If you want an inexpensive drawing tablet, I use a Wacom Bamboo CTL471 which is like $70 and pretty good quality for that price
Edit: Amazon link
I'm also in Canada, and Indigo Canada was selling backlogged CTL-480's last summer (I bought mine June 2017), and my friend and I were lucky to snag two of them for $40CAD. I have no clue if they are still selling them as they were all out of stock the next month.
471 is more widely available ($112CAD here), you could also try a XP-Pen G430 / G640 (I was on the G430 before I got my CTL480).
It should say the capabilities on the items. I am not too familiar with them but their bamboo tablets are a good starting point
There may be others to help. It depends on what she wants to do with it I'm sure. The linked above was what I was going to get years ago, and it was the best bang for buck.
I've had a surface Pro3 for a long time. It seems like there's a lot of free drawing apps that are really nice to practice with like sketchable or bamboo paper. I really liked using the stylist, and since I'm a beginner, I don't care much for how much more accurate the pro4 stylus is.
However, I am glad I got insurance on it, because I once dropped it on a tiled floor and the corner of the screen cracked! It was horrible and shortly after I got it too. After that I bought a case for it and haven't had an issue since. I also don't carry it around as much and keep it closed when I do (I had it open and was trying to show my husband something). Lesson LEARNED!
If you're not sure about a surface pro because of the pricing, I'd consider a wacom tablet. There are some smaller versions for $60 and they usually come with drawing software. It might be great for her to get a feel of using a drawing stylus and you don't have to spend so much money. If she needs a computer for schoolwork though, I'd consider getting a surface. https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-CTL471-Tablet-Black/dp/B00EVOXM3S/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1474907657&sr=8-7&keywords=wacom
The biggest issue with using these cheaper wacom tablets is that you draw on the tablet, but it shows up on a computer screen. This can be difficult for some people who need to see their "pen" make the marks they are making. Pros and cons to each.
The tablet isn't shown clearly in the video, but I think it's a Wacom Cintiq. Those start at around €700, so you'd probably want to start with a Bamboo instead.
But /u/fluffynubkin is right, you should learn to draw on paper first.
You could buy the CTL471 for 78$ on amazon http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-CTL471-Tablet-Black/dp/B00EVOXM3S/ref=pd_sim_147_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=31mKcQE-LOL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0KWK20K40WR5NT3D1PK9
I've heard it's a pretty good tablet. I've actually ordered on yesterday, if you want to wait for mine to get here I'll tell you how it is.
The 490 is shit, to all the people using the 490 and saying there is no input lag, have you used any other tablet? if you have recently, then you would be able to tell that there is input lag. The input lag is somewhat hard to notice, but if you have used any other tablet then you could tell.
Return the 490 while you still can, it will only hold you back in the future.
The CTL471 is a great tablet, its on amazon for 78$ right now, it is a little more than the 490, but its alot better, it has almost no input lag.
By drawing tablet, I'm assuming you mean one of these? I've never used one, but I think I'd like what I have over that because I'm drawing right on the screen where the thing is being displayed... a little more intuitive.
The thing with the 2-in-1s that flip around into their tablet mode (like the one I have) is they can be kind of bulky for a tablet. If I was to buy something now, I'd probably get the Surface Pro 4 or the Surface Book for the detachable keyboard.
Edit: The dedicated drawing tablets are probably more responsive and accurate than a 2-in-1's screen, though. Something to keep in mind.
Those are still a little pricey, I looked and found this
This is more in my budget, as I'm a hobbyist. If you know anything about that tablet, let me know.
The basic Bamboo is only $57 on amazon and that'll be plenty good enough to learn with.
I started off with a Wacom Bamboo Tablet that's still very reliable 10 years later.
Also the Wacom Intuos is pretty good as well. Couldn't say which one is better but I learned digital drawing with the help of the Wacom Bamboo so I might be a little biased.
Regardless they're both great to start with, hope that helps!
you want this one if you're buying it from amazon.
or get an xp pen g430
OK, are you talking the Bamboo such as this: https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-CTL471-Tablet-Black/dp/B00EVOXM3S/ref=pd_day0_147_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C3ZZ7NH3B8WV2S0B1B35
Or the Bamboo Stylus like this (the Feel is the one I selected here): https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Microsoft-Surface-tablets-technology/dp/B00BVUR07Y
You didn't say stylus, so I thought you meant the tablet version.
I have used the Bamboo for the Galaxy Note, and I was not impressed with the crossover technology. Personally, it felt to me laggy, and awkward compared to the feel of the Wacom to Wacom technology. Not realizing you were focusing on just the stylus I was assuming the tablet, but I must say I have not tried on a Surface, and my problems may have stemmed from my phone's issues, not the pen's. With the Surface being more robust, you might not have the same issues, but I have nothing to compare to.
I don't think this model has express keys though, it's the Wacom Bamboo CTL471 Pen Tablet for PC/MAC (Black and Lime).
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-CTL471-Tablet-Black/dp/B00EVOXM3S/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
The one I got was relatively inexpensive, and I knew instantly that I never wanted to go back. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVOXM3S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A59OO3NF467ZG
Dude, thanks a lot. This has been really helpful.
Final question (probably): You recommended the Wacom CTL471, while others have pointed to the Wacom Intuos Touch Small.
Apart from the $25 cost difference the Intuos seems like a better choice (it's 8" x 7" vs the 5.8" x 3.6" of the CTL471).
Would you agree that the Intuos is the better buy or would you still suggest the CTL471? If the latter, what makes it the better choice?
> I wouldn't consider Wacom tablets or drawing tablets in general as 'hobbyist'.
This is for use as a hobby, not for pros. This is NOT the demographic that Apple is targeting.