Graphics tablet or tablet PC - a comparison

Especially with terms like graphics tablet or tablet PC there is a lot of confusion. In this comparison, we bring you a little closer to both device types.

The graphics tablet - a special professional tool

Graphics tablets are no more than accessory devices for normal PCs, which in the end are an alternative to the computer mouse.

• The device consists of a kind of pen (stylus) and an approximately A4 sized rubberized pad, which recognizes the pen tip with special sensors as soon as you hover over it. You can "click" when you tap the pad with the tip of the stylus.
• The tool is typically used by designers, Photoshop experts, and similar professions. Since the feeling of paper and pen is well simulated, it is easier to create drawings on the computer, for example. In addition, the stylus is usually pressure-sensitive, which means that the line width on the screen can also be varied by pressing it on.
• The market leader in this technology is the company "Wacom", which, in addition to the "Bamboo" series for beginners, also offers devices from the "Intuos" series - these are very expensive profit tools.

Tablet PC - the toy between smartphone and laptop

Tablets have become increasingly popular since Apple's first iPad was released in 2010. These portable mini PCs are mainly characterized by a touch-sensitive screen of about 7 to 10 inches in diameter.

• Thanks to its comfortable size, a tablet is more suitable than a desktop PC or large laptop, particularly for simple tasks such as the Internet, watching films or reading e-books.
• Class leader Apple is still doing well with its iPads: The current generation, consisting of "iPad Air" and "iPad Mini Retina", shines with great displays and best performance. Apple continues to top the tablet leaderboard.
• The competition from the Android warehouse is not to be sidelined either: Above all, Samsung offers an abundance of different tablets of all sizes and price ranges. Even beginners with a smaller budget will find a suitable device here. Here we compare Samsung and Apple tablets.

Conclusion: Both are called tablets - but are unmistakable.

If you put it in one sentence, the difference can probably be expressed as follows: Graphics tablets do not have a screen - tablet PCs do, however.

• The target group is completely different: If everyone can do something with a tablet PC from toddlers to retirees, a graphics tablet will only ever be found in design studios or units.
• However, there are even mixed forms: Samsung has launched the tablets of the Galaxy Note series, which have a so-called active stylus: Here, like a graphic tablet, you can hover over the screen with a special pen and select things - an "intelligent finger" practically.

By the way: e-book readers also come in a flat format. If you want to know which ones perform well at Stiftung Warentest, you can find out more in this practical tip.