artist perspective on a tablet pc

[Hannibalj2]

Image Insert:
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93.69*KBHi Everyone! First of all excuse the grammar. I draw more than do writing. I have been reading this site for a while however never written anythig until now. The main objective is to give a small insight to anyone who has been looking for an option to a Wacom Cintiq 21ux.I come from the world of animation and storyboards, and for that same reason finding ways to improve my artistic workflow while retaining the same quality from the pencil and paper format on a digital aproach.

Here is were the Wacom Cintiq 21ux comes into place. I own one for more than a year and quickly realised that replacing pencil and paper was finaly achived (for me at least), there is some practise in order to develop a new brain to hand control cordination since the texture of paper isn't there, however it will improve some of the drawing skills or at least sharpen them to some extend.

After awhile I decided to have an option of a Cintiq like gadget on the go and thefore I started to look at Tablet PC's. I was particularly interested on absorbing any information on the matter. I purchased a Gateway cx210 at first, but soon realized that the machine has some considerable shortcomings which also plages just about 75 percent of the market models from all makers of tablet PC.

One of the issues and of the most important points is the xga res displays of most tablets. However the resolution may be OK for students and bussines people but for me as an artist...well that a hole diferent issue. The esential problem is that when using software like Photoshop as an example; the low res makes any active window too big leaving a limited view to draw. Another problem I find is the whole WIDESCREEN craze. My personal feeling is that if you want to watch movies then yes it is the right choice however when drawing you are faced with the problem that in vertical position is seriously limited to draw and when flipped horizontaly then becomes to narrow (For those who like drawing on low res widescreen more power to them). Another increasing problem is the increasing glossy display protectors, and again for those artist looking for something close to the feeling of a Cintiq will have to avoid those. I found that the best surfaces which seem virtualy indentical to the 21ux is the Tecra M4 (Polysillicon) and the Portege m200 which are discontinue models.

Another point to keep in mind is the graphic cards. The Gateway was efficient enough with it's share memory on the intel card and never had a negative impact on
Photoshop CS2 or Flash 8 Pro etc.. which are softwares that i currently use. However gamers will object, but this not a gaming machine therefore I will not elaborate. But I will not pretend to cover the mistake made by gateways with it's "Finepoint" tech which was not such smart move. I will have to state that " Finepoint" is not comparable to wacoms when it comes to graphic apps.

The whole wacom tablet argument about anyone with an intuos 2 or 3 been the only options to the closest feel to a cintiq is simply not acurate. There is no denying that the 1024 pressure of the cintiq 21ux is more responsive but not a deal breaker. Proffesionaly I draw 8 hours a day every day on a Cintiqs 21ux and sometimes on the 15x and most wacom technology on tablets share the 15x technology. Therefore anyone with low budget wanting to get anything close to a Cintiq I'll suggest to chase a 2 year old Tecra M4, not the m7, or the r25 (but that thats my view). Not to put those models down but after testing those 2 models, the overall feeling to a cintiq went the older technology of the Tecra M4.
1. Point one I noticed was that visualy the m4 felt sharper than both models displays(m7,R25). It could have been due to it's 1400 by 1050 pixel density. It has the same aspect ratio of the wacom Cintiqs 4:3. Because of the high res of the 14" Tecra it feels comparable to the 1600 by 1200 of the Cintiq 21ux (resolution wise). The screen looks and feels bigger than the m7 and r25 even if its not.
2. The polysillicon feels very close to the wacom 21ux vs the m7 and r25 that I have tested.
3. Very good nvidia 6200te/6600te 128mg video card. A 2ghz centrino performed a bit faster than the core duo 1.60ghz of the gateway. The m7 had the option of the "Quadro nvs" which is very good.
4. The size of the screen of the Tecra M4 is about the same as the 15x Cintiq Which can use the same pens providing 512 pressure rather than the 256 that people had mentioned. And if its 256 then there is no difference between the two machines (to me anyway).

I won't talk about weight or anything of that sort since in reality this are non issues and as an artist is all about the performance rather that the looks or weight.

