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How to Buy a Digital Drawing Tablet

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Digital Drawing Tablet

Get the right drawing tablet and stylus without breaking your budget using the late November tech sales.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $650 before anything else
Across the 0% window $36.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $650 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You want a digital drawing tablet and stylus that feels like real paper and lasts for years, so you only have to buy it once. A good setup handles your daily creative work without lagging, skipping lines, or wearing down your hand after hours of drawing.

Late November is the best time to buy because of major tech sales. If you can wait just a bit longer, last year's model often drops in price while still offering almost the exact same performance as the brand new release.

Just remember that the 18 months is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when that window ends, you will get hit with interest on the whole amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for late November sales

    Hold off until the big tech sales hit in late November. Retailers drop prices on creative gear right then, saving you a chunk of change on the exact same tablet.

  2. 02

    Check last year's model

    Look at the previous generation of the tablet you want. Manufacturers usually make tiny updates each year, meaning last year's version works great at a steep discount.

  3. 03

    Map out your monthly cost

    Take the total price of about $650 and figure out what you can comfortably pay each month. Breaking it down keeps your budget on track so you aren't guessing later.

  4. 04

    Use the Citi Simplicity Credit Card

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading that $650 across the intro window on purchases means paying about $36.11 per month.

  5. 05

    Test the return policy

    Make sure you can return the tablet if the screen texture or stylus pressure doesn't feel right to you. Every artist has a different preference, so you need time to test it at your desk.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need a screen on my drawing tablet?

Not necessarily. Tablets with screens let you draw directly on the image, but simpler graphics tablets plug into your computer and you look at your monitor while your hand draws on the pad.

Is a stylus usually included in the box?

Most drawing tablets come with a stylus included, but always double-check the listing before you buy. Some brands sell them separately or require you to buy specific replacement tips.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and might cancel your promotional rate early. Set up automatic payments so you never accidentally miss the due date.

How long do these drawing tablets typically last?

A good tablet should easily last you four to six years of regular use. The stylus nibs will wear down and need replacing every few months, but the device itself sticks around for a long time.