There isn’t a single “best” tablet for SketchUp, as it depends on your budget, what features are most important to you, and whether you prefer a pen display or a non-screen tablet. However, we can give you some recommendations based on different needs:
Best Overall:
- Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16: This high-end pen display tablet has a beautiful 4K display, a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and 16GB of RAM, making it perfect for running SketchUp smoothly even with complex models. It also has a built-in kickstand and pen storage, making it great for taking on the go.
Best Budget:
- Wacom Intuos: This is a great entry-level pen tablet that’s very affordable. It has a pressure-sensitive pen and a large drawing surface, making it perfect for basic SketchUp work.
Best for Portability:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: If you need a tablet that you can easily take with you on the go, the iPad Pro is a great option. It has a beautiful Liquid Retina display, a powerful A12X Bionic chip, and Apple Pencil support, making it great for sketching and modeling in SketchUp. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to use a third-party app like Nomad or Shapr3D to run SketchUp on the iPad.
Best for Windows:
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9: This 2-in-1 laptop/tablet is a great option for Windows users who want a powerful device that can run SketchUp as well as other demanding software. It has a 13-inch touchscreen display, an Intel Core i7 processor, and 16GB of RAM, making it a great all-around device.
Other factors to consider:
- Screen size: A larger screen will give you more space to work, but it will also be more expensive and heavier.
- Resolution: A higher resolution screen will make your models look sharper, but it will also require a more powerful computer.
- Pressure sensitivity: The pressure sensitivity of the pen will determine how precise your lines can be.
- Active area: The active area is the area of the tablet that the pen can detect. A larger active area will give you more freedom to move around.
We hope this gives you a good starting point for choosing the best tablet for SketchUp!
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- No matter which tablet you choose, you’ll also need to make sure that your computer is powerful enough to run SketchUp smoothly.
- If you’re not sure which tablet is right for you, it’s a good idea to go to a local electronics store and try out a few different models.
- There are many other great tablets on the market besides the ones I’ve mentioned here. Do some research and read reviews to find the one that’s right for you.
Choosing the best tablet for SketchUp ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned professional requiring a powerful workstation or a beginner seeking a portable canvas, prioritize factors like screen size, pressure sensitivity, compatibility, and software. Remember, the ideal tablet is an extension of your creative process, enhancing your workflow and sculpting your vision into reality. So, research thoroughly, test models if possible, and invest in a tool that sparks your creative fire and brings your SketchUp projects to life.