What To Know
- The M1220 is one of the most budget-friendly drawing tablets on the market, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
- However, if you’re looking for a step up in features and a more premium experience, the PD1220 is the clear winner.
- The PD1220 boasts a more premium design with a metallic finish and a textured surface, giving it a more sophisticated look and feel.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can feel like navigating a maze of features and specifications. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Gaomon M1220 and the Gaomon PD1220. Both tablets offer impressive features and affordability, making them attractive options for artists, designers, and anyone looking to explore the world of digital art. But which one is the better choice for you? This detailed comparison dives deep into the key differences, helping you make an informed decision.
The Gaomon M1220: A Budget-Friendly Option
The Gaomon M1220 is a solid entry-level drawing tablet that delivers a compelling combination of affordability and functionality. Its 11.6-inch active area provides ample space for drawing and sketching, while the 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity offer impressive accuracy and responsiveness. The M1220 also boasts a comfortable and ergonomic design, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.
Pros:
- Affordable: The M1220 is one of the most budget-friendly drawing tablets on the market, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
- Large Active Area: Its 11.6-inch active area provides ample space for creative expression.
- High Pressure Sensitivity: The 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity ensure smooth and accurate lines and brush strokes.
- Ergonomic Design: The tablet’s comfortable design minimizes hand fatigue.
Cons:
- Basic Features: It lacks advanced features like customizable buttons or an express key.
- Limited Battery Life: The pen requires a battery, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- Plastic Build: The tablet’s plastic construction may feel less durable compared to higher-end models.
The Gaomon PD1220: Stepping Up the Game
The Gaomon PD1220 takes the M1220’s foundation and elevates it with a range of enhancements. It features a larger 12.5-inch active area, a more responsive pen with 8192 pressure sensitivity, and a built-in battery for the pen, eliminating the need for batteries. The PD1220 also boasts a more premium design with a metallic finish and a comfortable, textured surface.
Pros:
- Larger Active Area: The 12.5-inch active area provides even more space for drawing and sketching.
- Improved Pen: The pen features a more refined design and a longer battery life.
- Premium Design: The metallic finish and textured surface give the PD1220 a more sophisticated look and feel.
- Additional Features: It includes a built-in express key and customizable buttons, adding more functionality.
Cons:
- Higher Price: The PD1220 is more expensive than the M1220, but it offers significant improvements.
- Slightly Larger Footprint: The larger active area means a slightly larger footprint on your desk.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Wins?
Deciding between the Gaomon M1220 and PD1220 depends largely on your individual needs and budget. If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize affordability, the M1220 is a solid choice. It delivers impressive features for the price, making it an excellent option for beginners and casual users.
However, if you’re looking for a step up in features and a more premium experience, the PD1220 is the clear winner. Its larger active area, improved pen, and added features make it a more versatile and enjoyable tablet for serious artists and designers.
Beyond the Basics: Comparing Key Features
While both tablets share core features, a closer look at individual aspects can help you make a more informed decision.
Active Area:
- M1220: 11.6 inches
- PD1220: 12.5 inches
The PD1220’s larger active area provides more space for drawing and sketching, especially for projects requiring intricate details or broader strokes.
Pressure Sensitivity:
- M1220: 8192 Levels
- PD1220: 8192 Levels
Both tablets boast 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring smooth and responsive lines and brush strokes.
Pen:
- M1220: Requires a battery, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- PD1220: Built-in battery, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
The PD1220’s pen features a built-in battery, eliminating the need for batteries and providing a more convenient user experience.
Design:
- M1220: Plastic construction, basic design
- PD1220: Metallic finish, textured surface, more sophisticated design
The PD1220 boasts a more premium design with a metallic finish and a textured surface, giving it a more sophisticated look and feel.
Features:
- M1220: Basic functionality, no customizable buttons or express key
- PD1220: Customizable buttons, built-in express key
The PD1220 offers more functionality with customizable buttons and a built-in express key, allowing for personalized workflows and shortcuts.
The Final Word: Choosing Your Perfect Companion
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Gaomon M1220 is a budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance for beginners and casual users. The Gaomon PD1220, on the other hand, offers a more premium experience with a larger active area, improved pen, and additional features, making it a more versatile and enjoyable tablet for serious artists and designers.
Information You Need to Know
1. What are the dimensions of the Gaomon M1220 and PD1220?
- M1220: 350 x 220 x 10 mm
- PD1220: 370 x 240 x 10 mm
2. Are the pens compatible with other Gaomon tablets?
The pens included with the M1220 and PD1220 are generally not compatible with other Gaomon tablets.
3. What software do these tablets work with?
Both tablets are compatible with most popular drawing software, including Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Krita, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
4. Can I use these tablets with my smartphone or tablet?
These tablets are primarily designed for use with computers. However, some models may offer limited functionality with Android devices.
5. What’s the difference between active area and screen size?
Active area refers to the actual drawing surface of the tablet, while screen size refers to the overall size of the tablet’s display. The active area is always smaller than the screen size.