Nov '16

Hey y'all! So I currently have a Macbook pro, and a bamboo tablet that I use for all of my digital artwork, but the problem is that I barely use it. I bought the computer in January thinking that I would be doing a lot of artwork with it, but I have barely done anything. Whenever I want to draw my first instinct is to sit at my desk with physical Mediums. I think that might be because I cannot get the accuracy I want with a tabletop drawing tablet hooked up to my laptop. It throws me off.

So since I hardly use my Laptop for anything, I was thinking I might sell it, and get a surface pro 4. My sister has one, and I have played around with the drawing functions and I really like it! It's WAY more portable, it's capable of handling a lot, and it really feels a lot more natural than my bamboo.

So anyway, I wanted to ask your opinion. Should I just get used to what I've got, or do you think i would be better off selling my laptop and buying something I can draw directly on? Any input would be appreciated!

Nov '16

I'd suggest the iPad Pro, especially due to the fact that you're more associated with an Mac OS.
I haven't heard much raving about the Surface Pro, though. Personally been using my iPad Pro for sketching here and there, only prob I guess is no photoshop, but I tend to just export it onto my iMac and polish there. If you don't have a main work-space, the surface pro should work just fine!

Nov '16

I currently use the Surface Book, and i find it useful with drawing digitally. If you feel more comfortable with the surface line i'd go for it, but ensure you look at all the options first (especially if you prefer apple to pc). You may find something that fits you better.

There is no point in having a regular laptop and tablet if you dont use it, And i agree that drawing directly onto the screen like you can do with the surface line is great. Just don't rush into it.

kigernekoModerator
Nov '16

Was having the same problem when I first got my Intuos tablet. Just couldn't get used to it because I'm used to traditional tools. So I saved up lots of money and got a Cintiq instead and connected that to my MacBook. Problem solved. :smile:
Now I use an iMac and the downside is that my mac has much better resolution and colours than my Cintiq...

Nov '16

Thanks for the replies guys!

Fortunately, I am familiar with both OS's, PC and Mac, so that is no issue for me. I have looked into other options, such as the Cintique companion, but I feel like out of all the options available, the Surface pro seems to fit my needs pretty well, as it is a very powerful computer, i know for a fact that it can handle drawing with ease, and it's more portable than the Companion. My MAIN workstation as of right now is my desk, and traditional Mediums. Eventually, I will end up either building my own PC, or buying an I-Mac, and using a tabletop Cintique but I don't feel like I'm quite there yet. Not really producing professional level work at the moment.

Thanks again for your input everyone!

Nov '16

Also, another option I'm looking at is the Wacom Mobile Studio Pro. It looks more portable than the Companion. It's yet to come out, but I am looking forward to seeing how it compares to the Surface Pro. Obviously, being a Wacom machine it will be an excellent art tool.

1 month later

Dec '16

I have a Microsoft surface pro 3, and i love it! It's battery life will die pretty fast If you turn the keyboard, and screen brightness up fully. Honestly just use what feels best and most comfortable to you!

2 years later

Dec '18

if you want something to draw directly on ,just buy a drawing tablet with screen , such as XP-Pen Artist 12 Pen display monitor , I have one . you can connect it to your macbook pro as a second monitor then you can do art work on it . xp-pen artist 12 was really good. you can see the review from youtube .

5 months later