XP-Pen Deco 01 review
XP-Pen Deco 01: Good Pressure Sensitivity for Accurate Lines
The XP-Pen Deco 01 review describes the non-display low-cost tablet. It’s remarkable for its slim high-quality design and extra pressure sensitivity. The limited configurations might be not enough for professionals, but they’re not a major factor for novices.
Setup
Uninstall all the previous tablet drivers from the computer if another model of the tablet was used before. The reboot isn’t required, so, connect the gadget with the Mac or Windows computer via a USB cable. Once the devices are paired, go to the manufacturer’s webpage and download the XP-Pen Deco 01 drivers. They automatically create a shortcut on the desktop.
Features
Speaking about the XP-Pen Deco 01 specs, 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity are noteworthy considering the low price of this gadget. However, one should note that it’s necessary to press hard to reach the full line. In other words, once the level of pressure is adjusted, the user still can physically press the pen to enhance the previously set option. It’s great for those who work with high levels of pressure to make very thin precise lines.
This model has a large active area (10 x 6.25 inches) that is great for 27-inch monitors. The unit is compatible with a lot of programs – Photoshop, Corel Painter Essentials 5 and 6, ArtRage 5, Pixelmator, etc. The tablet works flawlessly: it doesn't lag, skip, or leave blobs of "ink", it makes smooth and precise lines without pixelation.
The battery-free stylus is easy to grip and it glides seamlessly on the smooth paper-textured surface. However, the pen is too thin that’s why it’s not comfortable to hold it in the hand. The tablet responds to the pen at the distance up to 0.39 inches. The stylus has no eraser onboard making it necessary to use the button on the side for this purpose.
This model can be set up to both left and right monitors. One can use several monitors with separate pads. They’re operated by the same software and both of them use the same pen.
The XP-Pen has 8 buttons for different settings that are easily customized for each specific application/program. It’s possible to choose different programs for different settings. The only downside is a small selection of settings for the side buttons of the pen.
Design
The tablet is very lightweight (2.2 pounds) for such size (13.82 x 8.54 x 0.31 inches). The rubber pads on the corners let the tablet stand still on any surfaces. It has the round edges and outer corners that glow in the darkness.
The package comes with an artist glove to protect the tablet surface from the hand sweat or blot, a little pen holder (it doesn’t hold the pen well since the latter wobbles significantly) and replacer, and a USB cord. The unit has a protective cover for the surface to prevent the pen from damaging the tablet's surface.
Some of the 8 hotkeys have distinguishable marks on them to let the user feel them with a finger and understand, which button is touched without looking at it.
Conclusion
The XP-Pen Deco 01 drawing tablet features perfect hardware and just a few limitations of software, a good resolution of pressure and mapping, precise strokes. This tablet provides a good level of performance that is enough for people entering digital art.
