When it comes to choosing the best tablet for digital artists, two popular options that often come to mind are the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio. Both devices offer a range of features and capabilities that cater to the needs of artists, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will compare the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio in terms of performance, display quality, stylus capabilities, and overall value for artists looking to take their work to the next level.
Introduction
As artists continue to embrace digital technology, the demand for high-quality tablets designed specifically for creative work has increased. Two of the most popular options on the market are the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio. Both devices offer a range of features that cater to the needs of artists, illustrators, and designers, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The iPad Pro, produced by Apple, is known for its sleek design, powerful performance, and user-friendly interface. The device comes in two sizes — 11 inches and 12.9 inches — and is equipped with a Retina display that offers stunning color accuracy and brightness. The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil, a stylus that has gained acclaim for its precision and responsiveness.
On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio is a tablet specifically designed for artists and creatives. Produced by Wacom, a company known for its expertise in digital drawing tablets, the MobileStudio comes in varying sizes and configurations to suit different creative workflows. The device features a pressure-sensitive pen that allows for precise and natural drawing, making it a popular choice among professional artists.
When comparing the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio, there are several factors to consider. One key difference is the operating system — the iPad Pro runs on iOS, while the Wacom MobileStudio runs on Windows. This may influence the choice depending on the user’s preferred software and workflow.
Another important consideration is the price point — the iPad Pro is generally more affordable than the Wacom MobileStudio, making it a more accessible option for beginners or casual users. However, the Wacom MobileStudio offers more advanced features and customization options, making it a better choice for professional artists who need a high level of performance and precision.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the features of the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio, comparing aspects such as display quality, performance, stylus options, and software compatibility. By exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each device, we aim to help artists make an informed decision when choosing a tablet for their creative work.
Display
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is a popular choice for artists due to its large, high-resolution display and powerful hardware. The display on the iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches. The Liquid Retina display is vibrant and offers excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for graphic design and digital art. With ProMotion technology, the display has a fast refresh rate of up to 120Hz, resulting in smooth and responsive performance when using a stylus or drawing directly on the screen.
The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil, a highly responsive stylus that offers precision and pressure sensitivity. The Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro for easy storage and charging. Artists appreciate the seamless integration between the Apple Pencil and the iPad Pro, allowing for a natural drawing experience.
One of the key advantages of the iPad Pro is its portability. The slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, making it ideal for artists who work on the go. The iPad Pro runs on Apple’s powerful A-series chips, providing smooth performance for demanding art applications.
Wacom MobileStudio
The Wacom MobileStudio is a professional-grade tablet designed specifically for artists and designers. The display of the Wacom MobileStudio comes in two sizes: 13.3 inches and 16 inches. The high-resolution display offers excellent color accuracy and supports up to 4K resolution, providing artists with a detailed view of their work.
The Wacom MobileStudio comes with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, a stylus that offers superior pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. Artists can customize the pen settings to match their drawing style, making it a versatile tool for digital art. The Wacom Pro Pen 2 does not require charging, making it convenient for artists who work for extended periods.
One of the standout features of the Wacom MobileStudio is its powerful hardware. The tablet is equipped with Intel processors and dedicated graphics cards, allowing for smooth performance when running resource-intensive art applications. The Wacom MobileStudio also supports touch gestures, providing artists with multiple ways to interact with their work.
Pen and Drawing Experience
When it comes to the pen and drawing experience, both the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio offer exceptional performance and precision. The iPad Pro comes with the Apple Pencil, a highly responsive stylus that offers tilt and pressure sensitivity for a more natural drawing experience. The Wacom MobileStudio, on the other hand, comes with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, which offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition for precise control.
One of the key differences between the two devices is the display technology. The iPad Pro features a liquid retina display with ProMotion technology, which offers a smooth and responsive drawing experience with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The Wacom MobileStudio comes with a high-resolution display that offers accurate color reproduction and a wide viewing angle for detailed and vibrant artwork.
In terms of software compatibility, the iPad Pro runs on iOS, which offers a wide range of drawing and design applications from the app store, such as Procreate and Adobe Fresco. The Wacom MobileStudio runs on Windows 10, providing access to professional design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Both devices offer customizable pen settings, allowing artists to adjust the sensitivity, function buttons, and tilt recognition to suit their individual drawing style. The iPad Pro offers additional features such as palm rejection technology and the ability to annotate documents and take handwritten notes. The Wacom MobileStudio offers customizable ExpressKeys and a touch ring for quick access to frequently used functions.