In conclusion, I find myself using the TECRA M4 more than my Cintiq lately since I can move with it into coffee shops etc.. and stil retain a very similar performance out of it. My personal expirience testing some Fujitsus,Tohibas,Compacts and Gateways and will have to say that my vote goes to the Tecra M4 as far offerng the closest rig to a Wacom cintiq and actuatlly performing like one (older model though) in real drawing task. I have storyboarded and episode of the latest [u]"Teenage mutant Ninja turtles"</u> with it and barely felt any difference to the Cintiq. Note: keep in mind that I have not used "Corel Painter" on the Tecra m4 therefore can't compare on this matter (Painting). I will assume that it will be there (painter) when bigger differences will take place since Tablets PC's don't do [u]TILT</u> and the Cintiq 21ux does.

Later

[WNewquay]

Thank you

This is a great insight into the Wacom Technologies generally and the implementaitons on different Tablet PCs.

Great.

[Northern_Rebel]

This is a nice review from an artist perspective. I've always thought TPCs and artists naturally would go together. It should give other artists an idea of what they could expect. Thanks...

[Hannibalj2]

Well, I feel that it could be interesting to have talks (forums) about this units (tablet pc's) for an artist driven crowed. But It has been limited at best to the source I've found. This is were my two cents. Thanks for the complements!

[teemue]

I have M4 myself and I truly agree with you.

I come from painting/drawing/animating background and the 2D and 3D capabilities of Tecra M4 are superb!

I did a short-film-animation using only tecra m4. You can see the blog here : http://thefugitive.wordpress.com

Tablet PC's used to be quite lousy and slow but since I bought M4 (after using portege 3500) I was in love. I also bought an external small gamepad (nostromo 52) with couple of buttons so I could use shortcuts in photoshop in tablet mode.

Artist should wake up and see that tablet pc's are getting great now. Especially Tecra M4. And if you use NHC the temperature doesn't get usually hotter than 45 celcius - so forget those ppl who complain about the warming-issues.

Cheers!

[Hannibalj2]

Hi TEEMUE, that's very impressive work. I will be currently animating a short piece (anime) based on a Manga (publishing soon) which is also drawned on the Tecra m4 and Cintiq. I will be using Retas HD " Stylos" and Core Retas HD' Its a software made by a japanese company alled "Celsys" and 90% of all anime are done with it. Best of all it works very well on the Tecra. I have already noticed positive feedback from co-workers as far the implementation of this machine to their workflow.
Great tips I'll look into them.

I found out that that Tecra works very fast when keeping the system processes down to the bare minimun. I try keep it in the low 50's or mid 40's preferably.
2 gigs of ram does help as well.
I do hope that computer manufacturers realize the pontetial of this demographic (artist). Since cintiq monitors have a monopoly on it and it realy shouldn't be. But until that happens I can't ask for more than what I currently have.
I wish that vista becomes compatible with xp software then I would install it on the tecra M4.

[schroder]

I also do a lot of digital work and have been using tablet pcs for a long time. I have a Cintiq 21UX at home attached to a monster desktop quad core 4 gig ram system with dual raptor HD's in RAID 0 etc. And you know what? I have just as much fun sketching in alias sketchbook on my Fujitsu ST5020.

I have also owned a HP 4200 and a Toshiba M200. I agree about the resolution and it is the main thing I miss from my Toshiba however I would say that the increased screen quality of the Boe Hydis type displays on the fujitsu and motions almost make up for the lesser resolution. The battery life of the Fujitsu allows me to head out of the house to sketch and feel confident I can get a full days worth of work out of my 2 batteries and not worry about power outlets. The combination of excellent viewing angles, screen brightness, and super long battery life has been an entirely different experience from the M200 and M4 generation of tablet pcs.

Admittedly I am pretty much limited to using sketchbook or other minimal programs on my tablet but that is mostly all I really need. If I need a full blown painting I can always work up my sketch and basic values in sketchbook and then finish the painting at home on my cintiq. I guess what I am trying to say is that there is not necessarily one true answer for what is best even as an artist. It is always possible to adjust your workflow and use the tabletpc as a sketchbook replacement and use the Cintiq as the studio painting setup replacement. If you could only have one computer though I agree something like the M4 or X61 would be a good choice.

