Bad day rant... Also need suggestions on new drawing tablet or monitor

[ihaveatoaster]

My drawing monitor was malfunctioning over the last few weeks and finally died last night. So I was drawing on my Surface Pro today and it caught fire. Lmao... Almost feels like a sign..

I guess I need to buy something new to draw on but not sure what. Both the Huion gt-221 monitor and Surface Pro were good but didn't last long(little over a year) so I'm not sure if I want to buy them again. Also this is the second Surface Pro in 3ish years but maybe that's how long they're supposed to last? I don't know, seems kind of short for how much they cost.

I need suggestions preferably on the cheaper side. Also need a punching bag

[irene_addler]

Like...it LITERALLY caught fire?! I have the most basic Wacom tablet, it was only like $80 when I got it in Dec 2018. I mean, it's just a really basic tablet, but it's worked well for me so far

[ihaveatoaster]

Yep, luckily I had my work recently saved on a usb that wasn't connected so I didn't lose anything. I also breathed in a ton of smoke so hopefully that's not an issue... If I ever get another Surface Pro I'm going to be so paranoid.

Is your wacom a screen or a pad thing you draw on? I tried those pad things and they are soo difficult to use. No idea how people are able to use them.

[rajillustration]

hooooly crap I'm so sorry that happened to you! Especially when it's like...a tablet you use as a computer that Suuuuucks.

I use an intuos pro so I'm not much help, unfortunately. Everyone I know who uses a screen for drawing either already had an Ipad or went Huion or Wacom. Huion seems kinda hit or miss--like it either lasts forever or just one year. Could be worth getting an older generation Ipad to hold you over? Those are significantly cheaper, though I don't know how good their resolution is for drawing.

[irene_addler]

Oh my gosh that's so crazy!! I'd have freaked out completely lol

Ah, sorry, it doesn't have a screen. Getting used to looking at the computer screen while my hand drew on the tablet was actually not bad, but I know it's not for everyone!

[WriterLinXiaolong]

Surface pro caught fire? My old surface 3 (not pro version) is still working fine after all these years. Last year, I got myself a new surface pro but after hearing that they can catch fire, guess its time to reduce the usage.

Btw, can you tell me how you used them? Like, how often do you use them, the condition of your workspace, does it heat up too fast, etc etc. Hearing this, I feel like I need to handle my surface with extreme care now

As for recommendation, maybe you could try xp-pen brand?

[ihaveatoaster]

I probably wouldn't go for an ipad just because all my current software and files are on windows and I'll have to still use them on my computer.

I really cant understand how you guys can draw on those tablet pads. I found it so difficult to use. I guess after a while your brain and motor skills just adapt.

[ihaveatoaster]

Ex-pen is actually what I might buy if I dont get another huion or surface pro.

I mostly used my drawing monitor so I didnt use the surface pros much. They had heating issues from day 1. I would draw in clip studio with 1 file open that was fairly large with many layers. It would get really hot when I used it so I always used it unplugged and never placed it on anything flammable.

Just before it caught fire I was concerned it might because it got scorching hot so I quickly unplugged it and was going to shut it down but it was too late. My samsung s8 recently had the same thing happen so I was already on edge about electronics from that. Just never charge it on your bed or anything flammable. If you arent having over heating issues you're probably fine.

[WriterLinXiaolong]

They had heating issues from day 1

This might've been a factory defect then >.<
Hopefully you get your replacement soon.

[JerrodStorm]

I draw on a 2015 ipad pro w/ procreate, no apple pencil. Still going strong after nearly 5 years.

[JerrodStorm]

It's not a drawing monitor, but I'd say it's a step up from a graphics tablet.

[rajillustration]

I really cant understand how you guys can draw on those tablet pads. I found it so difficult to use. I guess after a while your brain and motor skills just adapt.

Yeah, it might be my age showing. We didn't have affordable drawing tablets growing up, and our computers were...already clunkers, youknow? So, when I got into digital art in high school my cheap ass 70 dollar tablet and a very janky painting software that didn't even have layers was all that I had. It was waaay easier than using a mouse.

But yeah, once once you get the hand-eye-cordination for a tablet, it's like playing the piano. When I started playing piano I always looked at the keys, but now I'm a seasoned sight reader so I just...never need to look down when I play. Same with the tablet. You get so used to it, you don't even think about it anymore.

[ihaveatoaster]

Hmm, you're the second person to recommend it so I'll take a look at the ipad pro then. Can't be worse than the surface pro Lmao.

[skicoak]

I love my Surface Pro but this is my second one in three years.

First one bricked, the refurbished one they sent back is super temperamental to plug the power cord in and does develop hot spots on the back.

Didn't know they caught fire though. My condolences.

[Shanny8]

I use an Intuos tablet/pad on my laptop...I plan on getting me a Cintiq, but in no hurry since my Intuos still works fine. It took me a minute to get used to looking at the laptop screen when I draw instead of staring down at what I'm drawing, but I'm good with it now.

I also have an iPad- this is the one that is taking me time to get used to...I've done pieces on it, but I'm still trying to get used to working on it.

Question is, if you're looking for a new tablet- how much are you willing to spend? The affordable screened tablets are Huion, Veikk, and XP-Pen...

[ihaveatoaster]

Same, it seems they only last a little over a year for me. I would like to get another one but they're too expensive for how long they've lasted me. Seems all my electronics are only lasting that long though so maybe it's me

[ihaveatoaster]

I don't want to go over 1k as nothing lasts much more than a year for me. I might get the ex-pen artist 15.6 pro as it's pretty cheap and looks fine. It's a downgrade but I almost don't care.