Disclaimer: This post will most likely interest digital artists and is more technical than my usual posts :)
As a digital artist, my drawing equipment is very important to me. Almost all my work is done directly on the computer. I occasionally break out a sketchbook for developing ideas, characters, or layouts but most everything is digital.
Until now, I’ve been drawing with a Wacom Intuos3 6 x 11 inch pen tablet on a 24″ iMac. It’s been a great setup for the past couple years but since the birth of my son, efficient work flow and time management have become of utmost importance. I have limited time to work: 1 – 2 hours during the day when my son naps and 2 – 4 hours in the evenings (the evening time varies depending on how much time I want to spend with my hubby!). Because of my limited time, I felt the need to examine my current setup and see if there were ways to become more efficient producing work.
“The Modbook is the revolutionary slate-style tablet that enables users to draw, sketch and write directly on the screen” – Axiotron Website. The Modbook uses a Macbook base and is ‘modded’ to include the tablet. Drawing right on the screen of my computer would definitely increase efficiency as this ability most closely mimics drawing on paper. My old setup of drawing with a tablet on my desk while looking up at my computer is disjointing and unnatural. I often found myself redrawing the same line many times just to get it right. This was frustrating and made my illustrations take much longer.
So I purchased a Modbook. I was excited to be able to draw on screen and also be able to carry this laptop around and draw anywhere I go (might come in handy while following a toddler around). After the excitement of receiving my Modbook wore off, I started to settle in with it and tried to establish a new work flow. To my surprise, I was very displeased with my new setup and definitely DID NOT feel like it was improving my work flow or use of time.
The following were my issues with the Modbook:
1. Because of mod, there is no keyboard on the laptop. I use keyboard shortcuts ALL the time while illustrating, and I wasn’t able to set up the palettes in a way that made my work flow as efficient as using a keyboard. I do have a wireless keyboard but setting myself up in order to use it effectively would mean being at a desk and therefore defeating the benefit of the Modbook being portable.
2. The screen is very small (13 inch) and difficult to work with in comparison to my 24 inch iMac (especially with all the extra palettes open).
3. The Macbook itself is not very powerful and load/save times are slow.
4. Most importantly, the pen reaction time and calibration were impossible (for me) to adjust to and it became harder to draw digitally than before. Whenever I wanted to draw near the sides or corner of the screen, the calibration was way off. The pen sensitivity is also HALF of what I was used to with my Wacom. The drawing experience was poor.
5. I found the idea of holding the laptop and drawing in my lap appealing but the reality of it was that the calibration needed changing every time I changed the angle of the computer or adjusted my seating position.
SUMMARY: Overall I found the Modbook size to be confining, the lack of keyboard reduced my efficiency, the pen sensitivity and accuracy was half of what I was used to with my Wacom, and the portability factor was no longer as appealing when dealing with difficult calibration.
This is where my wonderfully loved Wacom Cintiq 21UX comes in! After being very disappointed with my Modbook (especially at the price point – which I should mention is the same as the Cintiq 21UX), I decided to exchange it for a Cintiq. Am I ever glad I made the exchange! The Wacom Cintiq is a large screen display that you can draw directly on and is the leading tool for professional artists, illustrators, animators, photographers, etc.
The following is why I LOVE my Cintiq 21UX:
1. The screen is 21 inches and gives me TONS of room to draw.
2. The pen sensitivity and calibration are top notch and just what I’m used to from my previous Wacom Intuos 3.
3. I am able to use all my keyboard shortcuts. I’ve set up the Cintiq on my desk with a keyboard and second monitor.
4. There are touch pads and quick link buttons on either side that can be programmed for additional shortcuts.
To finalize, I ultimately bought the Modbook because I was interested in the portability factor but realized that a better quality drawing experience is more important to me. The Cintiq has surpassed all my expectations and I couldn’t recommend it any more highly. It has made drawing on the computer more fluid, efficient, and enjoyable!
Rachelle is a mother of two little boys and works part time as a children's illustrator. Her work can be seen in children's books, greeting cards, craft supplies, children's room decor, and more! Rachelle's art has been featured in various international magazines and websites. Her boys inspire her work tremendously and her husband is her emotional (and technical!) support she needs to make it all happen! 