For myself nobody has released a perfect tablet for the arist yet but I'm still looking. You can get good screen texture for sketching on any screen by using a vituiki style screen protector which is what I use to get away from the slippery glass of the fujitsu. Personally I am looking at the Lenovo X61 due to its excellent balance of aspect ratio, high resolution, long battery life, and excellent processing speed. Graphics cards only really effect 3d programs such as maya and have a minimal impact on 2d software such as photoshop and painter which is what I use 90% of the time. Alternatively I am looking into the Axiotron Modbook for an apple solution and I find the Motion 1700 an intriguing option as well. As you can see the resolution issue is big enough so that all my current candidates to replace my current tablet are 1400x1050 res. That being said I've gotten a ton of milleage and learned to adapt for the most part on my fujitsu for the last couple years. I also use a N52 speedpad to work with keyboard shortcuts on my tablet.

Just my 2c

Schroder

[Hannibalj2]

I have to agree with your comments and thank you to certain extent. However If you are going to draw as an example 2d traditional animation on and digital format and not being able to afford and 21ux cintiq, still The M4 is currently the best out there ( not trying to disagree.) When it come to spend hours drawing the bigger with high resolution screen will be better in the long run ( for me at least). The Fujitsus seem very good when going outside to sketch on the park as an example due to the ability to handle sun glare better and the screen angle viewing and they are lighter ofcourse. I do own the m200 as well and is great for sketching everywhere.
The screen protector may be a great option for compernsating the lack of rough surface on other tablets. I still feel that a manufacturer should evolve the type of tablet of the M4. Perhaps a 1024 pressure and better screen angle viweing with newer motherboard and cpu. Lighter and so on.
Simply the M4 is a different league from the 12 inch counter parts.
Thanks for the tips!!!!

[schroder]

I agree that if you are a student or on a budget and your tablet will be your only computer you may be better off with a larger computer such as an M4 or even M7 if you can handle the widescreen format. The new gateways looked like they might be headed in the right direction by switching back to the Wacom digitizer but they insisted on using a lower rez screen which sort of killed it for me.

Personally though I don't mind working on a 12" screen as long as the resolution is there so that my menus and toolbars in photoshop don't take up 50% of my screen real estate. Everyone is different and I encourage people to try different tablets before buying via Allegiance Techs 2 day rental if you have serious questions as there is really no substitute for trying it out and seeing what works for you since everyone's tastes are going to be a little different.

Ballistic is another artist I've seen post and he advocates buying a Cintiq instead of a tablet since it is similarly priced and is both a better drawing screen and has a longer usable lifespan since it is independent of the computer and will not be outdated nearly as fast. I have to say though I love the portability and freedom to work with friends at a coffeeshop or in a workshop or on vacation or whenever and whenever the whim strikes me. I wish there was a perfect tablet for artists but right now there really isn't. The Modbook people say they are marketing towards artists but they also are sticking with a relatively low resolution display. I've heard rumors they are working on a 15" version possibly based on macbook pros which would be very tempting but they seem to be getting their current design implemented pretty slowly so I wouldn't hold my breath on that.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

I have to agree with you again. I guess that I forgot to clearify as far budget goes.Part of the weight of my argument is based on the current used value of the Tablet. My current rig costed me about 800+ vs my Cintiq 2,495+ ny state tax.
I heard of the new gateway and yes they opted for the low res as far as I heard. The m200 is very good system as you had mentioned. However I used this system as a proffesional carrier and eye fatigue is a mayor factor and on that aspect the system cannot be touched. I'm alway currently researching for new technology that can push a better and smoother workflow. However feel the evolution on an artist perpective with the tablets became somewhat stagnant!

[schroder]

Well one thing you have to consider is you have to compare apples to apples. You cannot compare a used 3 year old laptop to a brand new cintiq. Try comparing your used laptop to a used cintiq (2 cintiq 18sx monitors in excellent condition from sellers with excellent seller ratings on ebay right now which are 18") currently at $610 and $710 and the decision becomes more difficult.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

The 18sx is a great option as you have mentioned a but seems a more dificult option to get based on places to find it (perhaps I have not look good enough for them) .As far my understanding both the 18sx and the 15x use is the same technology which are cross compatible with the M4. A point to keep in mind is that I am only addressing to get a mobile option that will get you the closest expirience to a cintiq not competing with it. When I work home I transfer the m4 files to the 21ux for the same reason of the 12 vs 14" which is eye fatigue.

However If you list the list of resellers where to buy the 18sx on the prices listed above. I could put them into good use if you don't mind. I have plenty of artist that wouldn't mind not having the mobile option.

Keep the tips coming though!!!

