Which graphics tablet to choose for drawing? Anime Drawing Programs Types of Drawing Tablets
The market is full of offers of various digitizers with different properties. However, for artists, this diversity only makes it difficult to choose. In this review of graphics tablets, you will learn the features of popular models and new products, the advantages and disadvantages of products from different brands, and what you should pay attention to when buying a drawing tablet.
Main characteristics
As with any other piece of equipment, there are a number of parameters that you should pay attention to before buying a digitizer. The very first step is to decide on the type of tablet, based on your preferences and occupation.
Most models of graphics tablets have one purpose - the introduction of free graphic information in digital form, which is used by artists, photographers, designers, etc. There are still instances with limited options that are more suitable for office work. They can completely replace notepads and allow you to make signatures on electronic documents. There are also monitor tablets that can perform 2 functions at the same time. They are less mobile, but more powerful, which allows you to draw immediately on the screen at a scale of 1:1.
The next step, before choosing a graphics tablet, you need to consider the following:
dimensions and area of the working surface;
Sensitivity to pressure
supported resolution;
speed, tilt angle and accuracy of pen and/or mouse response;
aspect ratio of the gadget and your monitor;
the interface;
Individual skills and needs
maximum pen response distance over the working surface;
availability of the options you need.
The dimensions of the device, its design and sensitivity directly affect your comfort during operation. If you are not comfortable working with a certain model, it can significantly reduce your productivity. High resolution and precision allow you to take the work to a more complex level and carefully work out all the details.
An important aspect is the level of your professionalism, as well as experience with similar gadgets. No digitizer will improve your skills, no matter how expensive it is, and for beginners, many brands produce special series of devices.
Wacom tablets
Wacom Intuos digitizers are among the most popular. This is due to a large selection of options and specializations, but this also affects the cost of models. The range includes devices of different formats, designs and levels of complexity. If you are still a beginner, you can choose a smaller device and from a cheaper and simpler series. Professionals, on the other hand, can focus on their experience and needs, choosing what they need. Wacom offers the following series of electronic instruments:
the Pro and Pro paper line for advanced professionals;
Comic - suitable for drawing comics, manga, etc.;
Photo - for processing photos;
3D - has ZBrushCore software for working with three-dimensional space;
Draw - for beginners and lovers of drawing, sketching and sketching;
Art is a Wi-Fi connected touch device that makes the workflow faster and more comfortable.
Drawing Gadgets by Genius
Genius is the second most popular digitizer seller in the rankings. What is the difference between their products and why do many choose it in their favor? It's all about low cost, which is associated with a fairly high level of quality. They also have more express keys on the case, which, moreover, is made of good materials. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the weighted stylus, which, at first, will be difficult to get used to. That's because Genius styluses run on batteries. Also, among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the not very high sensitivity of models to the pen.
The final choice when buying, of course, is yours. Carefully study the characteristics and consider your capabilities, and then you can easily determine for yourself which graphics tablet is good for you.
The characters and atmosphere of anime stand out in their own way from other genres of fine art. Pictures are created both on canvas with a brush and paints, and with the help of special software, mainly graphic editors. In this article, we will take a closer look at several representatives of such programs.
Previously, this program was called Manga Studio, but with each update, the developers added more and more features, and now it is used not only for drawing manga. However, the set of tools is pushing users to the fact that the main emphasis is not on the graphic editor, but on the creation of comics. Thanks to unique opportunities, everyone can create their own unique project without having any practical knowledge and skills.
Animation deserves special attention, because it helps to achieve the maximum quality of the project and decorate it with new effects, so that readers will get even more positive emotions. If you are interested in the full animation of what is happening in 2D, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Anime Studio Pro program, which is perfect for these purposes. In addition, Clip Studio has a standard set of tools inherent in every graphic editor.
artweaver
Designed by Artweaver specifically for artists who have experience in graphic editors. The interface is made in the style familiar to many, with a toolbar on the left and a set of tabs with color, layers and effects on the right. There is an option to turn on the grid, which makes drawing at the pixel level available.
This representative has everything you need when drawing characters and other objects in the picture. Separating all the elements into layers will help you not get lost in a complex project and make your work more comfortable.
Adobe Photoshop
Perhaps the most popular graphic editor at the moment, from which many developers start when creating their programs. Yes, Photoshop costs a lot of money, but for this price you get everything that can be useful not only to an artist, but also to a simple user who wants to slightly correct photos.
