional artist but I found this quite easy to get used to. I also think that when I get more used to the pen and all the funtions it's going to be more useable that a mouse in many ways. The two point button - two buttons in one if you like - allow you to do all sorts of things a mouse can do but with the small feel of a pen.

One question I do have for others in the forum is how on earth did you manage to install the sketchbook software anyway. I just can't get it to make the install button on the dmg. installation thing light up. Others are having the same problems.

This is a small issue for me as I bought my Bamboo for use with ArtRage which for digital art is excellent paint style program.

Don't know if I've helped you or confused you there. I like the Bamboo tablet very much, but I'm not sure I'm even going to get the sketchbook software into it. I'll have to contact the company.

All the best. Aidan. PS if anyone knows how to get round the installation problem for sketchbook (no problem for the other two software that come with capture) if anyone knows the answer I'd be really appreciative. Thanks.

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Answer 8

aep123

Level 1

0 points

Feb 17, 2012 10:25 PM in response to Lorna from Hawaii

Am I thick or what. I spent all that time answering your question when the end of your post says you've already bought one.

Do you like it?

Peace. Aidan.

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