As CES 2009 comes and goes, tech-lovers can fantasize about the gadgetry that may actually become affordable in 2 or 3 years. The upside to this is that it’s easy to forget about the recent tech that has aged for only a couple. Don’t let the tech of tomorrow blind you from the tech of today. Remember oohing and ahhing at the concept of drawing right on your screen? Well if you’re like most, you might have not taken that leap yet.
As a designer in the technological age, it’s tempting to skip over that pesky conceptual stage where you might actually have to scribble with a stick onto pulped parchment. But with Tablet PC’s and Cintiq’s actually becoming somewhat affordable, it’s something you may want consider.
I’ve used Wacom tablets for a few years now and while a useful tool, there still an element of disconnect about not seeing the art beneath the pen. I believe with on-screen drawing, you can still retain that organic sketch step that is integral in the design process.
But affordable you say? Let’s talk practicality. For professional designers, gear is gold and you may have already invested some dollar amount into a machine and monitor and various levels of upgrades for both. As power monster machines level off for more economically sound computing, it’s not unreasonable for your tech budget to go into something like an on-screen tablet. Cintiqs and Tablet PCs currently range from 1 to 2 thousand dollars. While not peanuts, they’re now within range of actual human means.
Personally, I would lean towards the Cintiq. Tablet PC’s lack the pressure sensitivity that the Wacom brand has that emulates the true intricacies of line width a pencil in hand creates. And eventually, your PC will become obsolete much faster than the peripheral device that can stay with your computers as they upgrade.
If it’s still not economically viable for either option just hang in there. Another price drop is inevitable. Just be sure not to forget about it by the time it actually happens.
