Inexpensive Graphics Tablet with Cordless Pen
A graphics tablet works in any graphics software to add pressure sensitivity to your brush strokes and lines. It also helps you paint and draw more comfortably using the natural movements of holding a pen rather than a mouse. The DigiPro drawing tablet is an inexpensive, yet capable, pressure-sensitive pen tablet for budget conscious users. The 5.5" x 4" model (WP5540) I tested was a steal, at two for $60. It's not flashy or feature packed, but it does the job it's supposed to do--albeit with some quirks when used with multiple monitors. If you're curious about using a graphics tablet, but don't want to spend a lot of money, the DigiPro drawing tablets are a solid choice.
These tablets are made by UC-Logic, a Taiwanese company who's tablets are sold under the DigiPro name in the US. These tablets work with Windows and Macintosh. I have received email from one reader who owns the WP5540 model and a Wacom Graphire and he says he prefers the UC-Logic tablet. You can read my review, linked below, or visit the comments link below to read what others who have purchased DigiPro tablets have to say about them.
• Before You Buy a Graphics Tablet
• DigiPro Graphics Tablet Review
Photo: © Copyright Geeks.com
Comments
What a nice find, thanks! I put my order in, I know a couple people who would like one of these.
I bought the 6×8 Digipro tablet for $39 and love it. I had never used a tablet before and don’t know what Wacom products are like, but find the Digipro *very* easy to use. I use it to color greeting card illustrations in Photoshop Elements and it is making life so much easier.
Thanks for the tip about the deal from Geeks.com!
I have a Digipro 4×5 tablet with no complaints. It does anything I need to use it for.
I also have a Wacom Graphire3. Although there is a little more functionality with the Wacom-ie, buttons and a scroll wheel,the Digipro works very well.
I bought the WP5540 tablet and, unfortunately, it’s really low quality. The pen tip is wobbly, causing false clicks, and making it difficult to draw accurately. Also, the latest drivers are for ancient — it looks like they were written originally for Windows 2000 and have not been updated since.
I’d say to stay away from this manufacturer.
OOOPs No drivers for Vista also cannot seem to find the manufacturers site
for updates Hmm What to do?
Ed: There is a link to the manufacturer in this very post that you commented on. Here is the direct link to drivers for the UC Logic (aka DigiPro in the US) tablets: http://www.uc-logic.com/download/download_driver.htm
So you can use it with Vista? Then it is a great deal!
Starrpoint: Yes, it works fine in Vista. I didn’t use the driver off the CD. I went directly to the UC Logic site (linked from this post) and got the driver there. It’s not quite up to the quality of a Wacom, it does the job and the price is hard to beat. The 4×5 size is awfully small, tho. You might want to wait for a deal on the 8×6 size to come back around unless you are super cramped for desk space.
BTW, UC Logic has Mac drivers, too.
a friend got this tablet for me. he has pc, i have mac. his works, mine doesn’t. unfortunately, i can’t get it to work with my mac. i have all the system requirements for the tablet but can’t get it to do anything on my mac. i can’t find any website to get assistance, either. a waist of time and money from my viewpoint.
Anna: It works on my Mac. Did you install the driver? You can get it here: http://www.uc-logic.com/download/download_driver.htm
Paid $39 for my 6″X8″ and it works fine on my PC. Great way to find out if a tablet is for you, without making a major investment. Don’t expect Lexus performance at a Kia price, but this tablet gets the job done for me.
Mine doesn’t work on mac either but works fine on my friends pc. I’ve tried installing the drivers from the web and from the disc so I’ve given up! My computer recognises when i click the mouse buttons on the pen but its not writing anything no matter what i try. Not happy!
I also bought two and installed them on both my iMac (10X running Tiger) and PC (VISTA). Couldn’t get it to work on the Mac. Swapped tablets and pens with the PC, still nothing. Installed from the other disk, still didn’t work. Uninstalled and downloaded the Mac software from http://www.uc-logic.com/download/download_driver.htm – still nothing. I’ve installed the driver with the tablet plugged in and installed it with the tablet unconnected. No matter what I try, I can’t get it to work on the Mac. It works with VISTA fine. Any ideas?
– Tom
be VERY careful. I have used *or attempted to use) the digipro on a higher end system running vista.
The driver is pathetic and barely functional. The thing is all but impossible to calibrate. And, as mentioned, you must disable any additional monitor.
Do yourself a favor, and buy one of the better models…you’ll be glad you did!
I’ve never owned a tablet before, and I’ve been looking at this one and a few others that are cheaper than the Wacoms. I’m no graphics artist, but I do use Illustrator and Photoshop to make simple graphics. I also do a lot of video conferencing and would like something for whiteboarding. Will this meet my needs?
I run multiple monitors as well. I’m concerned by the comments about having to disable my other monitors. This is a deal breaker for me. Can someone please describe in more detail the problems this pen has with multiple monitors (and suggest a comparably priced alternative without this problem)?
hi!!!
thanks so much. i was trying to find the manufacturers website. i didn’t figure they would have a different company name for north american releaeses!
BUT does the tablet provide pen tilt (angle) information to the drawing application like WACOM tablets do?
What about acceleration?
Or is this a cheap, glorified mouse? pressure levels only?
I have purchased this tablet need on e-bail. I need a customer service number. My cd is not microsoft certified. It says could damage comter file. Customer service number for Digi Pro drawing tablet
Thank you
Tom - The company is in China, so I don’t think you want to call. Go to the website (read the article and the comments). As for your problem, you are referring to certified driver signing. Just click ok. Quite a few manufacturers didn’t get MS certified, but work just fine. Get the latest ones from the Web site & you will be ok.
It took 3 hours for the tablet to finally work with my PC, and then two weeks later it suddenly died and I can’t get it back up and running. UC-Logic not very helpful. Don’t waste your money - buy better quality.