Gaomon M1230 vs Wacom Intuos Pro M: Which Drawing Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Gaomon M1230 and the Wacom Intuos Pro M. Both offer exceptional features and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Gaomon M1230 boasts a sleek and modern design, with a black plastic finish and a minimalist aesthetic. It features a compact footprint, making it ideal for users with limited desk space. The Wacom Intuos Pro M, on the other hand, exudes a more premium feel with its sleek, brushed aluminum finish. It comes in black and silver color options and has a slightly larger footprint compared to the Gaomon M1230.

Both tablets are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for travel and on-the-go use. The Gaomon M1230’s build quality is solid, while the Wacom Intuos Pro M feels more robust and durable.

Active Area and Resolution

The Gaomon M1230 offers a spacious 10 x 6.25-inch active area, providing ample room for creative expression. The tablet boasts a resolution of 5080 LPI (Lines Per Inch), ensuring accurate and smooth pen strokes.

The Wacom Intuos Pro M comes in two sizes: Small (6.25 x 3.9 inches) and Medium (8.5 x 5.3 inches). The Medium size offers a larger active area compared to the Gaomon M1230, while the Small size is more compact. The Wacom Intuos Pro M features a higher resolution of 5080 LPI, delivering exceptional precision and detail.

Pen Technology and Pressure Sensitivity

Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens, allowing for natural and responsive drawing experiences. The Gaomon M1230’s pen offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Wacom Intuos Pro M boasts a higher level of 4096. This means that the Wacom Intuos Pro M can detect subtle variations in pressure, resulting in more nuanced and expressive strokes.

The Gaomon M1230 pen includes two side buttons that can be customized to perform various functions. The Wacom Intuos Pro M pen features a single side button and a rubber grip for improved comfort and control.

Features and Software

The Gaomon M1230 comes with a driver that allows you to customize pen settings, assign buttons, and configure other features. It also includes a free drawing software, OpenCanvas, which provides basic drawing tools and features.

The Wacom Intuos Pro M offers a more comprehensive software suite, including Wacom Driver and Wacom Desktop Center. These software tools allow you to customize pen settings, assign shortcuts, manage driver updates, and access exclusive content and tutorials. The Wacom Intuos Pro M also comes with a 3-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, providing access to popular creative applications like Photoshop and Illustrator.

Price and Value

The Gaomon M1230 is a more affordable option compared to the Wacom Intuos Pro M. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious users. The Wacom Intuos Pro M, while more expensive, justifies its price tag with its premium build quality, advanced features, and comprehensive software suite.

Choosing the Right Tablet

Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Consider the Gaomon M1230 if:

• You are on a tight budget.
• You need a spacious active area.
• You are looking for a tablet with basic features and software.

Consider the Wacom Intuos Pro M if:

• You are willing to spend more for a premium experience.
• You prioritize pen pressure sensitivity and precision.
• You want access to a comprehensive software suite and exclusive content.

Beyond the Features: The User Experience

While specs and features provide a valuable framework for comparison, the user experience is equally important. The Gaomon M1230 offers a smooth and responsive drawing experience, making it suitable for beginners and casual artists. The Wacom Intuos Pro M, with its higher pressure sensitivity and advanced software, caters to more experienced artists and professionals who demand precision and versatility.

The Verdict: A Tale of Two Tablets

Both the Gaomon M1230 and the Wacom Intuos Pro M are excellent drawing tablets that offer exceptional value for their respective price points. The Gaomon M1230 shines with its affordability and spacious active area, while the Wacom Intuos Pro M stands out with its premium build quality, advanced features, and comprehensive software suite.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use the Gaomon M1230 or Wacom Intuos Pro M with my smartphone or tablet?

A: While both tablets primarily function with computers, the Wacom Intuos Pro M offers limited compatibility with certain Android devices through the Wacom MobileStudio Pro. The Gaomon M1230 does not support mobile devices.

Q: Are there any alternative drawing tablets I should consider?

A: Yes, there are several other excellent drawing tablets available, such as the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro and the Huion Kamvas Pro 13. These tablets offer competitive features and price points, making them viable alternatives to the Gaomon M1230 and Wacom Intuos Pro M.

Q: What is the difference between a drawing tablet and a pen display?

A: A drawing tablet uses a separate screen to display your work, while a pen display integrates the drawing surface with the screen. Pen displays offer a more immersive and natural drawing experience, but they are typically more expensive.

Q: Which software should I use with my new drawing tablet?

A: The choice of software depends on your artistic style and preferences. Popular options include Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Krita. You can try out different software to find the one that best suits your needs.