Adobe Photoshop is ideal for creating anime paintings, you only need to have minimal knowledge in the field of drawing. For beginners, this program will seem complicated due to the presence of a huge number of tools and functions, but it is worth paying a little attention to it, as everything gradually becomes clear and easy.
CorelDRAW
The developers focused on professional activities that require the use of such software, but CorelDRAW is easy to learn and freely distributed, so even ordinary users install it on their computer. The program differs from others in our list in that special attention in the functionality is paid to the creation of logos and single objects.
Here you can find detailed processing of objects, many options for working with text. Standard tools are also present, which will help in drawing anime. CorelDRAW is distributed for a fee, but there is a demo version on the official website that will help you get acquainted with all the features of this representative.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is CorelDRAW's main competitor in the market. They have almost identical functionality, but visually we see the already familiar design in the Adobe style. The main emphasis here is also placed on working with single objects. This will help the functions of their transformation, alignment and much more, which is described in more detail in the review of Adobe Illustrator on our website.
As for the usual drawing of pictures, it is really possible to do this here, since there are basic tools - brushes, pencils, shapes and a large color palette. We recommend. Although this representative is very similar to Photoshop, however, they are sharpened for completely different tasks. We advise you to pay attention to this when choosing a program.
On the Internet, there are hundreds of graphic editors and drawings from well-known and not very developers. It's impossible to fit them all in one list, so we have selected some of the best and most suitable programs for creating anime style paintings.
Convenient and easy-to-use programs for drawing on a graphics tablet have become widespread.
This is due to the fact that more and more artists are beginning to work "in digital", refusing classical materials to create illustrations or paintings.
However, both the convenience of work and the quality of its implementation largely depend on what software the author uses to work on the tablet.
Peculiarities
Most tablet artists currently use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. This is a high-quality, functional software, however, not the only one. It is worth choosing a program both in terms of functionality and convenience of working with it.
Which program you choose will determine how much the capabilities of your tablet will open up. Therefore, you need to choose software taking into account the technical data of the device. In addition, there are universal programs suitable for any tablet.
<Рис. 1 Планшет>
Paint
This application is suitable for artists who are just starting to learn how to work on a graphics tablet. It has common functionality, a simple and familiar menu, and therefore you won’t need to spend extra time getting used to it (although a novice author will still have to get used to a tablet).
Having a certain level of skill, and having stuffed your hand, with the help of such software, you can create quite high-quality work. The advantages of such an application include:
- Its presence by default in standard assemblies of all versions of Windows (although it is recommended to work with those included in XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 assemblies);
- Extremely simple interface and menu - almost every user knows how to work with Paint;
- Pretty wide (for a basic program) functionality.
From the functional features of the program, one can single out drawing with a pencil with lines of various thicknesses and densities, drawing with a brush at different transparency and stroke width, filling the selected area in one color, working in several layers. You can also act with the finished image - select and copy zones, cut out sections, enlarge, stretch and flip the selected zones. Saves pictures in several formats.
It is worth starting acquaintance with the functionality of a drawing tablet with this software. Moreover, it can be the main one for those who do not draw professionally, as well as for those who periodically make minor edits to graphic files.
<Рис. 2 Работа в Пейнт>
gimp
This software for creating drawings has wide functionality and considerable power. You can download it from the official website www.gimp.org. Works with all types of graphics tablets, as well as some other input devices.
Among the disadvantages of such software are the following:
- Quite a significant load, both on the hardware of the computer and the tablet;
- Quite a complex interface, it takes time to get used to it.
<Рис. 3 Работа в Gimp>
However, it is still considered that the application is intended for beginners. It has a fairly wide functionality:
- Working with photos - brightness, color correction, level adjustment, contrast, etc.;
- Photo editing - removing unnecessary elements, cropping, other standard Photoshop functions;
- Suitable for web designers, as it allows you to create and edit layouts for websites;
- Drawing pictures - equipped with the functions of "brush", "pencil", "filling the area with color", etc., and in several forms;
- It has an individual format for saving pictures.xcf, which can save data with a picture, text insert, layers, textures, etc.;
- Easy integration with the clipboard - pictures and photos can be opened in the program by simply copying them;
- Opens editable files from other well-known graphics programs, such as .psd;
- The developer's open code allows you to create and install your own plugins, add-ons and extensions for this software;
- Allows you to quickly archive files.
This software is very versatile. It is suitable for both beginners and non-professionals, as well as professional illustrators.
MyPaint
The program is designed primarily for artists working in classical genres. It is not so much designed for drawing simple illustrations as for creating works of art, paintings in a classic style. For this reason, it has a fairly wide and complex functionality, not a very simple menu.