[schroder]

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=cintiq&category0=

I believe the 18sx is an Intuos 2 level technology which provides 512 levels of pressure sensitivity which double what the M4 generation of tablet pcs have and the pens are not compatible. The LCD on the cintiqs is also excellent with better color, brightness, and contrast than any tablet. They also have 205 updates per second on pen position vs the 133 of tablets which can make a difference in fast drawn curves. The 21ux is twice as sensitive as the 18sx making it 4x as sensitive as the 18sx but its also over twice as expensive as well unless you find one used (I've never seen one for sale used).

Generally speaking though I enjoy my tablet a great deal and it was a very difficult decision to upgrade my desktop over buying a new tablet pc on my last computer purchase. I really love my tablet and if I didn't have one I would certainly make buying a new one the number one priority. I sympathize with artists starting out who cannot afford both but fortunately ebay and other online buying communities offers much better opportunities for buying used than we ever had before.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

Hi again, I haved to disagree with the point stated caparing th pressure sensitivity of the 15x, 18sx and the m4. I can't speak of the 512 pressure of the 18sx but I can from the 512 pressure of the 15x. Both models stated of cintiqs could handle 512 and so does the m4 and if they are not the same then I will have to say that wacom has made some serious false advertisement. I personally think that the 256 pressure on the tablet isn't accurate. I have done real heavy testing on all three items on a shootout( the drawing response of the m4 has been staggeringly well.
There is no difference whatsoever as far as handling of pressure between the 15x and the m4 ( and not that significant from the Cintiq 21ux which I spent a few days head to head drawing shootout a while ago. This is strictly on drawing test, painting may be more obvious) The screen update per second is certainly different ( but most artist won't notice and if they do won't bother, it certainly never been and issue with me and co workers.) The color reproduction is superior on cintiqs. A painter may notice the difference but not a deal breaker to others.

Again Cintiq are cintiqs. But as it is now the M4 is the closest tablet rig to match a cintiq based on screen size aspect ratio, screen texture, dedicate graphic card and very good high density res screen. I do have the m200
the the screen color reproduction has been improve from it (150 contrat ratio of the m200 to 500 of the m4 which good even for todays standards).
Checking the resellers on the 18sx have showed me that at this time they still go over 1400.00. however if lucky maybe sometimes may pay 1,000.00 or so in Ebay. But still It's not a mobile solution.
Price wise and mobility the used m4 still a better deal than a used 18sx price wise. If mobility is not so impotant then the 17sx or and old 18sx if you can find it may be a good option of the 21ux if tilt funtions are not a must.

[schroder]

The main reason I believe that you cannot tell the difference in drawing between a 512 pressure sensitive digitizer and a 256 in a test is simply because in the digital color system the greyscale is only 256 levels. Generally speaking there is one pressure level to correspond to every finite color value in photoshop so that the difference beyond 256 is hardly noticeable to anyone using it for digital drawing and painting.

That said those are the official specs of the two digitizers published by wacom. Tablet PC digitizers manufactured prior to april of this year have 256 pressure levels while those made after that date have been upgraded to 512 according to some posts I've read recently citing a discussion with Wacom engineers. The Cintiqs all have 512 except for the 21ux which has 1024. This is straight from Wacom. I don't have any problems with the pressure sensitivity of a tablet however and if I had to make a choice between a bigger screen and a more sensitive one I would certainly choose a bigger one without hesitation since the pressure sensitivity is hardly noticeable.

I do truly believe in the tablet pc as an art platform and would never be without one myself.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

Well kind of dissapointed today. i bought the multi dock for the tecra and ended up buying the one that only fits the M200. From the look of it it seems sturdy enough. It fits nice with my M200. However i won't keep this one in order to get the Multi dock replicator 2. I'll review that one for the tecra m4 when I get it soon, so far the m200 works rather well on the dock.

Curious that The cintiq 15x and most wacom tablets pc's are cross usable even though they are suppose to use different pressure specs, something doesn't add up?!

[schroder]

That sucks about the dock, its one of the things I hate about ordering things from forms online is that sometimes it is hard to figure out what accessories will play nice with your computer. On a related note to the dock, does anyone know if the radial TFT arm mount sold on the accessory page of the Lenovo site for the X61 will actually mount an x61... ie is the x61 VESA compatible or is the ultradock 6 or whatever its called? Or is the fact that it is even on the accessories page only in case you also bought an LCD monitor as an "accessory" with your tablet? I do realize this is the toshiba forum but just hoping someone knows the answer.

