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Shopping for a Tablet PC // Sony Vaio Duo 11

By Tsampikos, 6 years ago

Black Friday sales are well on their way and I decided to shop around for a new goodie to make my work portable. If the last few weeks have proved anything is that my current setup of laptop + cintiq and 6 lbs of cables and the necessity of a power outlet is just too cumbersome to qualify as portable. Sure, with the right accommodations (large desk area with power outlets) I can work to my dark little heart's content but it's still very far from convenient so now I'm looking into getting a Tablet PC.

Don't get me wrong, I still love the cintiq and I'd replace it the moment I'd have to... but for drawing on the go, I need something on the stress free side of portability and I'll consider any suggestions.

Right now I have my eye on the Sony Vaio Duo 11 for the 1920x1080 11.6 inch screen, standard windows 8 OS (a big plus for me, since nearly all the tablets I had my eyes on were app based meaning no Sai), and 256 levels of pressure sensitivity on the stylus but the N-Trig tablet hardware has me on the fence since google-fu has shown me it does not behave with Sai particularly well. I am willing to move on from using Sai since it seems like it's never going to be updated... but I'd like to cling onto it for as long as I can. I'll consider any option though.... as long as it fits my very minimal requirements of having at least 2 gigs of ram, 256 levels of pressure sensitivity, and hopefully the ability to run Sai.

Here is a random review of it since people like clicky things http://www.365cloudtech.com/sony-va.....rabook-review/ but yeah I'm really open to anything.

85 comments

User replies

#link Posted: 6 years ago

will you tell me more? :O blackfridays seems like it would be a great chance to try and update from markers to a tablet! be i dont know where i would even start with that!!!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

wacom bamboo.

enough said :P its the best bang for buck beginers tablet.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

where do i find information about it?

#link Posted: 6 years ago

google

#link Posted: 6 years ago

i agree with this guy

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Wacom's official site.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

newegg.com currently has a Wacom Bamboo Capture for $90 and the Wacom Bamboo Splash for $80. Could be less on Black Friday.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Hey, thanks! 90$ is already a steal :3

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Hey, thanks! 90$ is already a steal :3

#link Posted: 6 years ago

You could also do what I did and grab an Intuos 3 off Ebay for less than half what you'd pay for a Bamboo. You have to do a bit of price-watching, but it's worth it.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I'd have to agree here... though it's also because having used every single tablet under the sun I think the size and weight is absolutely perfect, the tablets after feeling much lighter and herder for me to control (though it's a personal preference built out of the fact that I use them while they are planted in my lap).

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I like lighter tablets when they're in my lap as well. That and I heard Intuos 4&5 had changed something with the pressure sensitivity that was in many artists' opinion, and bad move.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

The Bamboo is alright... the cheapness will effect your work. If you want more precise control with pressure and tilt I would strongly suggest Wacom Intuos. It's a little more but well worth it.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Thanks I will look that one up as well! Money is no problem if I save :))

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Yea, it depends what size you get... can run $300-$500. I recommend the medium one. It may seem nice to save a hundred bucks and get the smaller one but it's going to be much harder to draw on a smaller surface especially if you're used to doing a lot of traditional art on larger canvases. Mine has lasted me for YEARS with no problems what so ever and I've used it on several computers both mac and windows.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I have a Mac, but it would be awesome sauce to be able to art anywhere if I need to with any computer :) is there a specific website?

#link Posted: 6 years ago

http://www.wacom.com/

I bought mine off NewEgg so it was a little cheaper. http://www.newegg.com/

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Wow, really thank you do much, I really appreciate it <3

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Oh yeah Black Friday~♥ Gotta love it x3

It is tradition for my family to go out every Black Friday lol I just love how hectic things can get! People get so crazy XD

Good luck~♥

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I am just in black friday to buy an ipod nanao c:

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Have you heard of the Modbook Pro? It is essentially a Macbook Pro converted into a tablet computer like the iPad. It will have a Wacom display with 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity.
It WILL set you back about 3500 bucks but it IS a complete professional drawing studio and it is portable. Buying a good Wacom tablet and a Macbook would cost that much anyway :P

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Id recommend you make sure it is specifically "Wacom Pen enabled" anything else can be highly dubious with art applications.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

It uses N-Trig. Keep away.