Most artists take some time to get used to it. However, it is believed that the interface of this program is simpler than that of most similar ones with similar functionality. You can download the application at .
<Рис. 4 Работа в MyPaint>
The main advantages of this app are:
- Unlimited canvas sizes;
- The ability to customize the content of the menu bar, include assignable buttons, etc., as a result, the function of quickly switching between commands and easy access to frequently used functions is realized;
- A very wide selection of brush types with the ability to fine-tune each;
- The function of importing strokes and brushes, generating, adjusting and editing them;
- Works with many types of devices and supports them well;
- Unlike most similar programs, it works on a variety of operating systems - Linux, Mac OS, Windows, Ubuntu.
Drawing in this software will be fast after the user gets used to its interface. However, non-professional artists, as well as illustrators and comic book creators, can get by with other, simpler applications (both in terms of interface and functionality).
graffiti studio
The program is designed to create graffiti, it is for this style of drawing that its main functionality is designed. Can be used with success by those who create comics, as well as illustrators working in a similar style. The program has a very simple and intuitive interface.
An interesting distinguishing feature is its relative realism. The whole process of work resembles the application of graffiti "live". And as a canvas, you can choose surfaces familiar to a street artist - walls, asphalt, cars, buses, etc.
<Рис. 5 Работа в Graffiti Studio>
Features of this application include:
- Using more than 100 color shades of paints, such as could be used in real drawing;
- Creation of streaks and streaks, application to “dry paint”;
- Changing the specifics of application, depending on which surface you have chosen (as in reality);
- Changing the distance from the artist to the canvas (the distance from which virtual spray paint is applied to a vertical surface);
- The use of markers and other means that are actively used in real graffiti.
Although this style is not as popular today as it was a few years ago, it has not completely disappeared. Largely due to the emergence of such programs.
artweaver
The program is a complete analogue of Photoshop. But, unlike it, it is implemented completely free of charge. You can download it from the official site.
It has the same functionality as Photoshop. And besides, a similar interface and external design. It is quite capable of replacing this graphic editor.
However, it also has some additional features that will be convenient for artists. Its main advantage is that authors who are used to working in Photoshop will not have to relearn. In addition, this application consumes less computer resources and is less "heavy".
In the application, it is possible to make pictures with means that imitate oil, pencil, watercolor, chalk. At the same time, various tools are presented here - brushes, markers, pencils, pen, pen and more (moreover, of various types).
Like Photoshop, it has full functionality for changing photos - color correction, adjusting brightness and contrast, levels, cropping, cutting out areas, compression, rotation, reflection, styling, etc. Like its better-known counterpart, it supports working in layers.
<Рис. 6 Работа в Artweaver>
SmoothDraw
You can download the program and the manual for working with it from the official website. It is suitable for working with any type of tablet. It has a fairly wide functionality with a relatively simple interface.
Allows not only to create new images, but also to process, modify and edit old ones, including those created in other programs. But mostly the application is focused specifically on artists who create a picture on a blank canvas. Suitable for both illustrators and web designers and artists working in a classic style.
Allows you to simulate the work of various tools - a brush, pencil, pen, pens, colored pencils, felt-tip pens, etc. It interacts well with tablets, there are no failures or bugs when performing basic functions. Since the software has a simple interface, it will make the creative process relatively simple and fast.
<Рис. 7 Работа в SmoothDraw>
PixBuilder Studio
The most accurate description for this program will be a light version of Photoshop. It combines most of the most used functions of this program, but removed unnecessary or rarely used features in order to simplify the interface and reduce the load on the hardware and software of the computer. You can download the program from the link.
Has the following functionality:
- Image editing by parameters: brightness, contrast, color correction, hue enhancement, etc.;
- Cutting and transforming photos, stretching, compressing, reflecting, reversing, both the entire image and the selected area;
- Generation of complex shapes, objects, etc.;
- Blur and sharpen functions, image styling options.
However, in general, the application is more designed for editing existing images than for creating new ones. For this reason, it is not suitable for professional artists. Rather, it is suitable for those who edit photos and pictures, but sometimes make their own edits and additions to them.
<Рис. 8 Работа в PixBuilder Studio>
inkscape
It differs significantly from the rest of the programs in the list primarily in that it allows you to create vector graphics. In fact, it is a more advanced and functional version of CoralDraw, which is familiar to most users. You can download it from the official site, and you must specify your operating system, since there are assemblies of this program for all operating systems (which is another significant advantage of it).