I don't own a cintiq 15" (only a 21ux) so I can't test my cross pen but in the same post where they talked about tablet pcs upping the digitizer to 512 this year (axiotron modbook only tablet to openly advertise the upgrade so far), they mentioned that the wacom engineers claimed that the upgrade would be firmware only, not hardware. The tabletpc firmware is not flash updatable so it has to be done in the factory but since the hardware isn't changing it is possible that they use the same basic hardware, similar enough to recognize the pens. Just a theory though.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

I don't know much about the x61 dock. I know that the x61 is a great bussiness performer tablet pc and looks nice.

I read somethings about the Modand sounded good at first but i heard that the screen resolution is standard and is widescreen.
The whole updating the pressure without any new hardware sounds very interesting propoasl. This something to read more about.

[BlackFlux]

Here is my expeience:

I currently own a used Portege M200, but it’s the only tablet that I ever owned, so keep that in mind. I purchased my M200 solely for graphics. The only problem that I have with the M200 is its poor viewing angles. I’ve noticed big differences in color; I’ll create something on my M200 and then take it to my desktop and the colors look totally different. Now this could be due to the fact that I don’t own a dock, I usually have my M200 lying on a stool tilted towards me.

I own a Cross Penabled pen, but I think the original M200 pen is better because it’s pretty close to drawing on paper. I’ve tested out a few graphic programs on my M200 and don’t think anything comes close to sketching in Sketchbook Pro, but because of the price (I think it's cheaper now) and the lack of support/updates most Tablet PC users moved on to ArtRage. It’s VERY similar to Sketchbook Pro, and it only cost $20.

You can find a really good ArtRage and Sketchbook comparison here!!! (http://www.cartoonmonkey.com/?p=140)

Actually, I’ve been using Photoshop a lot lately, but I haven’t been able to achieve anything similar to what I can do in Sketchbook Pro. I hear there nothing like using Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter on a Tablet PC, but you’ll have to tweak/customize your own brushes, I don’t have the patience for that. If you can’t afford Photoshop, then you might want to check out OpenCanvas.

I have been kicking around the idea of getting a used Motion tablet because superior viewing angles, but after reading what Hannibalj2 said about how Finepoint not being caomparable to Wacoms, I think I will hold off on getting one.

[t lewis]

As far as I know, Gateway is the only company using Finepoint, and that seems to be changing with their new tablets.

I believe all the Motions - excluding the new 1700 - use Wacom.
t

[BlackFlux]

Hmmm that's funny I thought Gateway was basically Motion. But anyways, maybe they only used finepoint on their old Tablet PC's.

[WNewquay]

quote:Originally posted by BlackFlux

Hmmm that's funny I thought Gateway was basically Motion. But anyways, maybe they only used finepoint on their old Tablet PC's.


This goes back a long way (3 to 4 years) Gateway sold one of early models of the Motions (M1200 or M1300 I think)(Wacom). They stopped doing this and brought out their own M275 (Wacom) and about two years ago they started selling the CX26xx and M28xx machines. These were relatively low priced ($1000-1400 depending on the configuration). These were typically 14" 1280x768 machines weighing in at around 7 pounds. This series used Finepoint Technologies digitizers.

[Hannibalj2]

In favor to gateway, based on my expirience with cx210, the performance of the digitizer wasn't bad or terrebly innacurate when drawing, however calibration accuracy lagged when compared to wacoms. It tended to be accurate around the center of the screen but abit off on the sides. But the killing factor was the inability or lack of interest to aim pressure sensitivity though patches or driver inhancements for a wide variety of popular graphic apps. " Journal" did suported pressure sensitivity and performed better than photoshop with the shim or whatever it was called ( to me anyway).

excuse the grammar

[schroder]

Motion has been using Wacom digitizers for years and even the 1700 has an option to have Wacom (but not if you want the writetouch tech - that is a different brand of digitizer).

