Choosing the Best Digital Art Tool: iPad Pro vs Surface
For digital artists, the choice of the right device can make or break your creative process. Two popular devices in this category are the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface. While both offer a unique tablet experience, they are not ideal digital art devices out of the box. This article will explore the differences between these devices and provide guidance on which one is better suited for digital artists.
Introduction to Digital Art Devices
True digital art devices are designed with features specifically tailored to the needs of artists. While the iPad and Surface do offer stylus capabilities, they are not designed for the rigors of professional digital art work. For the best experience, it's important to start with a powerful system that can support your software and workflow.
Understanding iPad and Surface Capabilities
The iPad is a versatile tablet with limited computer-like functions, whereas the Surface Pro is a hybrid device capable of being both a tablet and a laptop. For digital artists, the Surface Pro offers more flexibility, but the iPad Pro is still considered the best option due to its dedicated digital art features.
Pro: The Ultimate Digital Art Device for Professionals
The iPad Pro stands out as the go-to device for professional digital artists. It features a ProMotion display with an 120Hz refresh rate, making it incredibly responsive and smooth for drawing. The Apple Pencil 2 is the best stylus in the market, offering unparalleled responsiveness and precision.
Apple Pencil 2 Benefits
The Apple Pencil 2 is specifically designed to work with iPad Pro and is much easier to use. It offers a shorter tip, which translates to a finer line and improved ergonomics. The ProMotion technology ensures that your drawing movements are accurately captured with minimal latency, providing a near-real-time experience.
Surface Pro: A Versatile but Less Specialized Device
The Surface Pro is a highly versatile device, capable of connecting external hardware like a USB-C keyboard, mouse, and even a Wacom tablet. While it offers a great environment for multitasking, it may not be the best choice for dedicated digital art work.
Software and Workflows
For many professionals, the choice of software is crucial. While you don't need to pay extra for either device, it's important to ensure that the software you're using is fully supported by the device. Popular software like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Corel Painter all offer seamless experiences on iPad Pro.
Evaluating Your Needs
When choosing between the iPad Pro and Surface, consider your specific needs and workflows. If you require a versatile device that can handle both professional work and other tasks, the Surface Pro might be a better fit. However, if you are a dedicated digital artist looking for the best experience and tools, the iPad Pro is the way to go.
Pro Tips for Digital Artists
For those pursuing a professional digital art career, it's important to invest in the right tools. Pro artists often use Wacom tablets as their primary device, but there are also cheaper alternatives like Huion and XPPen. Remember, you get what you pay for, and investing in high-quality hardware will pay off in terms of performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Both the iPad Pro and Surface offer excellent tablet experiences, but the iPad Pro is the superior choice for digital artists. Its dedicated digital art features, such as the ProMotion display and Apple Pencil 2, make it the ideal tool for professional artists. Investing in the right device and tools can significantly enhance your creative process and produce better results.