What are the benefits of this application? First of all, in the very principle of vector graphics, that is, drawing with directed segments. Such segments, unlike point fragments (in which all other programs described above work), are easy to edit at any stage.
At the same time, with such editing of the shapes and sizes of segments, there is no loss of image quality. You can even enlarge the entire image by several times, while maintaining its quality.
For this reason, the program is popular with web designers and designers, logo developers, and the like, as they often need to edit the image size. In addition, the application is actively used in printing, creating banners and booklets.
<Рис. 9 Работа в Inkscape>
livebrush
Simple and interesting software, designed more for creative search and inspiration than for creating a classic piece. In addition, it has a fairly wide functionality for editing images. You can download the software from the link.
There is only one tool here - the brush. But it comes in many different types, both in width and density, type, etc. In addition, many types of brushes can be downloaded, edited, created, etc.
In addition to traditional brushes - lines, there are also complex geometric shapes, which are also considered brushes in this application. The program is suitable for creating abstract illustrations and some design work.
<Рис. 10 Работа в Livebrush>
Paid programs
And also many developers implement paid programs for working with graphic tablets. In terms of functionality, they do not always surpass free ones, so before buying it is worth weighing the pros and cons. The most popular commercial programs are:
- Corel Painter X3 works with traditional media like brushes, pencils, and more. Simulates wet and dry finishes and effects. The works are realistic, and the drawing process is familiar;
- Painter Lite is a cheaper version of the previous program, with narrower functionality. Equipped with only the necessary drawing tools, suitable for beginners or for those who are not yet ready for significant spending;
- Clip Paint Studio Pro has been designed to create anime and manga. However, it can create comics and illustrations of any type. Its developers have made so many changes to the program that now it can be used for digital painting. The presence of standard poses and manga figures that can be used as nature in classical drawing is convenient;
<Рис. 11 Работа в Corel Painter X3>
Another good paid program is Affinity Designer. But it has a significant drawback - it is designed only to work with MAC.
Programs for drawing on a computer
In this video, I took six programs on which you can draw on a computer with a tablet and explained which program is best suited for whom and also revealed the criteria for choosing a graphic editor for everyone personally.
I decided to stir up interest in the long-selling Bamboo Pen & Touch graphics tablet by releasing its special Bamboo Manga edition. There were no changes in the functionality of the device, just the specialized software for creating anime and manga (Japanese comics) is included in the package.
Since Wacom Bamboo Manga is not a professional product of the company, the pen only recognizes the degree of pressure (1024 levels), not taking into account the angle of inclination. However, the novelty supports multi-touch data input, which is used to rotate the image on the screen and change the scale. For operation, the device must either be connected to, or used in any convenient place, having previously purchased a wireless adapter.
The special edition of the tablet is equipped with two programs Manga Studio Debut 4 and Anime Studio Debut 8. The first allows you to draw manga with popular characters or create them from scratch, and the second allows you to record a real anime. Beginners will benefit from the hint mode and various effects that make the scenes more dynamic. The applications have the function of sending works to friends on social networks, as well as publishing works on specialized sites.
Wacom Bamboo Manga is already on sale for around $150. If you purchase the software and graphics tablet separately, the purchase will cost $50 more.
As of November 2008
Hey everyone! :)
Today we will talk about such small, flat, but very useful devices as graphics tablets (or digitizers)!
Actually, what is it?
A funny definition of a digitizer is provided by the Yandex Publishing Dictionary:
A GRAPHIC TABLET, or digitizer, is a device for keyboardless input of data and graphic images into a computer. On G. p. "pen" draw ( I was particularly pleased with this offer.:). The signal from its surface is transmitted to the computer.
Simply put, a tablet is a pencil and paper emulator for a computer, with the only exception that you need to write and draw on a tablet, but you need to look at the screen. At first, it's unusual, by the way :)
This miracle may look like this:
Most tablets come standard with the tablet itself and a pen (or so-called "stylus"). Sometimes manufacturers expand the set with a special mouse, which is a complete analogue of a regular mouse, although it only works on a tablet. The vast majority of users usually already have a mouse and pad, which, as a rule, causes a conflict between these devices on the computer table :)
You can talk a lot about tablets for a long time, but we will try to cover the most important
The tablet can be used for a variety of purposes. It is used by cartographers to digitize maps, photographers to retouch digital photos, perverts to play shooters and, of course, artists to paint on the computer. That is, there are things that are more convenient to do with a tablet, and there are things that are better suited for the good old tailed and tailless mice. However, if you are used to and know how to draw perfectly with a mouse, no one is likely to force you to buy a digitizer. But if you draw poorly on paper, then a tablet is unlikely to help you;) Besides, no one has canceled traditional painting and graphics!
