Monoprice MP1060-HA60 Graphic Drawing Tablet

Bought this product for my young teenage niece, whose parents are nurturing her growing interest in graphics and animation. She took some summer classes on digital animation & illustration, where they used the more expensive Wacom graphics tablets. She wanted to get a graphics tablet on her own, but her parents had been wary of spending a few hundred $$ for the type of Wacom tablets they used in her summer classes. After all, sometimes expensive gadgets and teenagers don't mix...better to get "entry-level" products, and work up to the more robust offerings.I did some research and found out this Monoprice tablet appeared to be a good alternative (feature- and compatibility-wise) to the mid-range Wacom tablets. A few things I noted in its favor: it has a much larger drawing surface than some of the mid-range Wacom products, and (from what I understand) has good responsiveness and pressure-sensitivity. It's compatible with many popular graphics and animation software products.To accompany this product, I got her "Manga Studio Debut 4 (Win/Mac)" from SmithMicro, Inc. (She likes Manga / Anime drawing). That was an inexpensive software package that is known to be compatible with this Monoprice 10x6. Before purchasing that, I saw that the software publisher had a lot of online tutorials & videos showing how to use it. When I sent her the gift package, I included a printout with the titles and links to several of the videos.She really likes this tablet, and I'm glad I got it for her.FYI, here's some addt'l info on where to find related product reviews and instructional videos. BTW, I am not endorsing these sites, reviewers or material...just passing along info from my product research.[ 1 ]Monoprice Graphics Tablet "Unboxing" -- Vid 1: Go to YouTube, and search for "Monoprice Professional Graphics Drawing Tablet Unboxing". Very good, detailed into video from user macquaw. -- Vid 2: Go to YouTube, and search for "Monoprice Graphics Tablet Review". Another good intro & setup video, by user blueescortproject.[ 2 ]Repeating my statement above: not all of the software included in-the-box with the Monoprice table will work with Windows 7. That's why I bought the separate "Manga Studio 4 Debut" software. (BTW: Vid #2 above mentions 3 of the programs that *will* work with Win 7. Here are links to a YouTube "channel" and the software developer, with several tutorial videos for MS4D. -- Go to YouTube, and search for "Manga Studio 4 Debut Tutorial: Overview" by user contentparadise ... that guy Doug Hills is a professional comics artist. -- SmithMicro (the software developer): manga(dot)smithmicro(dot)com(slash)tutorials.html -- Recordings of tutorial MS4D webinars (also from SmithMicro): my(dot)smithmicro(dot)com(fwd slash)webinars(fwd slash)manga-studio(fwd slash)index(dot)html#past[ 3 ]Here are some tips and things to watch out for, passed along by commenters on Monoprice's website... --The drivers ARE available online from the manufacturer's website, UC-Logic.The drivers on the site are a newer version than what you get on the disc, so if you're having issues, updating the drivers is an option. -- Here's the graphic tablet vendor's product page, Monoprice(dot)com. Scroll to middle of the page to see the couple of Knowledgebase FAQs posted there: -- Important Note for Windows 7. After you install the drivers and plug in the tablet for the first time, click on the Add Hardware Status Icon, then quickly click on the link to Skip searching windows update for driver (If you let Windows find it's own driver, then the tablet pressure sensitivity will not work in Illustrator/Photoshop. To fix, unplug the tablet, uninstall the driver, then reinstall, replug in the driver, and make sure to follow the above). Photoshop/Illustrator worked fine for me using the included drivers if you make sure to do the above. -- **A word to the wise: If you install your program and your tablet's light turns on, but doesn't recognize your pen, check the battery. It may be slightly misplaced.