The Ativ Pro is epic, however.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

looks amazing!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

It really does. After additional googling I knew n-trig wasn't for me and was glad to see this thing with nearly identical specs was coming out with wacom hardware.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

impressive little device. I would buy one honestly.

its got a good cpu, looks like plenty of cooling vents and such. 6 gigs of ram should keep you satisfied ( your minimum of 2gigs i dont think would be enough honestly)
its unfourtunate that some people have issues with sai + the n-trig technology, but im guessing that its not a problem set in stone. Im sure with some troubleshooting you could get it working if it doesnt right out of the box (i think alot of people have trouble with sai in the start, even wacom users)

#link Posted: 6 years ago

napkin and pen

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Aint payin no bills with no napkin and no pen.

Though I'm not knocking them or the people who do either!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Have you considered paper, a pencil, and a scanner?

Or a Wacom Inkling? http://www.wacom.com/en/products/inkling

#link Posted: 6 years ago

The inkling really isn't worth it. Nearly everyone I've know to get one has either returned theirs or has one sitting gathering dust and is more than a little miffed about their purchase.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Boycot windows 8 simply because it's closed source. Terrible for game developers.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

You can install Windows 7 on it. =P

#link Posted: 6 years ago

True. But if you buy it with windows 8 they still get money for it.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

They gain a sales figure. That's all.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

No, it's not. You can install the exact same Windows 7 software on Windows 8. The only thing that is "closed source" as you like to put it is that apps and games in the Microsoft Store need to be approved by MS. In that regard it's no different than Apple, Steam, or just about every other digital distribution platform. The misinformation surrounding Windows 8 is absolutely astounding. Next you're going to tell me it has no desktop.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I completely agree. When you hear "user reviews" who comment they didn't know you had to select a field to add text you can't help but wonder how they can tie their own shoes.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

In the last few months I played Might and Magic NES (current), Earthbound, and Wizardry 7 classic. I'm not too moved by games or developers at the moment unless Mother 4 is announced~

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Tablet PCs have pretty gruesome input lag don't they?

#link Posted: 6 years ago

They are as varied as any other PC. The problem is that there are non specifically designed for art in mind.... the ability to art just being an afterthought. That doesn't mean there aren't good ones out there though.... but even if they all have input lag I need this type of portability more than the adjustment I would have to make in my work flow to compensate for any issue.

Though I am willing to spend over a grand finding one that doesn't and also runs sai!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

well! Ya found one! woo!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Thinkpad x230?

http://www.amazon.com/Thinkpad-Leno...../dp/B008A115NC

#link Posted: 6 years ago

*Thinkpad x230t

#link Posted: 6 years ago

My boyfriend has this, and loves it/claims it to be top of the line. He's also a computer engineer, if that adds to his credibility.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Any of the Lenovo's is what came to mind for me. Asus has a convertible Intel based Windows tablet coming up to replace the Android version out now.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Just a note; looks to be using shared memory rather then dedicated.
At that price point it should have its own graphics card.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

No. Please no. The Vaio duo doesn't have a Wacom digitizer on it. It uses the horrible N-Trig digitizer which spazzes out often.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....Tpk=ativ%20pro

This is the one to buy.

1024 levels of pressure sensitivity care of a Wacom Digitizer (Similar to the Cintiq 10.1)
1920x1080 Samsung PLS display.

Did I mention 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity?

Yes, a huge upgrade over their previous offering of just 256 levels.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Oh... my god. This thing. When I first clicked on the link I was blown away. It is everything I liked about the Sony minus everything I didn't like.

This is it. This is what I'm getting. Sales be damned if I can find it right now in stock for $1200 with the keyboard dock included i't's mine.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

A friend of mine says his is still in back order. And he ordered it 2 weeks ago! :C

Though it looks like he may be receiving it soon, as Newegg states: OUT OF STOCK. ETA: 11/27/2012.

The package should contain the keyboard, yes.

>Other Features
>It comes with Digitizer Pen and Keyboard.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Just gonna toss this one out there, but if you happen to have an iPad3 or 4 or are in the market for one, you can now get the Pogo Connect stylus which does full pressure sensitivity. I just got mine and I can say it works exactly as advertised.

