Microsoft Surface Pro 3: A Portable Drawing Powerhouse

by on July 17, 2014 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Blog, News, Reviews

[dc]P[/dc]art three of my series on drawing tablets continues today with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. Need to catch up? Read my posts about the Motion Computing LE1700 and the Wacom Cintiq.

Note: the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is another option, and it might be cheaper. I only tried the Surface Pro 3.

microsoft surface pro 3

Don’t scratch the Surface. I’m sorry. Image via Amazon.

I kept hearing about artists using a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 as a drawing tablet, so I decided to try one out. I was able to play around with a Surface Pro 3 at Best Buy, and again at Staples. I actually went to Staples to try the Surface Pro 3 after I tried Jason’s Motion Computing LE1700 and Steve’s Wacom Cintiq, so I could compare the pen/drawing feel as soon as possible.

I only had about 20 minutes to a half hour experience on the devices before drawing on the Surface Pro 3, but it did not strike me as being much different. Granted, I might not feel the same if I had used either of the two others for a year or more–so your experience could vary.

Not having much else to compare my experience to, I felt drawing on the Surface Pro 3 was great. I was able to do a quick sketch with ease (I’m a fast, sloppy sketcher). Unlike the Motion Computing or the Wacom Cintiq, I was unable to try Manga Studio 5 on the Surface Pro 3. Without Manga Studio, it meant drawing with Fresh Paint and Paint, but each program worked great with the stylus.

Microsoft dropping Wacom technology for this model—which was used for the Surface Pro 2–concerned artists. Again, I didn’t notice much of a difference.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Stats:

  • Cost: around $999

  • Surface Pro 3 Weight: about 1.8 lbs.

  • Screen size: 12”

  • Screen Resolution: 2160 x 1440

  • Processor: Intel Core i5
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Hard Drive: 128 GB (Solid State)

NOTE: other models of the Surface Pro 3 feature more RAM, hard drive space, and faster processors–but aren’t in my price range.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Pros:

  • Fully functioning computer. A big plus for me, as I would like something I can use for writing too.
  • Portability.
  • Very light-weight. A great thing for being portable, which is my goal.
  • Solid State Hard Drive. Also great for a portable device–no moving parts.
  • Excellent pen response while drawing and applying pressure (for darker strokes, etc).
  • New technology.
  • Allows use of your fingers for tapping and drawing with the pen at the same time: draw with one hand, tap tool icons with the other.
  • Built in kickstand makes drawing on your lap or a table comfortable and easy.
  • Quiet.
  • Slim.
  • Stylus pen has a good heavy, natural feel to it, and a nib.
  • Good battery life. Nine hours or more (especially with the wi-fi turned off).
  • Comes with Windows 8.1 loaded.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Cons:

  • Comes with Windows 8.1 loaded. Really, any Windows is a con for me, only because I’ve been a Mac user for over ten years. It isn’t that I think OS X is better, I just prefer its simplicity.
  • Cost. See next bullet.
  • Attachable keyboard Type Cover sold separately, and is $130.
  • Type Cover keyboard isn’t the most comfortable, nor is the built-in touch pad.
  • Does not use Wacom technology like the Motion Computing LE1700, Cintiq, or even the Surface Pro 2.
  • Windows button on the right edge is easily bumped while drawing, which can knock you out of Manga Studio.
  • Stylus pen, while nice, isn’t the most comfortable (this is a personal preference thing though). I like thicker pens, which is why I usually sketch with a Sumo Grip.
  • No CD/DVD drive built-in means downloading software or using USB.
  • Only one USB 3.0 port.

The Surface Pro 3 packs a lot of firepower in a small package: Microsoft sees it as a laptop replacement, not just a tool for drawing.

Drawing Tablet Search Winner: Microsoft Surface Pro 3

The portability and functionality are why I bought a Surface Pro 3 (and by ‘bought’ I mean paying off over the next 12-months with zero interest. Hooray for good credit. Pay your bills, kids).

I decided, if I spent the money on a drawing tablet, I wanted something I could use for more than just drawing and I wanted it to be easily portable. The Motion LE1700 was a great portable drawing tablet, and cheap, but I wasn’t crazy about buying old technology via eBay (and the headaches of setting it up). The Wacom Cintiq offered the best drawing experience, but its portability was zero, and it could only be used with my laptop, not on its own.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 hit all the areas I wanted, so my choice was easy (coming to grips with the cost, however, was not).

