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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)
You forgot to mention it cost $30, and is actually not foam, which is of course good for packing, and floats.

But having made fun of it sufficiently, I would be interested simply because of the weight. I like that.
 
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Lmao it’s a giant bezel that you attach on.
But seriously I see the use case for it, sometimes I dislike the feeling of half my palm off the ipad when I’m writing near the edge.
 
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This device looks incredible. The utility is there and it can really enhance the overall experience for Apple Pencil users. I'm definitely buying a couple for my iPads Pros.
 
I guess since sidecar replaced their app this is a good business venture for them.
Not sure about this statement. Nothing wrong with Sidecar, but it’s not a patch on either Astropad or Luna Display - even if just down to the customisation aspect or the fact you can use touch, neither of which really exist with Sidecar.
 
And with better materials...

3.2 pounds. So this imitator you're pitching is thinner (which in this role is probably a drawback unless you plan to leave it on the desk... in which case what was the point?) and considerably heavier (an enormous drawback for any use other than sitting on a desk)
 
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Scary thing, this is how to make an iPad become a 80’s like laptop. 🤪

Get it while it’s hot:
1687928123724.jpeg
 
I just want to see an Apple Pencil for the iPhone.
Won’t be happening I predict, due to having to charge it separately, and too few users to warrant the extra tech needed in the iPhone.
 
"Ergonomic way to sketch and draw no matter where you are."

As a designer and drawing person, I say this is bad. It's not as easy to use. It is not easy to adjust etc. better ways to make this than this. NO TY!
 
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)
I couldn't agree more. The Sketchboard Pro is excellent, solid and versatile. Its best feature is the flexible silicone "cradle," which can be swapped out for different sized iPads. The company makes new cradles when new iPads are released. And it's barely more expensive than Darkboard.
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.
At the risk of sounding snarky, if you DID use the Pencil a lot, you'd understand how helpful an extended bezel is. The tiny iPad bezel is great in terms of pure device footprint, but if you're gonna spend a few hours drawing a bigger bezel is extremely helpful.
 
”…no matter where you are” is a bit of a stretch considering the size of that thing, not exactly easy to slip into a bag.

My wife who's a graphic artist and uses her iPad Pro and Pencil for drawing/painting/sketching would likely use this.
There are better ones already on the market. Don’t know why this one in particular got their press release on the site, it’s not a new product.
 
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I'll chime in...as an artist, and as someone who has both the Sketchboard Pro and the Darkboard.

I've owned too many iPad drawing pad holder things to count at this point. I've also made my own out of yoga mats! I found a yoga mat that was essentially the same thickness of the iPad. Here's an example of the first one I made...

35246337_10156203400600926_5929519952074637312_n-2.jpg


I made a few versions of this, but they all essentially were the same. I had tried the bamboo holders from Amazon, and those were okay. I didn't find the bamboo surface all that fun to rest my wrist on for hours at a time, and they all just kind of looked...janky.

Sketchboard Pro rolls around and I backed it on Kickstarter. I liked it, I never loved it. Same issue as the bamboo ones, the hard plastic surface wasn't great, and the legs on that one felt flimsy. I have a "heavy hand," so I always wondered when I would press too hard and snap those damn legs off.

I backed Darkboard, too, and this one, in my opinion, is the better one. It's lighter, MUCH lighter. Sketchboard Pro is 4.5 pounds, while Darkboard is 1.4! It's also smaller, and fits on my desk nicer.

IMG_7538.jpg


The sleeve that it comes with is super nice, and AstroPad added in the stand for no additional cost to Kickstarter backers (I actually prefer the angle of the Darkboard stand over the Sketchboard Pro) My only complaint was the charging port didn't have a hole to run the power cord through, so I just drilled one in there myself. Pretty easy, seeing as it's made of foam.

IMG_6377.JPG


Expensive? Sure.

But I use this every day, for hours at a time, and it's light enough to take off my desk and sit on the couch with, or take it on the road with me to draw in hotels or on vacation. So far, this is the best drawing pad / cradle I've used for the iPad, but every artist is different and has different needs. This one works best for me.
 
If your sitting down you can just put your iPad on a pillow to hold it up. 🤷‍♂️
 
While I've been waiting for a large iMac to replace my 2012 (still works!!!) iMac 27", I've been using my 12.9" iPad Pro as my main computer more and more. I'd love a table top iPad Studio of that size.

hero-image.fill.size_1200x900.v1611613524.jpg

Microsoft
 
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This accessory negates Apple's strive to make smallest bezels possible. Not arguing against it through; clearly addresses a need.
 
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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.

I use Sketchboard from time to time, it's really good for illustration.
 
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I'll chime in...as an artist, and as someone who has both the Sketchboard Pro and the Darkboard.

I've owned too many iPad drawing pad holder things to count at this point. I've also made my own out of yoga mats! I found a yoga mat that was essentially the same thickness of the iPad. Here's an example of the first one I made...

View attachment 2224629

I made a few versions of this, but they all essentially were the same. I had tried the bamboo holders from Amazon, and those were okay. I didn't find the bamboo surface all that fun to rest my wrist on for hours at a time, and they all just kind of looked...janky.

Sketchboard Pro rolls around and I backed it on Kickstarter. I liked it, I never loved it. Same issue as the bamboo ones, the hard plastic surface wasn't great, and the legs on that one felt flimsy. I have a "heavy hand," so I always wondered when I would press too hard and snap those damn legs off.

I backed Darkboard, too, and this one, in my opinion, is the better one. It's lighter, MUCH lighter. Sketchboard Pro is 4.5 pounds, while Darkboard is 1.4! It's also smaller, and fits on my desk nicer.

View attachment 2224633

The sleeve that it comes with is super nice, and AstroPad added in the stand for no additional cost to Kickstarter backers (I actually prefer the angle of the Darkboard stand over the Sketchboard Pro) My only complaint was the charging port didn't have a hole to run the power cord through, so I just drilled one in there myself. Pretty easy, seeing as it's made of foam.

View attachment 2224634

Expensive? Sure.

But I use this every day, for hours at a time, and it's light enough to take off my desk and sit on the couch with, or take it on the road with me to draw in hotels or on vacation. So far, this is the best drawing pad / cradle I've used for the iPad, but every artist is different and has different needs. This one works best for me.

Yup. People who needs something like this and are professional artists don't mind the price. I haven't tried the Astropad one - but they do make good products (I have their dongle for Astropad Studio). I do have the Sketchboard Pro and like it quite a bit. I don't know, mine feels quite firm and sturdy. I would like to try the Astropad one, too.
 
Out of curiosity how many professional iPad designers do you personally know well? YouTube doesn't count.

Designers? No idea. Illustrators? A bunch.

Also, the art director from my team uses one to give feedback. Pencil is just that awesome.
 
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While I've been waiting for a large iMac to replace my 2012 (still works!!!) iMac 27", I've been using my 12.9" iPad Pro as my main computer more and more. I'd love a table top iPad Studio of that size.

Oh yeah. Heck, I'd be happy if they make a 14" one, but a really big one? Instant purchase.
 
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