It's not gonna give you Sai and windows, but it's hella-portable.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I've been trying to figure out one to get too, and it is hard to tell whats what.

HERE is the best list I've come across so far: http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/har.....es-stylus.html
Direct to the list: https://skydrive.live.com/view.aspx.....&app=Excel

What I see little comments on is the Graphics Card they contain; this is an important part for artists as most devices use shared memory, which is a bane.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

http://kay--art.tumblr.com/image/22183948799 * op srry the one link didnt work

#link Posted: 6 years ago

LOL OPPS sorry pal i sent that reply to the wrong person!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Dunno if youd be interested at all- but i do have a Ipad gen 1 for sale that i use for portable drawing on occasion that would be WAY cheaper then buying a Tablet pc itself- As the person said above there is a such thing as Pogo connect for it- and though its not "yet" compatible with the ipad gen 1 - if you have an iphone 4s or 5 you can bridge the connection - however if you dont have either of these-, ten one claims they will be working on making it compatible for it as well in time.

However- if you dont need the most top notch of pressure sensitivity (which is what youll be sacrificing either way with a tablet pc) it works fine without it for drawing with just the normal pogo stylus that i have- i done MANY sketches and paintings with it on sketchbook pro and brushes, which works extremely well at mimicing pressure by how slow and fast you move the stylus i currently have- here are some pictures i have done with no editing from any other programs -

http://meredies.deviantart.com/art/.....7518&qo=48
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2.....ce-d4ydnsc.png
http://kay--art.tum blr.com/image/22183948799
http://kay--art.tumblr.com/image/22209713213

it does take a little getting used to- but after a week i can say i was really enjoying it-

Im selling it for 200 and it comes with a apple keyboard, the stylus, and the griffin stand that helps it stand up - i figured id make an offer! id much rather see it go to someone i know will use it for something great - I dont want to get rid of it but unfortunately, i need a new computer since my other one finally gave out @___@ So im seeling some things

#link Posted: 6 years ago

For $200 damn.... I would have snatched it all up when I first read through the comment (sorry, almost always on borrowed time!). I did catch it after it was apparently sold though but hey, thanks for letting me know and I'm glad it got sold!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

im regretting a bit selling it on ebay now, should have waited! either way- ipads are still hella cheap on ebay, so I say if you want one, have a look around!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Ah, I remember having the small chat about tablet pc's a few months back.

The Asus EEE Slate would be right up your alley mate. (The levels aren't exactly high. But it's not really necessary.)

Reviews You might find these pretty useful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAZg.....el&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LTK.....el&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeUq.....Ffnxg&feat ure=channel&list=UL

May as well be my next purchases before this Christmas.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Sadly, the EEE slate with its old processor is already obsolete at this point. :/

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ.....Tpk=ativ%20pro

And the successor.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

The Asus Transformer is getting an Intel reboot for Windows.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

http://kay--art.tumblr.com/image/22183948799 * op srry the one link didnt work also, the ebay link for the ipad if your interested - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iPad-...../221155178370?

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I got the Samsung Series 7 Slate and its' been really really nice to use. It works like a dream with Win 8 too, especially since it's still really cheap to get Win8 before January and you can get a free paint program called Fresh Paint. It doesn't use layers but beyond that its' very fun in that the tools act very naturally like the real materials. It comes with a high level of pressure sensitivity too, it's almost as good as using a Cintiq.

Also if you follow Microsoft on twitter they announce sales in their stores as well as if you buy it at the Microsoft store you get it without any bloatware that HP/Dell install on their systems.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

How would you do a clean install of 8 on a tablet? Is booting from USB a possibility?

#link Posted: 6 years ago

It is, actually, I've seen a program mentioned that allows you to setup USB stick as a boot disk. I can't remember off-hand. By clean install, I meant the Microsoft Signature program installs bare Win8 with none of the usual bloatware you get from Dell, HP, etc. Plus they've specially configured the drivers and some parts of Win8 to work the best with that model.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Signature...I've heard about that. The idea of paying for a bloat-free OS is simply idiotic, though. I haven't jumped into the tablet world yet, but I'm assuming every purchase comes with a separate driver software, right? Manual clean installs are always my preference.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Actually, with Dell and those brands, you pay less but in trade you allow them to put the bloatware on your system. It's how they make up for the loss. I dont know about the desktop models, I only bought the Samsung Series 7 slate and it comes with the windows disk and a separate disk of drivers for third party hardware.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Because this computer had no optical drive at the time (well, because I didn't have a sata optical drive, my drives all being ide at the time) I used my laptop to convert the install disk of windows 7 to a usb installer so if it could work for windows 7 I imagine it could work with windows 8.