Key features of the tablet
So, let's talk about the main characteristics of the tablet.
As a rule, tablets are characterized by the following parameters (ordered in descending order of importance):
- Workspace size.
Typically specified in inches or appropriate paper sizes. An A5 (8×6" inch) tablet can be considered optimal for most. - Pen pressure sensitivity.
Expressed as a number of sensitivity levels. 512 levels is good. More is better (only 1024 saw more). - Surface accuracy.
It is expressed as the number of sensitive lines per inch of the working surface. It is measured in so-called "lines per inch" (lpi). More is better - Pen sensitivity to tilt. Found only in Wacom Intuos series tablets. An interesting, but far from mandatory feature that requires skill :)
The first parameter is of particular importance. On the one hand, on a small tablet, everything can be done with the movement of one brush, on the other hand, it is more difficult to draw small details and it is more difficult to hit the right point.
If you do not know what A4, A5, A6 means, then in order to estimate the size of the working area, take a regular piece of office paper for a regular printer. This is A4 (just in case, measure the sides with a ruler, they should be 297 × 210 mm). Now find the middle of the larger side (297 mm), fold the sheet in half and you will get A5. Similarly, adding again, we get A6.
There are also a bunch of third-party options, like
- “is there a battery in the battery, and if so, how many are there”;
- the size of the tablet itself (here I have a crisis of space on the table, but for the sake of the tablet I am ready to sacrifice);
- weight, thickness (yes, this is important for mailers);
- type of work surface coverage (this is really important, but more on that later, if I remember);
- the plastic it's made of (breakable or not, will it hold up to a cup of coffee);
- driver size;
- the thickness of the printed manual in pages (is it enough to kill a fly);
- supplied software package (we don't care), etc.
Manufacturers
At the moment, our most popular tablets are from Wacom, Genius and Aiptek.
Three hardware giants cover, in principle, all consumer ranges. If you need a cheap tablet to play with for a while, grab a Genius (like the WizardPen 8x6). If you still have money, you can look for Aiptek or push yourself, be patient and save up for Wacom. However, among both those and those there are models that are more expensive and of better quality.
It is worth noting that of the three companies, only Wacom specializes in the development and production of graphics tablets. Aiptek's main product are digital camcorders and still cameras. Well, Genius mends everything. A kind of Taiwanese consumer goods monster. However, as a rule, their devices work out their price well.
Their most interesting products:
Despite the fact that the Graphire series has already been discontinued, there is still a chance that the Graphire4 are still on store shelves. However, wireless versions of the grapher are still being produced - Wireless pen tablet (or Graphire Wireless, or Bluetooth Graphire - in the photo above). Please note that Bluetooth technology is used, and there is no Bluetooth adapter in the kit, which, most likely, will have to be purchased separately.
Technical characteristics of the blue tooth:
- Working area size: A5
- 2032 lpi
- Pen sensitivity to tilt: no and not expected, but there is an elastic band on the back :)
Speaking of pen. Wacom's styluses (with the possible exception of the cheapest bamboos) have an "elastic band" on the back of the pen, which is very convenient to use in various graphic editors to erase unwanted elements. It is also pressure sensitive. Much more convenient than switching tools every time.
Bamboo Fun
Tablet models Graphire3 and Graphire4 were quite popular. Therefore, the marketing move to change the name to the bamboo family is a bit incomprehensible.
There are Bamboo, Bamboo One and Bamboo Fun. From an artistic point of view, only the latter will interest us, since the rest are small mouse substitutes (however, mice can also be drawn). 
Specifications Bamboo Fun:
- Workspace size:
Small - A6.
Medium-A5
- Pressure Gradation Levels: 512 levels
- Work surface accuracy:
Intuos2 - 2540 lpi
As you have already noticed, there are models in size A6 and size A5. The working surface of A5 is approximately 2 times larger. The same can be said about the price (somewhere 125 and 250 American raccoons).
On the tablet of this model, in addition to everything else, there are 4 additional keys and a touch ring (scroll ring ... well, or whatever it is better to call it). Small useful gizmos on which it is possible to register, for example, Ctrl+Z.
Intuos
Probably, each of you has already asked yourself the question: “But what do professionals draw their masterpieces on?” Correct answer: "On paper" (joke).