I actually was recently in the market for a new tabletpc and eventually I ordered an X61. Of course since it still hasn't shipped yet I am somewhat tempted by the new SXGA+ 4220 Fujitsu which I hear very conflicting reports over on screen quality. I have read some Fujitsu advocates claim the screen is much brighter than the lenovo. I've also read some lenovo supporters claim the opposite. The extremely frustrating thing for me as an artist though is that screen quality is pretty much the main question mark every time I order a new tablet. Its not hard to figure out how fast the processor will work, battery life, and system heat will end up working based on reviews, user reports, and comparison to similar laptops which have much wider coverage and availability for hands on testing. Screen quality is very difficult to get a good read on due to a lack of a standardized system of testing it. People aren't very precise when describing it and saying it is still "readable" at various angles isn't that helpful because in truth even my M200 toshiba which I feel had the worst view angles of any tablet I have owned was still "readable" from wide angles, but not acceptable for artistic use except in a very narrow viewing cone. In addition it appears people are not discriminate in comparing SXGA to SXGA screens, some people appear to be using XGA screens and are comparing to SXGA on different brands. Seeing as for the vast majority of cases in the last year or two, all XGA screens are the Boe-Hydis manufactured ones and most of the SXGA are more standard toshiba screens, this comparison doesn't really seem useful to me. I would have ordered all the tablets I was interested in from alltp but they didn't have any of the three or so I was interested in seeing available for the 48 hour loan. Oh well, hopefully it all works out.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

He, I agree with You Schroder, take a deep breath! You sound upset, none the less most users of tablet pc's aren't artist (in this forum at least) and therefore not as sensitive to the aspects you stated. Its tough for me to say anything on the x61 since the reviews I read where very good but where mainly aim for bussines used and the whole screen display performance was rather vague. PC Laptop magazine gave it a high rating!!! Dou you have a return policy without restocking fee? Just in case!

[schroder]

It looks like my X61 order was canceled as Lenovo is not honoring a discount offered in july on models shipping in august... even though I ordered it in July, is it really my fault they couldn't ship it in a reasonable time? I find this pretty frustrating and am quite tempted to go with another manufacturer on principle now.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

To be complitely honest, Lenovo is a great computer my wife has lenovo and they tend to run rather well, but if an other manufacture has proven to perform well offering and meeting your needs then I'll suggest to go for it. What are your other options I'll like to find more myself!!

[schroder]

I would say my main considerations right now are the Lenovo X61t and the Fujitsu 4220 both SXGA models. I gave some thought to the new Asus R1E but I have heard their build quality is not in the same league with lenovo and fujitsu. The Fujitsu is a little heavier, faster, warmer, and more expensive. The Lenovo has a faster HD, more usable on the move probably with less heat and lighter/thinner profile overall. I am hearing mixed reports on screen comparisons between the two. Basically on the GBM forums there is a slight bias towards the X61 screen it seems and on tabletpcreviews.com there is stronger support for the Fujitsu. One thing that is certain though is that the X61 screen is probably better outdoors and if the Fujitsu has an edge it would be indoors (except in the unfortunately somewhat common glare prone overhead florescent lighting). Outside of the screen its overall slight tradeoffs between power and portability. I could live with either compromise probably but am hoping someone can help me with the screen comparison between the two in the next few days, otherwise I will order whichever I can get a better deal on. The reason I ordered lenovo the first time is I found a really good deal, around $850 off list price but unfortunately Euclid told me after making me wait a week and a half that lenovo wasn't going to honor their July sales promotions on units shipping in august (which from what I've been reading on the forums is the majority of july orders since many people still haven't received their tablets ordered in june/july).

schroder

[BlackFlux]

Does anyone else find it odd that companies aren't publishing accurate viewing angles on laptops, especially tablets? Like I said before I am looking to get another tablet because of the poor viewing angle on my M200. Having that type of information would make my decision making process a lot easier.

[Hannibalj2]

I understand not wanting to invest when you are not sure hoe the machines perform. Try to find out if there is any store that carry then and test them out. That's what I do when i can. I find Fujitsus viewing anglr to be very good. I personally like the built of the lenovo, but tablets may be diferent.
I will say that just aabout any new current tablet will be better than the M200 when talking on viwing angle. Anothefr problem of the m200 is the very low contrast ratio which is 150%, thefore color reproduction is not superb (Mostly on blacks). However I have no reason to replace it ye

[Tarc]

quote:Originally posted by BlackFlux

Does anyone else find it odd that companies aren't publishing accurate viewing angles on laptops, especially tablets? Like I said before I am looking to get another tablet because of the poor viewing angle on my M200. Having that type of information would make my decision making process a lot easier.


