The graphic tablet (or drawing tablet) is considered an essential piece of equipment by many creative arts professionals. Tablets consist of a flat surface for drawing, and a stylus that is programmed to work with the tablet. Sounds simple, right? Well, many amateurs - and even professionals - can become overwhelmed by the choices involved when buying a tablet. Here are 10 features to consider when buying a graphic tablet: Tablet Size Bigger is not necessarily better. The larger the tablet surface, the more you will need to swing your arms to get from one side of the screen to the other. Some people may find this kind of movement uncomfortable. Bigger tablets can also be difficult to use along with a keyboard, and therefore bigger tablets may be better suited for single task work. Screen Size A tablet that is too small for your screen will cause you to struggle with precision selections and a jumpy cursor. Stylus  Your tablet should come with a pen that feels natural and comfortable in your hand. It should also be light and cordless. Tablet Tasks  Think about how you will use your tablet. Tablets have different strengths and price points depending upon your needs. Painting, coloring and photo manipulation are tasks distinct from drawing and designing. Pressure Sensitivity Pressure sensitivity can control line thickness and transparency. The higher the pressure-sensitivity, the more responsive and natural the drawing process will feel. Hot Keys/Shortcuts Your tablet should come with express buttons for quick actions and access to command functions. An easy-to-navigate favorite program area is a nice feature, as well as software that lets you run any program or menu from the tablet. Compatibility Make sure that your tablet works with your PC or Mac. Portability Do you love to travel or are you a student on-the-go? Make sure the dimensions and weight of your tablet are suitable for your needs. Ergonomic design Hours of detail work can take a toll on your hands. Be sure to choose a tablet that reduces strain and helps your hands relax. This type of design is good not only for your health, but also lets you work longer. Durability A quality tablet should last you for many years. Over time, the pen nib may wear but your tablet should wear only gradually.