Tomorrow: first thoughts and experiences using my new Surface Pro 3 (because this post is already too long).

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Wacom Cintiq: The Drawing Tablet Gold Standard

by on July 16, 2014 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Blog, News, Reviews

[dc]I[/dc] wrote yesterday about my search for a drawing tablet, which started with the ‘portable and affordable’ Motion Computing LE1700. Today, I look at the Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet.

wacom cintiq

Draw on me! Image via Amazon.

One of my artist pals in Lansing, Steve Jencks, let me try out Manga Studio on his Wacom Cintiq (NOTE: I think Steve owns a different version than the one I’m considering, but it is pretty much the same thing).

There is one main difference between the Wacom Cintiq and the Motion Computing LE1700 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 3: it is not a computer, it is only an external monitor. Yes, there is the Cintiq Companion which is a computer, but it costs almost as much as all the three combined.

Wacom Cintiq: What Every Tablet Wants to Be

Wacom Cintiq Stats:

  • Cost: Around $999.

  • Weight: about 2.6 lbs.

  • Screen size: 13.3”, HD.

  • Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080.

  • Processor: None, it acts as a monitor.
  • RAM: None, it acts as a monitor.
  • 2048 levels of pressure.

Wacom Cintiq Pros:

  • Wacom is one of the best at drawing tablet technology. The Motion Computing LE1700 and Microsoft Surface Pro 2 (not the 3) both used Wacom technology.
  • The Cintiq acts as an external monitor, so there is no concern about software compatibility.
  • Handy buttons built into the side, which can be customized.
  • Popular among many, many artists.
  • Different pen nibs allow you to customize the ‘feel.’
  • Excellent pen response. I didn’t notice any kind of lag at all–which makes sense, as the Cintiq runs off the attached computer.
  • Could be used with another machine if something happened to my current laptop.

Wacom Cintiq Cons:

  • Cost. The 13″ Wacom Cintiq is the lowest priced model.
  • Set up. This Cintiq requires the use of another computer, which means being chained to a table or a desk. Not ideal if you have limited space.
  • Portability is pretty much zero. Sure, you  could carry a Cintiq and a laptop somewhere, but you still need a lot of space to set everything up. Not ideal, as I like being portable.
  • Cords, cords, cords. The newest Cintiq features a simplified cord set-up, but you still have to run a bunch of cords between the Cintiq and your other computer. This is not an issue for those unconcerned about portability, but it is worth noting.
  • Unlike the Motion Computing LE1700 or the Surface Pro 3, the Wacom Cintiq is not a computer–it can only be used for drawing. Again, this is fine for most folks, but I would like something I can use for writing and website maintenance too.
  • Like the Motion Computing LE1700, I would have to order the Wacom Cintiq online and have it shipped to my home. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but I prefer to buy these kind of items in person.

If I want the best possible drawing experience, the Wacom Cintiq is the way to go. I really enjoyed using Steve’s Cintiq, and it was easy to see why Wacom has such a loyal following.

But, where the Wacom Cintiq lacks is in the portability category. Again, this isn’t an issue for everyone, but it is something I’m very interested in when it comes to a drawing tablet.

For the price of the Wacom Cintiq, I could get a Microsoft Surface Pro 3, which is a drawing tablet and a fully functional computer. I will talk more about the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in tomorrow’s post.

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Motion Computing LE1700: A Portable, Affordable Drawing Tablet

by on July 15, 2014 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Blog, News, Reviews

[dc]S[/dc]ince I started using Manga Studio 5, I considered investing in a drawing tablet. By drawing tablet, I mean one with a screen I can draw on, not a regular tablet, like my old Wacom Intuos 3.

My Intous 3 works fine, for the most part, but it means drawing the ‘separate my hand and my eye’ thing–it is basically a step up from a mouse. Handy, but not great.

Cost is the main hurdle for me, as most screen drawing tablets are pricey, nearly the cost of a new computer, or more.

I researched and test drove three different models and my choice is down to one of the three: a Motion Computing LE1700, a Wacom Cintiq, or a Microsoft Surface Pro 3.