Agreed,

I am an illustrator and have a Tecra M4. Viewing angles is one of it's greatest shortcoming, alongside with poor color accuracy, even when calibrated.

If existing display of the M4 could be replaced with something better, maybe IPS panels, it would make a spectacular Tablet PC.

Still great resolution though and very fun to use.

I mainly work with an Sony G520 Crt and a 9x12 intuos.


Regards,

Tarc

[Hannibalj2]

Sure it can be a factor but I can say that it bothers one bit.

[Hannibalj2]

Well I have taveled from the US to Japan and the to Taiwan. I decided to test drive the Tecra M4 on the go again. Firstly a quick advice, If you are flying American Airlines and ask if the planes support ac adapters, you will find out that the answer is "yes". But, in reality they only support the car lighter adapter which costed me a wopping 140.00 for the toshiba.
Anyway everything boils down to comfort and performance. As far comfort goes well I was happy to find out that the seat tray (where your food and drink goes) has the proper size to hold the Tecra in snuggly and firmly. Performance wise was like always even though the unit gets hot a bit performance was top notch. Trying to finish my Manga has been very practical on the go with the tecra I must say.
I honestly can't stress enough how important this units can be and benefit any artist that needs work to be done and not being constraints by a Desk.
I have tested here in Taiwan a Fujitsu tablet with vista loaded and drawing wise I have not felt a difference from XP. However testing Corel Painter did felt better with vista (slightly more responsive). Painter probably has coding that takes advantages of the new os but i can't say for sure.
Going back to the Tecra, I have to say it again when working long hours on a plane (10hr+) having a high resolution and biggers screen proves me to be far more comfortable than any 12 incher. But as always all of the info is my personal view!

later!!

[schroder]

Well I've been shopping for a new tablet and I may also go the 14" route although I may actually go for the gateway despite the lower resolution. Someone made some mockups and showed you have a bigger drawing area even on lower rez just because of the screen size. The things that make it attractive over the M4 are better viewing angles on screen, better battery life, and more performance. The M4 has price and screen resolution on its side. In the grand scheme of things the trade off may be worth it for those looking for a 14" tablet.

schroder

[Hannibalj2]

Well... more performace is debatable. Screen angle viewing maybe a factor however on the line of work I do the Tecra has not show any problems. The Portege m200 does have a strong issue with it but the screen on Tecra has been improved from the predecessor. If you get the gateway make sure that it's the version when still carriyng the wacom tech. There were some version of the 275 with the newly introduced "Finpoint Tech".
As far drawing goes if you can set it up to perform the way you like then great. I like using photoshop for drawing rather than Alias sketchbook pro. I have greater control over the lines specially when I want them to look rough and not super antialiased by default on Alias. I work with 3 windows constantly open without having to press "tab" to hide them and work with avery large working space, that's one of the advantages of having a high res. I have seen the 275 and its seems a good choice but I will not particularly choose it over the Tecra (My personal Choice)

[schroder]

I would not be using the 275, I am speaking of the Gateway C140 which was just released 2 months ago. It is using a wacom digitizer and can be configured with up to a 2.4 ghz core 2 duo and 4 gigs of RAM. It can also be configured with onboard video card ATI Radeon X2300HD. On top of that the battery life most users are reporting is in the 3-4 hour range running at full power. All of these things put its performance well over what the Tecra offers.

[Hannibalj2]

hUMM...THAT SOUNDS PRETTY GOOD! I'L LOOK INTO IT. Thanks for the heads up. Sorry about the miss read.

[Hannibalj2]

I have check it out and it seems to be just an upgrade of the old cx210 but with core 2 duo and wacom tech. The wacom factor is great indeed and will improve drawing performance but I was never comfotable with the wide screen format and the standard screen resolution is the same as the cx210 which is not that impressive (colors were very nice but screen was not that bright). If I where to choose that forma factor (wide screen) I woould recommend the the Tecra M7. It's high res(less pixel density than the m4 though) and have the option of a Quadro video card. Another thing I was not pleased was the big chunky battery which made it a bit uncofortable when on the lap. A Core2Duo is not a deal breaker for me.
But having another 14 inch on the market is step on the good direction