Review from User:This Monoprice tablet is the first graphic tablet I've ever owned. For a long time I was checking out the Wacom, and honestly, the only things about those tablets that had me interested was the fact that the pen is battery free and the whole `touch' feature. But frankly, regardless of those two things, for a tablet of around the same size, Wacom just hurts your wallet too much. I mean, it's like $170 for a Wacom Fun Tablet. The Monoprice may not have the touch or the battery-free pen, but for all the money you save on it (you save over $100), you can get by without the touch (because the pen easily replaces the mouse, eliminating the need for touch) and you can buy plenty of AAA batteries, or even buy useful software that you might want (like Photoshop or Adobe or whatever).They even send you a software suite to go along with the tablet. There are five programs in all:- Annotation for Word - which allows you to mark up documents like you would any document by hand. I find this very handy, especially since I do a lot of writing and editing straight on the computer.- PenCommander - Helps you run any program or menu by simply drawing on the tablet, for example, when you draw an `e' it opens Internet Explorer. Just like a shortcut.- PenSigner - Helps you put small drawings or signatures into documents.- PenMail - Use it to send a handwritten email - however, the file is saved as a jpeg.- PenNotice - Capture screenshots and make annotations.The other features that the tablet comes with include the 8 Hotkeys on the left side of the tablet, things like Copy, Paste, Cut, Zoom In, Zoom Out, etc. On the active drawing area, are 16 hot cells, which you tap with the pen to make it work. You can program these to whatever you want.The screen is a very large area, actually, much larger than I needed, I realized, once I got the thing in my hands. But the good thing about it is, while it looks like it is built for a wide-screen monitor, you can actually set it to work for a 3:4 ratio monitor, or even set it to work with two monitors at once. You can also test the pressure sensitivity.There are a couple of things I need to mention about this tablet, though. First of all, the program suite doesn't work with Windows Vista (I have Windows XP). Secondly, it needs a USB port, but the cord is a little bit short, so I suggest using a port on the front of your computer tower or getting an extension cord. Another thing is that the pen seems quite fragile when you put the battery in. You have to carefully peel back the rubber grip and the battery sits in a thin piece of metal without anything to encase it. So I just had to be a bit careful when doing that. However, once you get the battery in there, it's a good pen. The pen also has three buttons--one in the tip (by the way you get three replacement tips inside the box, and it doesn't seem to be getting worn down too fast) and another two in a long, thin black button on the side of the pen. It looks like one button, but it's actually two, one on each end. You can set all these buttons to your preferences. You also get a pen stand, which you also use to replace the pen tip once you wear it down. The battery seems to have a nice long life. It doesn't run out in two days or anything like that.I hope I went over all the important features and aspects of the tablet. The description for the product doesn't really give you much to go on. Without a doubt, excellent value for your money.

If you are a GNU/Linux user and you see this tablet for sale somewhere, BUY IT!As far as I can tell, every single one-star review here is by a customer who was too stupid to correctly install the tablet and subsequently blamed it on the product.On a moderately modern Manjaro Linux, this tablet is basically plug'n'play. I was expecting so many problems when I bought it, but everything just works. GIMP integration also works out of the box.As a mouse replacement for multiple monitors, some setup is required, but the arch wiki has a help section on that.I have been using this tablet extensively for about a year now for drawing, as I like the large drawing area (compare to the standard Wacom product with less than half the size). The pen is sturdy and reliable, and the input is very precise.For a left-handed person, it is trivial to flip the tablet by 180 degrees to have the function keys on the right (at least on GNU/Linux; I imagine the same does not work on Windows). I reassigned the function keys to more useful functions, which is easily done via your window manager.The one thing that I cannot get to work is the second button on the pen. Button one works as expected; button two will not let me reassign it. I suspect, however, that this is an issue with the open-source drivers, not the hardware.I fear the day when this tablet will eventually break and I will have to buy a new one, since Monoprice seems to not make graphics tablets anymore. I will probably have to pay four to six times the price to get a Wacom tablet then.In conclusion: if you know how to install drivers (and especially if you are a GNU/Linux user with limited choices on the tablets market), the Monoprice tablets are (or were) a great choice. If you do not know which end of the pen to use, maybe get something else instead.