No, in fact, there are too many professionals, and even more masterpieces, so there simply cannot be a correct, accurate and unambiguous answer to this question. 
This is what this miracle of technology looks like! Lots of buttons on the mouse, lots of buttons on the tablet and a more or less familiar stylus (although there is a version with a lot of buttons and an airbrush emulator!).
One could talk and write about such a thing for hours. Well, the first hour has gone!
The specifications of the tablet are as follows:
- Workspace size:
A6 - 4×6",
A5 - 6×8",
A4 - 9×12",
A4 oversize - 12 × 12 "(for those who are not enough A4),
A3 - 12×18" (well, just a giant). - Work surface accuracy:
Intuos2 - 2540 lpi,
Intuos3 - 5080 lpi. - Pen Tilt Sensitivity: Yes! And if you tilt it too much, it will storm!
You might be interested in the fundamental difference between Intuos2 and Intuos3. Where is the best place to go for information? That's right, the manufacturer. However, the manufacturer doesn't like its old models... or doesn't want to be haunted by the shadow of the past. Information about Intuos2 had to be literally picked out from the site. So, the difference is only in the accuracy of the working surface, a set of drivers and equipment. But most likely, you will no longer see Intuos2 on store shelves, even in the used goods department. Well, if you see, then do not forget to ask about the exposure time and get ready to change the plastic on the working surface and the pen.
Cintiq
And finally, drooling over, we announce Wacom Cintiq!
If you haven’t had a tablet yet, then I’ll note that at first it’s inconvenient to draw on it. Firstly, the reflex to lift the stylus and move it to the left to move the cursor to the right does not go away immediately (the so-called “small rug effect”). Well, and secondly, you have to draw on a tablet, which is somewhere near the keyboard, and you have to look at the screen (the effect of "the fourth mouse in the third hand" :-)). So, Cintiq solves just these two problems, combining a monitor and a tablet at the same time.
Of course, the idea is far from new - the same touch-screens on terminals have existed for a long time. However, here the focus is on the graphic orientation of the device!
The principle of its operation is quite simple: an LCD matrix is located above the touch surface of the tablet. On top of it is a hard but transparent protective coating that prevents your artistic efforts from damaging the matrix.
And although it sounds simple enough, the process is still more complicated. But there are craftsmen in the world who are able to do this within the walls of their own home:
Bongofish - DIY Cintiq (http://www.bongofish.co.uk/wacom/wacom_pt1.html)
For those who do not know, DIY - Do It Yourself (Do it yourself). Unfortunately, this was not shown in the program “Themselves with a mustache”. Eh!
Cintiq on "tablet" characteristics corresponds to Intuos3. The difference is only in the size of the working surface, which now corresponds to the size of the screen.
- Monitor diagonal (work area size): 12" (WXGA matrix)
- Monitor resolution: 1200×800 px
- Pressure Gradation Levels: 1024 levels
- Work surface accuracy:
Intuos3 - 5080 lpi
- Monitor diagonal (work area size): 21" (UXGA matrix)
- Monitor resolution: 1600×1200 px
- Pressure Gradation Levels: 1024 levels
- Work surface accuracy:
Intuos3 - 5080 lpi
As you have already noticed, everything basically rests on the parameters of the LCD matrix. A 12-inch 12WX weighs about 2kg. Lighter than many laptops. So it asks for knees! :)
The cost of such units varies from very-expensive to very-very expensive. Somewhere earlier I gave a link to the prices of wacoms. Those who wish can take a look.
Unfortunately, no one let me play with them, although I managed to feel such a monster in a foreign store (although I washed my hands a long time ago).
Axiotron (www.axiotron.com)
A relatively long time ago, one of my friends sent me a link to the description of this device. 
This is what happens if you implant a tablet system not just into a monitor, but into a MacBook Pro. Another handsome man, but this time already a fully functional independent system. Thirteen inches of screen and a working draw-poking surface on top of the most elegant and colorful operating system in my opinion (Mac OS X).
Unfortunately, macs are not compatible with programs for Windows or Linux, unless their manufacturer makes versions for Mac OS (by the way, it is a distant relative of UNIX "a). In particular, there are no my favorite toys for poppy =) But this circumstance is unlikely does not interfere with a real enthusiastic professional.
I guess I'm acting inhumanly, making people nervous seeing such things, so we can end on this appetizing note :)
In conclusion, I will say that there are a lot of tablets. Many different ones: large and small, affordable and inaccessible, not very expensive and very expensive. I hope this long treatise was useful to you, but not too tired.