Overall, both the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio provide a superior pen and drawing experience for artists and designers. The choice between the two devices ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and desired software ecosystem. Whether you prefer the versatility and portability of the iPad Pro or the professional-grade performance of the Wacom MobileStudio, both devices are capable of delivering stunning artwork and creative projects.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio are powerful devices that cater to the needs of artists and creatives. However, there are some key differences that set them apart in terms of performance.
The iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s A12Z Bionic chip, which is a highly efficient and powerful processor that delivers superior performance. It also has a dedicated GPU, which helps in rendering graphics-intensive applications and tasks with ease. The iPad Pro offers smooth and lag-free performance, making it a great choice for artists who work with large files and complex projects.
On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio features Intel Core processors, which are known for their high performance and reliability. The MobileStudio also comes with NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards, which are specifically designed for professional-grade applications and tasks. This means that artists can expect excellent performance when working on graphic design, animation, and other creative projects.
In terms of storage, both devices offer ample storage options to store all your artwork and files. The iPad Pro comes in various storage capacities, ranging from 128GB to 1TB, while the Wacom MobileStudio offers storage options up to 1TB. Both devices also offer the option to expand storage using external drives or cloud services.
When it comes to battery life, the iPad Pro shines with its long-lasting battery that can easily last a full day of work. The Wacom MobileStudio also offers good battery life, but may require more frequent charging depending on usage. Overall, both devices offer reliable and consistent performance that can handle the demands of professional artists and creatives.
Operating System
An operating system (OS) is a crucial component of any electronic device, as it serves as the interface between the hardware and the user. It manages the device’s memory, processes, and software applications, allowing users to interact with their device and perform various tasks.
When comparing tablets for artists such as the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio, the operating system plays a significant role in determining the device’s performance and usability. Both tablets run on different operating systems, each with its own set of features and capabilities.
The iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s iOS operating system, which is known for its intuitive interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices. iOS offers a user-friendly experience, with a wide range of apps available for artists and creatives. The iPad Pro’s operating system is optimized for touch input and is designed to work seamlessly with the Apple Pencil, making it a popular choice among digital artists.
On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio runs on Windows 10, a versatile operating system that offers flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of software applications. Windows 10 is a full-fledged desktop operating system, allowing users to run powerful creative software such as Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk SketchBook. Artists who require advanced customization options and the ability to run professional-grade software may prefer the Wacom MobileStudio for its Windows operating system.
Overall, both the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio offer unique advantages in terms of their operating systems. The iPad Pro’s iOS provides a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices, while the Wacom MobileStudio’s Windows 10 offers versatility and compatibility with a wide range of professional software applications. Artists should consider their workflow, software requirements, and personal preferences when choosing between these two tablets.
Portability
One of the most important factors for artists when choosing a tablet is portability. The ability to create art on-the-go is essential for many artists, especially those who travel frequently or work in different locations.
The iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio both offer portability, but in different ways. The iPad Pro is incredibly lightweight and thin, making it easy to carry around in a backpack or bag. It also has a long battery life, allowing artists to work for hours without needing to recharge.
On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio is slightly bulkier and heavier than the iPad Pro, but it offers more features and capabilities. It has a built-in stand and a variety of ports for connecting accessories, making it a bit less portable than the iPad Pro but more versatile in terms of functionality.
Both tablets are designed to be used on-the-go, but the iPad Pro is better suited for artists who need to work quickly and want a lightweight, easy-to-use device. The Wacom MobileStudio, on the other hand, is better for artists who need more power and flexibility in their work, even if it means sacrificing a bit of portability.
Ultimately, the choice between the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio will come down to personal preferences and needs. Artists who prioritize portability and convenience may prefer the iPad Pro, while those who need more advanced features and capabilities may opt for the Wacom MobileStudio.
Battery Life
One of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing a tablet for artists is battery life. The iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio both offer long-lasting batteries, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The iPad Pro boasts an impressive battery life, with Apple claiming that it can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. This makes it ideal for artists who need to work on the go without worrying about running out of power. Additionally, the iPad Pro supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly juice up your device when needed.
On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio also offers a decent battery life, lasting around 5 to 6 hours with normal use. While this may not be as long as the iPad Pro, it is still sufficient for most artists’ needs. However, the Wacom MobileStudio does not support fast charging, so you may need to wait longer to fully charge your device.
In terms of battery management, both tablets come with power-saving features to help extend battery life. The iPad Pro has a Low Power Mode that reduces background activity and minimizes visual effects to conserve power. The Wacom MobileStudio also has power-saving settings that allow you to adjust the display brightness and sleep settings to preserve battery life.
