Graphics tablet. In the search for a universal device for working and drawing

In the field of computer peripherals, in due time appeared a lot of devices and add-ons that expand the functionality of a personal computer. Some developments were dead-end branches, and some were developed so large that for a number of manufacturers of office equipment were the main product of implementation. An interesting development of input devices was a graphic tablet. He not only was able to combine the functionality of the joystick and mouse, but also greatly facilitated the user's work, becoming more natural and adapted to human tools.

The history of the development of tablets for drawing began in the 60s of last century. The graphic tablet appeared and developed practically in parallel with the first commercial samples of mice. The computer was still far from being a personal one, the tablets, in turn, were designed for the work of engineers.

A powerful impetus in the evolutionary development of these devices has been developed by Wacom specialists. Cumbersome computers were gradually turning from highly specialized computers to personal devices. Simultaneously with this process, the graphic tablet was increasingly approaching a tool that could solve a wide range of creative free-drawing problems.

The most important achievement in improving the tablets is that the transmitter pen has got rid of any power sources. The stylus from Wacom became not only convenient for drawing, but also retained a full set of mouse functionality. With it, the ability to work with all the features of Windows remained. Clicks, context menu from the right button, the ability to drag and drop windows can easily be done using a graphics tablet.

The modern variety of both the types of input devices of graphic information and their manufacturers can surprise the unlucky user who decided to buy a graphic tablet for drawing. We will try to understand this abundance by breaking up the whole range of devices presented on the modern market into several types.

The first type combines models that allow you to enter arbitrary graphic information. Often the simplest work with A6 formats, using a set of basic functions and properties. Included with them is a pen, sometimes a special mouse. The upgrade of the class is accompanied by an increase in spectrum, quality, the introduction of additional properties. In the models there are additional buttons, the software is developing, the set of accessories is expanding. The format of the working surface reaches the standard A4.

The second type includes the design of the tablet type (example: mini-tablet). You can not draw fully on them, but it is quite possible to leave an identifiable signature. This, most likely, office equipment is fashionable, but not functional. The same type can be attributed to "digital notebooks" that can not only perceive dozens of A4 pages of handwritten text, but also convert it into plain text, understandable to ordinary Windows editors.

The third type combines devices that appeared as a result of combining the capabilities of the tablet and the monitor interface. They are also called interactive feather-type displays. These devices became a continuation of the idea of a light pen, which at one time was not given proper attention.

If you have a question, how to choose a graphic tablet, then, first of all, it is worthwhile to think about what tasks will be solved with its help. Do not forget that this is just an instrument. Expand its functionality can be using more modern software.