As we all know Black Friday is soon and even before that day there are already specials and as many artist here or new to the world of tablets will try to get a new tablet for drawing.
Now we all want that nice one with screen which would be either a cintiq (most likely out of our price range ) and Ipad or even a Microsoft surface. But this might still be out of price range, specially if you are just starting out. This is why I am making this tread for alternative and of course views on all this tablets (traditional ones and tablet ones as well as 'starting out' ideas). Let's start:
Traditional Drawing Tablets
Price: 39.99
Discount probability: Right now it has a discount of 10% discount, so you might see a higher percent discount closer to black friday or even a lighting deal of sort.
This baby is a GOOD starting place, not only do you get amazing pressure sensitivity you get amazing support in term of been able to connect to a Mac, Windows or even Android device! Is also a good starting point in term of size. I suggest if you starting out to not go with a big size one, it will be even more overwhelming. A simply small size is good, price is also really good. You could find cheaper ones (even from Huion), but this one I recommend highly cause of not having to be tether to computer and been able to use your cellphone or even tablet! Sadly no IOS support.
Price: 79.90
Discount Probability: This is in the Best Buy black friday shopper actually and will be at 50.00 including the software. Just Clip Studio paint is value at 50, making this a great value.
This is the begginers tablet from Wacom, it is lacking compare to the Huion one in pressure sensitivity (it only has half of Huion (4096) but is still an amazing tablet. Based on my own experience with Wacom, this can easily last you 10 years or even more of heavy use!
Screen Drawing Tablet
Price: 229.00
Discount Probability: Highly unlikely. This kind of drawing tablets are rarely discounted.
If you want a screen, you can find 'affordable' screen tablets. Another one from Huion with amazing 8192 Pen pressure, sadly this one is only compatible with Windows 7 (and up) and Mac. No Android function this time. Is still at a good price range for this kind of tablets and size is 12 inches, but if you REALLY want a big screen, you can also try:
Price: 299.99
Discount Probability: Highly unlikely. This kind of drawing tablets are rarely discounted.
Price is of course steeper, but not by much. Now if you want the Top of the line (but still in a budget) you know the next entry is:
Price: 549.95
Discount: HIGHLY unlikely.
We all know Wacom IS the name everyone knows when you mention a drawing tablet, even to non-artist people. This also come with Clip studio (a 50 dollar value).
Stand alone drawing tablet
This kind of tablet are not that common outside of the Ipad and Surface, which might still be expensive for some, so I am going to give a recommendation for people starting out with a budget.
Price: 149.99
Discount probability: It'll find a way to advertise is in discount even in your dreams! This thing is always going in sale (Even as low as 89.99) during black friday, cyber monday and probably even in your birthday!
I know what you are already thinking 'This has no stylus support, what are you saying?!?' but I will recommend a disc based pen:
This of course lacks what we all seek in a drawing tablet: Pressure sensitivity. BUT for starting out and get a feel of drawing you can get this (or any Android tablet for that matter) to start out. For example, I made this drawing using this as an example (is not perfect, but is not that bad I believe).
Is the cheapest form to keep a screen and draw that their is out there. If you really tight on budget, but want to somehow get a tablet for drawing as starting point, this might be your best way. There are going to be a LOT of tablets in special, but do try to get a good one (avoid the RCA or walmart exclusive ones).
Price: 299.00
Discount probability: It will be at 250 in most places during black friday.
There isn't much to say here, the new Ipad products are excellent for drawing and with the newer Ipad having Apple Pencil support is one of the best form to get a good 'price' with high quality. Price is in quotes cause of course you have to factor in the 99 dollar the apple pencil cost. There are alternative, but most good alternative range in the 70 to 80 price range, so might as well go with the Apple Pencil itself.
Price: 399.99
Discount: The Microsoft store might have it at 250 or 299 during black friday.
The last alternative is the Microsoft Surface Go with also a great drawing experience, the price is a bit higher than the Ipad, but you do get windows allowing for more options when it comes to drawing applications. The pen is also another 99 price tag, so is still an expensive choice, but if you are able to, highly recommended.
Price: 219.00
Discount: Might get it, but can't guarantee one.
I completely forgot to add this tablet!! This has everything included from the get go, stylus, screen protector and case! From the many reviews I seen is a really good beginners tablet and one of the cheapest!!
Conclusion
I hope this helps you all determine which would be a good table to get based on your budgets and needs! If you have question or some of your own suggestion let me know!