Darkboard Drawing Accessory for iPad Now Available

[MacRumors]

Astropad, known for its Astropad Studio software and Luna Display dongle for connecting an iPad to a Mac, today announced the general availability of its new Darkboard drawing surface designed to be used with the iPad.

Darkboard is aimed at offering an ergonomic way to sketch and draw no matter where you are. The Darkboard is made from a rigid foam material that weighs in at 1.4 pounds, with the foam design providing cushioning and support for the arm and wrist.

According to Astropad, the Darkboard is ideal for using on the couch, in bed, and other situations where ideal ergonomics are unavailable. When you do have a flat surface to work on, there is a foldable stand that works as an easel or in a full vertical orientation.

A polycarbonate frame holds the iPad in place at any angle, so the Darkboard can be used in multiple orientations. There is 1mm of space between the iPad's display and the edge of the foam body to keep the iPad safe in case the Darkboard is dropped.

Astropad included a cutout for the camera, charging port access, and a pocket to hold the Apple Pencil. The Darkboard is 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and an inch thick, and for transportation, there are grooved handles.

There are two available sizes, one that fits the third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro or newer and one that fits the 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air models.

Darkboard launched on Kickstarter in September 2022 and orders started arriving to customers in March, but it is now available for general purchase. Darkboard can be purchased from the Astropad website for $120.

Article Link: Darkboard Drawing Accessory for iPad Now Available

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

I guess since sidecar replaced their app this is a good business venture for them.

 

[uptownnyc]

$120 seems like a lot of money for a piece of foam.

 

[ZMacintosh]

extremely expensive for the niche users which I don't see being a huge deal breaker...I think most iPad designers already have an efficient workflow. this does not seem like a groundbreaking tool for them.

 

[Macalway]

Amazon will have one for $10 in a couple months. I would imagine tooling for foam is quick. Might make a good home project. But thanks for the idea and measurements.

 

[eeek5127]

I’ll only buy it if they add Find My and make it $250.

 

[sw1tcher]

$120 seems like a lot of money for a piece of foam.

It's more than just a piece of foam though. You're also getting an awesome foldable stand and a storage/carrying sleeve. And it's not just some plain ordinary sleeve either. It's made out of Neoprene!!!

What’s included in your purchase:

1. Darkboard: The ultralight, ergonomic iPad drawing stand.
2. Foldable Stand: A compact and sturdy companion stand for Darkboard. The Stand accommodates the Easel Setup for drawing, or the Vertical Setup for a desktop display.
3. Neoprene Sleeve: Darkboard’s neoprene sleeve is stain, water, oil, and heat resistant. It’s the perfect carrying case to take your Darkboard, Stand, and iPad on the go!

 

[macduke]

Ahh yes, I forgot I was going to make one of these out of wood in my workshop. I just need to get about 27 things done on my to-do list first and then we'll be all set to launch in 2026.

 

[antiprotest]

$300 or no deal.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

The front design is very fussy for something that’s supposed to be for artists. Would preferred it to have been more minimally designed meeting the edge of the iPad all the way around with maybe just a finger-sized notch to pry the iPad out. Charging could be left out entirely or accessed from the back, keeping the front more minimal and conducive to an artist’s gallery.

 

[Graphikos]

extremely expensive for the niche users which I don't see being a huge deal breaker...I think most iPad designers already have an efficient workflow. this does not seem like a groundbreaking tool for them.

Niche, but a big enough niche I guess. Their KS was successful:

1,162 backers pledged $115,027 to help bring this project to life.

 

[Graphikos]

Amazon will have one for $10 in a couple months. I would imagine tooling for foam is quick. Might make a good home project. But thanks for the idea and measurements.

And with better materials...

ELETIUO Upgraded Bamboo Wooden Drawing Ipad Holder with Pencil&Charger Cable Slot, Multi-Angle Adjustable Tablet Desktop,Foldable Portable Stand,Compatible with 12.9 inch ipad pro 3rd/4th/ 5th Gen

ELETIUO Upgraded Bamboo Wooden Drawing Ipad Holder with Pencil&Charger Cable Slot, Multi-Angle Adjustable Tablet Desktop,Foldable Portable Stand,Compatible with 12.9 inch ipad pro 3rd/4th/ 5th Gen

www.amazon.com

 

[LeeW]

Not that I use the pencil that much but it just seems to me personally this would make it more difficult to write/draw. Maybe artists and others would see it in a different way.

 

[topdrawer]

And with better materials...

ELETIUO Upgraded Bamboo Wooden Drawing Ipad Holder with Pencil&Charger Cable Slot, Multi-Angle Adjustable Tablet Desktop,Foldable Portable Stand,Compatible with 12.9 inch ipad pro 3rd/4th/ 5th Gen

ELETIUO Upgraded Bamboo Wooden Drawing Ipad Holder with Pencil&Charger Cable Slot, Multi-Angle Adjustable Tablet Desktop,Foldable Portable Stand,Compatible with 12.9 inch ipad pro 3rd/4th/ 5th Gen

www.amazon.com

take a chopping block, route out an area for an ipad, profit. i love it.

 

[SFjohn]

take a chopping block, route out an area for an ipad, profit. i love it.

At least it’s recyclable, unlike the featured item from this article.

 

[G5isAlive]

extremely expensive for the niche users which I don't see being a huge deal breaker...I think most iPad designers already have an efficient workflow. this does not seem like a groundbreaking tool for them.

Out of curiosity how many professional iPad designers do you personally know well? YouTube doesn't count.

 

[TheGenerous]

I had a dream last night. I was very happy because I had the Darkboard drawing surface in my living room with Salma Hayek

 

[klasma]

It almost doubles as an iMac:

 

[klasma]

The camera hole is amusing:

I want to bring it next time I go sightseeing to snap some pictures.

 

[citysnaps]

My wife who's a graphic artist and uses her iPad Pro and Pencil for drawing/painting/sketching would likely use this.

 

[Graphikos]

The camera hole is amusing:

View attachment 2224485

I want to bring it next time I go sightseeing to snap some pictures.

That would be perfect for live concerts.

 

[mrr]

I just want to see an Apple Pencil for the iPhone.

 

[dizastor]

I've had a SketchBoardPro for a couple years and I'm probably biased but it seems like the Darkboard is a much more cheaply made version of the same idea. https://sketchboardpro.com/ (not an ad)

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Just for the Ipad? It looks like it would be useful on the IPad Pro! Maybe include a holder for the IPencil.

 

[phrehdd]

Astropad and its products are both interesting and well thought out. It would be worth investigating if one likes this type of setup. Way before they offered it - I got this and use it from time to time and its "okay" but not spectacular.