Today’s post is about the Motion Computing LE1700, with the Wacom Cintiq and the Surface Pro 3 each getting their own posts to come (Wednesday and Thursday).

Now, I don’t need a new drawing tablet, but if I really want to get my money’s worth out of Manga Studio 5 (and other drawing programs), it would be a good investment. I keep reminding myself, “Not having a screen drawing tablet won’t stop me from doing what I have done for the past couple years.”

However, if a new drawing tablet allows me to work faster and more efficiently, it is at least worth exploring.

Motion Computing LE1700: A Portable and Affordable Drawing Tablet

motion computing le1700

You can find the Motion Computing LE1700 on eBay.

A few of my Lansing area comic pals use this the Motion Computing LE1700 and sing its praises. The interesting thing about the Motion Computing LE1700 is, it wasn’t built for artists. The device itself is a few years old and isn’t made any longer (at least not this specific model). The LE1700 tablet started out for industrial use, and someone later figured out its screen was excellent for drawing.

Comic pal Jason Strutz let me take his Motion LE1700 for a spin.

Motion Computing LE1700 Stats:

  • Cost: Around $200 to $400, depending on the options.

  • Weight: about 3 lbs.

  • Screen size: 12.1”.

  • Screen Resolution: 1400×1050.

  • Processor: Varies on the model, but around 1.2 to 1.5 ghz.
  • RAM: Varies, but Manga Studio 5 needs at least 2 GB of RAM.

Motion Computing LE1700 Pros:

  • Cost. Very affordable compared to other drawing tablets. About a third or half of the price.

  • Portable. The LE1700 is a self-contained computer, not an external monitor.

  • Good stylus response. I tried one myself. Sketching and lettering felt great. There was some lag when trying use ‘natural media’ brushes (like watercolors) on large images however.

  • Compact.

  • Can run Manga Studio. I tried out Manga Studio on a friend’s LE 1700.

  • Models with a Solid State Drive (SSD) are available (but might cost more)

  • Wi-fi capable.

  • Attachable keyboard (which I have heard is so-so).

Motion Computing  LE1700 Cons:

  • Can only buy used models via eBay (or someplace similar). New models of this model are not produced. You get what you get.

  • Old technology (I heard these machines are 5 to 6 years old).

  • Extra and new batteries can be difficult to find (can still run on a power adapter though) and pricey.

  • Would have to install Windows 7 or 8 (some ship with it installed, however).

  • Would have to install Manga Studio 5, which might mean buying another copy (probably not though).

  • Might need more upgrades after purchase (RAM, etc), which could cut into its affordability.

  • No CD drive, which makes software installations from a disk a challenge.

The biggest perks of the Motion LE1700 are the cost and portability.

These days, portable is good. I often like to work away from home, because it forces me to focus (my cats and PlayStation 3 can’t come with me to the local coffee place. Sadly).

The cost is very alluring, about a third of a Wacom Cintiq or a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. My main concerns are the age of the machine, buying a used machine, having to rely on Windows,¹ not being able to use my already purchased software.

Does the low-cost and portability of the Motion Computing LE1700 out-weigh these concerns? Maybe.

–

¹ Yes, I use a Mac. I don’t consider the Mac OS ‘better’ than Windows. I just prefer its simplicity. I realize if I go the tablet computer route, I gotta use Windows. Oh well.

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Free Shipping on Shirts, Prints, and More Through Sunday!

by on July 10, 2014 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Blog, News

[dc]L[/dc]isten up! If you use this link for my Society6 store you get free shipping on select items through this Sunday, July 13th.

This shirt is so awesome you guys.

Foxy! Available in several colors and styles.

Via Society6, here’s the fine print:

Promotion expires July 13, 2014 at Midnight Pacific Time.*Offer excludes Framed Art Prints, Stretched Canvases, Throw Pillows with inserts and Rugs.

So, grab a shirt, a mug, a tote bag, a regular print, and other goodies without worrying about shipping, while the getting is good.

There is a bonus deal too, you can also get $5 off the new biker tanks with the same free shipping code.

biker tank

Tanks! Who needs sleeves?

So, if you hate sleeves, try a biker tank. Note: unlike t-shirts, biker tanks only come in black or white.

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