Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Luna Display Creators Launch New 'Darkboard' Drawing Surface for iPad

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
68,145
38,923


Astropad, known for Astropad Studio software and the Luna Display dongle, today announced the launch of its latest project, called Darkboard. The Darkboard is a lightweight drawing surface designed to be used with the iPad, providing a more ergonomic way to sketch and draw wherever you are.

Weighing in at 1.4 pounds, the Darkboard is made from a rigid foam material that cushions the arm and wrist while still providing comfort and support. Astropad says that the Darkboard is ideal for using on the couch, in bed, and in other situations where you don't have the best ergonomic setup.

There is a polycarbonate frame to hold the iPad in place at any angle, so it can be propped up in a way that's most comfortable to each user. Astropad also added 1mm of space between the iPad's screen and the edge of the foam body to ensure the iPad stays safe should the Darkboard be dropped.

There's a cutout for the camera, charging port access, and a pocket for the Apple Pencil. The Darkboard measures in at 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and an inch thick, and it is designed to have a textured surface that improves grip, plus there are grooved handles.

darkboard.jpg

Darkboard comes in two 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. It will also support future iPads released between now and when it ships out.

Astropad is launching Darkboard on Kickstarter, and early bird backers can pick it up for $79, which is 20 percent off of the retail price. Orders will be delivered in March 2023.

Article Link: Luna Display Creators Launch New 'Darkboard' Drawing Surface for iPad
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/09/20/darkboard-drawing-surface-ipad/
  • Like
Reactions: Todd Fisher
Anything is a business idea I guess. Maybe some people can use this, but seems pricey for what it is.
 
it….looks like I’ve taken it out of the box and it’s extraneous packaging. Personally I find the contrast between the blackness of the ‘whatever you choose to call it’ and the iPad just glaring.

Thanks for offering it to me though; I’ll pass.

Tom
 
mw360 said:
I recently met an artist working on a graphic novel and he had the Sketchboard Pro. I was surprised how enthusiastic he was about it. He really, really loved it but I didn't get the point of it. Ever since then I've been hyper aware of having no surface to rest/stabilise on while drawing. I think I want one now.
Click to expand...
If you want to draw/paint with your elbow, not wrist, then a support like this one is essential.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lostPod and mw360
mw360 said:
I recently met an artist working on a graphic novel and he had the Sketchboard Pro. I was surprised how enthusiastic he was about it. He really, really loved it but I didn't get the point of it. Ever since then I've been hyper aware of having no surface to rest/stabilise on while drawing. I think I want one now.
Click to expand...
I have one with the 12.9 insert. This product is one board with an insert piece for each model of iPad it offers support for with the product. It also offers as a separate item a carry bag/case.

In some ways, these are very different products as the Sketchboard requires more room and has built in legs to allow for an angle. The Darkboard seems far more portable and a great fit on the laptop. I can see times where the Darkboard has a distinct advantage for lightness and carry-portability. Sketchboard is a plastic material plus the adapter insert.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mw360
I have a Sketchboard Pro and love it. A hand/arm-resting surface is (I think) essential for drawing on the iPad for long periods of time. Darkboard looks like it solves the same issue . . . except for one major difference. The Sketchboard Pro is two pieces: a hard exterior surface with an inner flexible silicone "cradle." The iPad fits snugly into the cradle, and when Apple inevitably changes the next-gen hardware measurements, the SBP folks will make an updated cradle and you don't have to buy the whole deal a second time.

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm crabbing about this new board. Not at all! Whatever works for you is all that matters when it comes to art. Just figured it was worth pointing out the key difference, since it's what convinced me to try the SBP. Next time Apple change up the iPad's physical specs, I'll definitely get a new cradle.
 
Last edited:
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: lostPod, phrehdd and b656
Yes, you can take this wherever inspiration strikes you. Just toss it in your jumbo 18” accommodating laptop bag and go! It’s as portable as a steering wheel!
 
Must be for those working from home on the sofa watching daytime TV 🤣

maybe for 99 bucks it comes with a cup holder?
 
Huh, this is kinda cool. I think I might make one out of wood in my workshop. A bit smaller, maybe with flip down legs, and the charging port could feed through the back instead. Maybe embed some neodymium magnets to hold it in place. Will need to get some magnetic paper to layout the placement. Or maybe a steel plate would be sufficient? Could maybe make magnetic inserts for my kid’s smaller iPads. I think I found my next project idea!
 
  • Like
Reactions: lostPod, phrehdd and Ashbash75
macduke said:
Huh, this is kinda cool. I think I might make one out of wood in my workshop. A bit smaller, maybe with flip down legs, and the charging port could feed through the back instead. Maybe embed some neodymium magnets to hold it in place. Will need to get some magnetic paper to layout the placement. Or maybe a steel plate would be sufficient? Could maybe make magnetic inserts for my kid’s smaller iPads. I think I found my next project idea!
Click to expand...
The challenge would be to to have the iPad be flush with the surface so that your stylus could swipe over the iPad without bumping into or dropping on your board. I supposed it could be possible to get a good start with a 3D printer and include areas for the magnets. Wood might look good but wouldn't it be a bit heavy?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back