It was very hard for me to find a decent graphics tablet that a) was compatible with my computer b) did what it said c) was affordable. So when it came to finding a tablet, reasonably priced and compatible to my computer and had the right requirements that I needed, I knew I found the right one at the time. I had bought this in 2013, after starting digital drawing 2 years prior and felt this was a good investment.Though it did take a while to install the software onto my laptop and desktop at the time, it was working all fine once I started getting used to it. Usually, when people begin using Tablets, problems usually arise from not being used to the pen and not being used to keeping your eyes on the screen whilst you calibrate the pen to the tablet, but I felt ease when I started using it.I had first written this review at a 5/5 back in 2013, however not in 2017 and with over 3 years I having this tablet and now having used it on a Windows Vista Desktop, a Windows 7 Laptop and a Windows 8 (now Windows 10) Laptop, I can see clearly the pros and cons to this investment.A consistent problem that has been a problem from the start; it may take a while for my laptop/computer to recognise that the tablet's plugged in after I start the computer up. Also sometimes the pen is very slow, even after restarting my computer, I feel like it may be the cable at the top of the tablet; because it's quite small, it may have been damage or can be very easily damaged.I used to use Photoshop and Paintool SAI on my Windows Vista computer and Windows 7 Laptop - the tablet worked completely fine and the hotkeys operated effectively.However, I have found that Windows 8 and 10...does not like my tablet. I have only had this new laptop for 2 years now, and I feel the new Windows is too advanced for this 2012 model. I find the tablet will disconnect its sync more often, resulting in myself having to restart the laptop to see if it's connecting with the laptop again. It's annoying when it's happening through a whole week when you have commissions due. Also since the introduction to Windows 10, all the hotkeys have been disabled. Do you know how frustrating it is to keep moving a giant tablet out of the way to reach over to Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+S every 5 minutes??The stylus - I have a love and hate relationship with it. When I first started using it, in a few months I had already worn out the first nib. The tablet comes with 3 spare white nibs, however, I don't believe these can be found anywhere else, so I've using the 2nd Nib for just over 2 and a half years now (I know, I'm impressed too). So if you're heavy-handed, I'd advise getting a tablet that either doesn't require nibs or supplies accessible replacements.I also have only needed to use one AAA battery since using the tablet (maybe I replaced it once, but the current battery has definitely been inside the pen for the last 2 years), so the battery life is surprisingly long seeing as I do use the tablet almost every week.I dislike the fact that the cable is not detachable. I'm always walking on eggshells, scared that one day it'll come loose from the tablet, and that'll be the end. I think I would have preferred a USB cable instead, although that does mean more batteries to charge, but it'll save me the anxiety of feeling like it is being squashed in my backpack.Overall, it's good for a beginner, a novice, someone I once was. But I have learnt to get used to its annoying quirks, I believe I named the tablet Matthew when I felt got it - he's been...challenging. I have had no trouble producing art, I haven't had too much trouble with the pen pressure, although upon moving to University, I do believe it would be better to invest in something more reliable.