That's assuming tablets have the same bios/ boot options as regular laptops computers. In any case I hope they do, because as neat as the app bases OSs are I'd much rather be using more conventional laptop/ PC setups of bios/ standard OS.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Under that assumption, yeah, it should work the same. How about you let me know once you get the tablet? I'd be interested in seeing how the boot options work. Not that I plan to do any wiping soon, but it's just one of those nice-to-know scenarios since I do like to tinker with that from time to time.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

btw, Latinvixen posts video reviews of lots of artist slates/tablets so you can watch her and get some good insight.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

AH OP, nvm, seems someone has already bought it up @___@ either way- i still suggest a ipad of some sort! they are much cheaper then most things, and veryyyy handy- a gen 3 or 4 would be perfect for you considering the new pogot connect works with it and has pressure- anyway, sorry for so many messages, good luck finding something!

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Avoid N-trig like the plauge. Pressure sensitivity is hack at best and typically won't work in anything other than Photoshop... maybe.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Afaik, if you look for a Tablet, where you can get the most out of your money would be the Nexus 7. For 199$ (without 3G, 299 with 3G but at the moment out of Stock) you will get a fantastic Tablet, right from Google. The only flaw i see is that it didn't have a camera on the Backside but at that Pricetag someone need to make shortcuts.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

He wants a tablet to draw on, not some toy.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I had considered getting one of these for art and web access but the biggest issue is that it does NOT support a stylus.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Agree with those recommending the Samsung Series 7 Slate. An excellent tablet pc, very good amount of ram, wacom drivers. There is also the microsoft Surface Pro coming out in Januay/February-will also be full os, 4gigs of ram and make use of a pressure sensitive stylus. Either way you go, there's some good options coming out.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Surface doesn't make use of a Wacom Digitizer. So, no.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Quite aware of that. Just saying it's an option and it doesn't make use of n-trig. It's also still a better option than going with an ipad and a stylus. There's also the option of going with a galacy note 10.1 and Layer paint/TV Paint-a good enough combo to do ptoduction quality/print ready work

#link Posted: 6 years ago

Why would you even suggest Android when the artist wants Sai?

#link Posted: 6 years ago

You really have no familiarity with any of these do you? As I've said, they are viable options(maybe not everyone wants to spend 1300 on a tablet pc).. While not Sai, the programs mentioned are an affordable alternative that produce the same results(you are aware that TV Paint on android is the full os version used in many animation studios-including goeblins)? That it's essentially a mix of Painter,Flash,and Photoshop? Or that the tablet itself works great? But oooh noo ermagerd android. Ultimately what they're asking for are suggestions, and that is what I am giving. These are based on my experience using them(and many other tablet pc's, tablets, monoprice,yinova, wacom devices and yes even pencil, ink, guache, marker, paper, and scanner because sometimes they're the best option) in a full production environment. There's no need for you to be dismissive.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

And the original post of this thread is someone who's pretty much willing to spend 1300 on an N-Trig tablet PC, which we're steering away from. Why even suggest Android?

#link Posted: 6 years ago

And you’ve missed the point three times now. I didn’t realize reading comprehension was so lacking http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/.....b07jo2_250.gif

Comment hidden by its owner

#link Posted: 6 years ago

By all means, keep being rude and dismissive to people who are just trying to help if it makes you feel like a special snowflake. But spoiler alert: It just makes you look rude and dismissive.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

White Knighting's cool too.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/.....OZg1qfovva.gif

#link Posted: 6 years ago

TL:DR.

#link Posted: 6 years ago

I will tell you I refuse to touch N-Trig again with a 10 foot pole. Their device drivers are Java-based and very unstable and unpredictable and the pressure sensitivity doesn't work in most programs including Corel Draw which they packaged with the HP convertible laptop/tablet I had.