Gaomon Pen Display PD1320 Review: Precision in a Tablet

When it comes to finding the right digital drawing tablet, the balance between price, features, and portability is crucial. The Gaomon PD1320 Pen Display, a 13.3-inch tablet, aims to be a strong contender in this space. As an artist who spends a significant amount of time working with digital mediums, I was eager to test out this model and see how it compares to others I’ve used in the past.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Gaomon PD1320 gives off a solid first impression. The packaging is neat and professional, which immediately sets a positive tone. Inside, you’ll find the tablet itself, a battery-free pen (the AP50), a pen holder with extra nibs, a stand, a variety of cables (USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, HDMI, and a power adapter), and a quick start guide. The inclusion of a USB-C to USB-C cable is a thoughtful touch, catering to modern laptops and devices that use USB-C ports.

The tablet’s build quality is impressive for its price range. The body is slim and lightweight, making it extremely portable, yet it feels sturdy and durable. The 13.3-inch screen size strikes a good balance between offering enough workspace and maintaining portability. This makes the PD1320 ideal for artists who like to work on the go or those with limited desk space.

Display Quality

One of the standout features of the PD1320 is its display. The 13.3-inch IPS panel boasts a Full HD resolution (1920×1080), which delivers crisp and clear visuals. The colors are vibrant and accurate, covering 86% of the NTSC color gamut, which translates to about 100% sRGB. This level of color accuracy is essential for digital artists, as it ensures that what you see on screen is true to life.

The screen has a matte anti-glare finish, which not only reduces reflections but also provides a more paper-like texture when drawing. I found that this made long drawing sessions more comfortable, as the resistance felt under the pen mimics that of drawing on traditional paper. This small detail significantly enhances the overall drawing experience.

Additionally, the display’s anti-glare surface helps in reducing eye strain, especially during extended working hours. This thoughtful feature makes the PD1320 not only a pleasure to draw on but also a healthier option for your eyes over long periods of use.

Pen Performance

The Gaomon PD1320 comes with the AP50 pen, which is battery-free and supports 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. This level of sensitivity allows for precise control over line thickness and opacity, depending on how hard you press the pen against the screen. The pen also supports tilt recognition, which is a feature that becomes invaluable when shading or using brush strokes that require an angle.

In practice, the pen performs exceptionally well. The pressure sensitivity feels natural, with smooth transitions from thin to thick lines. There is no noticeable lag, and the cursor follows the pen tip with pinpoint accuracy. The tilt function also works as expected, which is a bonus for those who utilize this feature in their work.

The pen’s ergonomic design also deserves praise. It feels comfortable in hand, even during prolonged use, which is crucial for artists who spend hours on their craft. The fact that it’s battery-free is another advantage, eliminating the need for charging and ensuring that it’s always ready to use when you are.

Connectivity and Setup

Setting up the Gaomon PD1320 is straightforward. The tablet is compatible with both Windows and macOS, and it also supports Android devices, which is a nice touch for mobile artists. The included USB-C and HDMI cables allow for a range of connection options, and the setup process is well-documented in the quick start guide.

Drivers are required to unlock the full potential of the tablet, and I found the installation process to be hassle-free. The drivers allow you to customize the pen buttons, adjust pressure sensitivity, and calibrate the screen. The customization options are robust, giving you the ability to tailor the tablet to your specific needs.

One of the highlights of the PD1320 is its ability to connect to Android devices. This is a feature that not all pen displays offer, and it makes the PD1320 more versatile, especially if you’re someone who likes to sketch on your phone or tablet.

Workflow and User Experience

Using the Gaomon PD1320 in my daily workflow has been a positive experience overall. The tablet’s compact size makes it easy to integrate into my existing setup, and the 13.3-inch screen is spacious enough for most of my drawing and editing tasks. The stand included in the box is adjustable, allowing for different drawing angles, which is crucial for long work sessions.

One of the main advantages of the PD1320 is its portability. Weighing just over 0.8 kg, it’s light enough to carry around without any hassle. I found myself taking it to different locations within my studio and even out to cafes. It’s the perfect size for slipping into a backpack and working on the go.

The tablet’s performance is smooth, with no lag or stuttering even when working on large, complex files in software like Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint. The pen glides smoothly across the screen, and the anti-glare finish really makes a difference in reducing eye strain during extended use.

What truly stands out about the PD1320 is how well it integrates into various workflows. Whether you’re a professional illustrator, a graphic designer, or just someone who loves to doodle, the tablet adapts to your needs effortlessly. The versatility it offers is commendable, making it a valuable tool for artists of all levels.

Technical Specifications

To give you a clearer picture of what the Gaomon PD1320 brings to the table, here are the key technical specifications:

• Display Type: 13.3-inch IPS LCD
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
• Color Gamut: 86% NTSC (approximately 100% sRGB)
• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
• Viewing Angle: 178° (horizontal and vertical)
• Pen Type: Battery-free AP50 pen
• Pressure Sensitivity: 8192 levels
• Tilt Function: ±60°
• Response Time: 25ms
• Interface: USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack
• Weight: 0.8 kg (1.76 lbs)
• Compatibility: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later, Android 6.0 or later
• Included Accessories: Adjustable stand, pen holder with extra nibs, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-A to USB-C cable, HDMI cable, power adapter

Final Verdict

The Gaomon PD1320 Pen Display is an exceptional choice for digital artists who need a reliable, portable, and affordable tablet. It’s well-suited for beginners and intermediate artists who are looking for a tablet that offers a great drawing experience without breaking the bank. The display quality, pen performance, and portability make it a compelling option in the crowded market of pen displays.

Its excellent display, ergonomic pen, and seamless integration into various creative workflows make it a strong contender for anyone in the market for a pen display. Whether you’re working from your home studio, at a café, or on the go, the Gaomon PD1320 delivers a satisfying and efficient experience, ensuring that your creativity is never limited by your tools.

If you’re looking for a tablet that can keep up with your creative needs and enhance your digital art journey, the Gaomon PD1320 is definitely worth considering. Its blend of features, performance, and affordability makes it a standout option for artists everywhere.