I'll go straight to the point. Installation is simple, I used the provided CD WITHOUT plugging the tablet before. BE CAREFUL at the internal package of the tablet, when you unpack it'll say "plug the tablet in before installing drivers". Don't do it. I simply can't understand why Monoprice keeps printing this false information on it. No new driver from the internet and it worked smoothly in Windows 7 x64 with every kind of software I tried (Sketchbook, Adobe PS* and Illustrator, Artrage...).*UPDATEHere I have to update my review (actual date: 11-24-2013): the very smart and prepared user "Oliviek" pointed out something that seems a driver defect actually not solved by Monoprice (although he contacted them so they are aware about it); please spend some minutes reading his Amazon review at http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R37JQKWPVJ2QHS/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B003ZZXXLK&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag= to know more about the micro-trembling Photoshop issue (which is invalidating terribly).Pen sensitivity options are always available to me. Pressure levels, drawing mechanics and dimensions are perfect, I wouldn't have anything bigger. Easier to use for people with some drawing skills, simply because you have to trace while you are looking at the screen and not at the tablet. Pen feels cheap but works as a charm; you can order a better metal-grey version on the internet - the same for plastic conductive tips which are not hard to find. Maybe materials aren't too stylish and compact compared to Wacom Intuos tablet: you have simple hotkeys (I use them so rarely) instead of a futuristic selection ring with on-screen advice, but keep in mind you are getting the most high value for money tablet out there. I had some experiences with Intuos 4 series and actually can't justify the price difference between them. Wacom makes great tools, easy available spare parts, tips and pens, but after have tried this Monoprice I am forced to say Wacom tablet are clearly overpriced. Especially for the exigent amateur user.(!) For those who suffer from RSI and are striving to get better with unusual input devices, changing posture and doing excercise: GIVE IT A TRY. It's the more comfy mouse I have ever used, browsing folders and websites or documents with that feels so natural! That's clearly a valuable hint for every graphic tablet, but this one is so cheap you surely can afford it!

The most notable and great thing about this specific graphic tablet is the large surface area to draw with, thus the amount of fiddling your canvas around is reduced. I did not bother too much with the hot keys because the keyboard was more efficient for my taste. I did, however, use the side buttons on the the stylus frequently which worked just fine.The construction of the product overall, in my opinion, is just above "good." The tablet part of itself is sturdy enough to move around numerous times but I wouldn't play frisbee with it. I would be cautious carrying it in an non-padded backpack. I did not like how the hot key area has a glossy finish because it's a fingerprint magnet. Where as the other parts of the tablet have a nice matte finish that feels nice to touch. The hot key buttons themselves get a pass on the quality check. They're just your average buttons but can see long term use. There are four rubber pads on the backside so keep it from sliding around.The stylus pen part gets a pass as well. The weight is similar to a ball point pen with a (AAA) battery in it. That said, it's literally like a thick ball point pen with a battery in it. It does the functions it was made to do thus there's not much reason to replace it. I would be cautious from dropping it even though it's fairly well made for this price point. It does come with a nice little base stand for your stylus but I would have liked to see more weight to it as it's still fairly easy to knock over with the stylus in place. There are several replacement nibs for the stylus but I don't think it'll need much replacing.Overall setup is rather easy. I did not bother with the included installation disk because the more up-to-date drivers are online. Placing the battery inside the pen is easy as well. All you have to do is give a little pull on the end of the stylus to reveal the housing. After all that you're ready to plug in and go. I felt that the driver for dual monitors lacked if you have one in portrait. If you only have them in landscape or just one monitor then it's fine.I had this graphic tablet for several months and feel that it was not for me. It's great if you're just starting out but not so good if you're a more experienced artist.

What can I say? it does what it says on the tin.I bought this Drawing tablet to gain more fine control when editing Photographs. For this, it serves its purpose very well. I did have some problems installing the drivers but that was due to the fact I had an old tablet still installed on my PC and there was a conflict. On a windows PC,If you go into Device manager and open Human interface devices and remove all traces of any previous Graphics tablet prior to installing your new one, you shouldn't have any trouble.With a few tweaks in Photoshop (all of which are freely available on you tube if you google it) the Tablet performs well and is quite responsive. As the price suggests, this is not the best in the world, but for a very serviceable low priced entry model it certainly performs satisfactorily.The active area of the pad is larger than most Tablets of the same price and can be used on Dual monitors or confined to just one. It is pressure sensitive once the Tablets control panel and Photoshop have been tweeked.As with any Drawing tablet, it takes a little getting used to. Drawing on a plastic surface with a nylon tipped pen feels strange at first but as they say, Practice makes perfect.All in all a very good product for its price.