About Jennifer Hello! I’m Jennifer and I’m a professional graphic designer in Texas. I have over ten years of experience working as a designer and have used and tested many different graphics tablets over the years. Some great and some that made me regret wasting my money.
That’s why I decided to write this blog! I want to keep other people from having buyer’s remorse.
Which to choose? A Wacom tablet or PC Tablet / Laptop Hybrid?
HP EliteBook
You may have seen the HP EliteBook PC Tablet on the hit T.V. show Project Runway. I admit that I watch the show and have been wondering if it is a better use the HP or a Wacom tablet. I’ve chosen to use the HP EliteBook as an example for most PC tablets. I am comparing it to the Wacom Cintiq 21UX and Cintiq 12WX because they both allow you to draw directly on the screen like the HP EliteBook.
The HP EliteBook allows you the versatility of a computer and touchscreen at once. I recommend thistablet or other PC tablet with a touchscreen if all you need it for is quick sketches or note taking on the go. If you are looking to create more detailed drawings, then I would recommend a Cintiq. It gives you more precision.
Portability:
Obviously the HP EliteBook wins here if you need a touchscreen you can carry around easily! The Cintiq 12WX is portable, but needs to be connected to a laptop or computer to work which means you’ll be carrying more stuff.
Cintiq 12WX
However, the fact that you can hook it up to any computer is a nice benefit. For example, if you are at a meeting and can’t use your computer/laptop, you can plug the Wacom tablet into an available computer or laptop and draw, sketch or paint. That computer would need to have the right graphics software already installed.
The Cintiq 21UX is not portable at all. Once it is set up, you won’t want to move it around.
Size & Weight:
HP EliteBook - 8.27″ x 1.18″ x11.42″, 3.79 lbs
Wacom Cintiq - 12WX is 16″ x 10.5″ x .67″, 4.4 lbs
Wacom Cintiq 21UX - 22″ x 1.9″ x 16.6″, 19 lbs
Price (approx.):
HP EliteBook – $1500
Wacom Cintiq 12WX – $900 – $1200
Wacom Cintiq 21UX – $2700
Details:
Since the HP EliteBook is a laptop, you will need to deal with memory, processor speed, OS and other typical computer issues. Granted, you could have similar problems with whatever computer your Wacom is attached. The good thing is that you don’t lose the ability to draw if your computer crashes which would happen if your PC tablet breaks.
Summary:
Cintiq 21UX
It basically boils down to one question. Do you need to be able to sketch any time and any place or do you need more precision for detailed drawing and painting? For quick sketches and ultimate portability, I recommend the HP EliteBook or other touch screen laptop or tablet. If you want to create detailed art but still need your touchscreen to be portable then try the Wacom Cintiq 12WX. If you don’t care about portability and want a large screen, go for the Wacom Cintiq 21UX.
Click here to learn more about the HP EliteBook 2740p
Click here to read my reviews of the Wacom Cintiq 21UX and 12WX
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