Ultimately, when comparing the battery life of the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio, it comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use your tablet for artistic endeavors. If you need a tablet that can last all day without needing to recharge, the iPad Pro may be the better choice. However, if you value performance and functionality over battery life, the Wacom MobileStudio is a solid option to consider.
Price
One important aspect to consider when comparing tablets for artists is the price. Both the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio come with a hefty price tag, but they each offer unique features that may justify the cost.
The iPad Pro is known for its versatility and accessibility. Prices for the iPad Pro start at $799 for the 11-inch model and $999 for the 12.9-inch model. These prices are for the base models, which come with 128GB of storage. If you want more storage, prices can go up to $1,499 for the 12.9-inch model with 1TB of storage. Keep in mind that the Apple Pencil and keyboard are sold separately, so these additional accessories will add to the overall cost.
On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio is designed specifically for artists and offers powerful features to enhance their workflow. Prices for the Wacom MobileStudio start at $1,899 for the 13-inch model with 64GB of storage. Prices can go up to $3,499 for the 16-inch model with 512GB of storage. The Wacom MobileStudio comes with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, which provides a high level of precision and sensitivity. However, the Wacom MobileStudio does not come with a keyboard, so if you prefer to work with a keyboard, you will need to purchase one separately.
When comparing the prices of the iPad Pro and the Wacom MobileStudio, it is important to consider your budget and the features that are most important to you as an artist. The iPad Pro may be a more affordable option for artists who are looking for a versatile tablet with a wide range of apps and features. On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio may be worth the investment for artists who require a high level of precision and sensitivity in their work.
Additional Features
Additional Features:
When deciding between the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio as a tablet for artists, it’s important to consider the additional features that each device offers. While both tablets are excellent choices for digital art creation, they do have some nuanced differences in terms of extra functionalities.
Apple Pencil vs. Wacom Pro Pen:
One of the key differences between the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio is the stylus that comes with each device. The iPad Pro comes with the Apple Pencil, which is known for its low latency and pressure sensitivity. The Wacom MobileStudio, on the other hand, comes with the Wacom Pro Pen, which offers a higher level of customization and programmable buttons.
Operating System:
Another important feature to consider is the operating system that each tablet runs on. The iPad Pro runs on iOS, which means it has access to a wide range of apps from the Apple App Store. The Wacom MobileStudio, on the other hand, runs on Windows 10, which offers more versatility in terms of software compatibility, especially for professional-grade applications.
Storage Options:
Storage is another factor to consider when choosing between the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio. The iPad Pro comes in various storage options, ranging from 64GB to 1TB, while the Wacom MobileStudio typically offers larger storage capacities, starting at 256GB and going up to 1TB.
Connectivity:
Connectivity options are also important to consider. The iPad Pro comes with a lightning port and supports wireless connections, while the Wacom MobileStudio offers more connectivity ports, including USB-C, Mini DisplayPort, and SD card slot, providing more versatility in terms of connecting to external devices.
Battery Life:
Considering the battery life is crucial, especially for artists who work on-the-go. The iPad Pro boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Wacom MobileStudio typically offers around 5-6 hours of battery life, depending on usage.
Overall, both the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio offer a wide range of additional features that cater to the needs of artists. Depending on your specific requirements in terms of stylus functionality, operating system, storage options, connectivity, and battery life, you can choose the tablet that best fits your artistic workflow.
Conclusion
After comparing the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio for artists, it is clear that both devices have their strengths and weaknesses. The iPad Pro shines in terms of portability, user-friendly interface, and vast collection of apps available on the app store. It is a versatile tool that can be used for both professional work and casual sketching. The Apple Pencil is also one of the best styluses on the market, offering excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt support.
On the other hand, the Wacom MobileStudio offers superior performance and precision with its powerful processors and customizable buttons on the stylus. It is a preferred choice for professional artists who require more advanced features and tools for their work. The Wacom Pro Pen 2 is also highly responsive and provides a natural drawing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. Artists who prioritize portability and ease of use may gravitate towards the iPad Pro, while those who require top-notch performance and precision may opt for the Wacom MobileStudio.
Both devices are excellent options for artists looking to create digital art on-the-go. It is important to consider factors such as budget, software compatibility, and workflow when making a decision between the two. No matter which device you choose, both the iPad Pro and Wacom MobileStudio are fantastic tools that can help elevate your art to the next level.
