GAOMON PD1161 Pen Display Review

This review is based on my experience with the GAOMON PD1161 drawing tablet. I’ll share the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between to help you decide if this is the right tablet for you. GAOMON was kind enough to send me this review copy, but I will be as unbiased as I can.

Specifications

• What’s included: Pen display, digital pen, 3-in-2 cable, power adapter, pen holder, 8 pen nibs, and a quick start guide.
• Display: 11.6 inch HD (1920 x 1080) IPS screen with 72% NTSC color gamut and 220 nits brightness.
• Pen: Battery-free EMR pen with 8192 pressure levels, 5080 LPI resolution, ±0.5mm accuracy (center), and ±3mm accuracy (corner). Supports ±60° tilt recognition.
• Connectivity: Mini HDMI, Type-C, USB-A, HDMI, and DC power input.
• Compatibility: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.12 or later.
• Dimensions and weight: 11.6 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches (256 x 200 x 13 mm), 1.9 lbs (866g) weight, pre-installed anti-glare film, 8 customizable shortcut keys.

Unboxing and Setup

First impression? The box is big! Inside, you’ll find the tablet itself, a stand, a pen holder with extra nibs, cables, and even a power adapter with EU and US plugs (that’s super useful for travel). GAOMON really gives you everything you need to get started.

Setting up the stand is quite easy. It’s very flexible, you can easily set it to several different positions. The stand is also great for using it as a second screen or just anywhere on your desk. But I’m not sure if it typically comes with the tablet as it’s also available for purchase seperately from the website.

Connecting the tablet to your computer is straightforward too. If you’re using a desktop, connect the HDMI cable to your graphics card for optimal performance. I was using a laptop.

The GAOMON software lets you customize a few things. You can assign shortcuts to the pen buttons and the 8 shortcut keys on the tablet and adjust pressure sensitivity, and even rotate the screen if you’re left-handed (more on that later).

Overall Feel and Performance

The PD1161 is a comfortable tablet to use. I wasn’t sure about the size, but it worked really well for me, a little bit on the small size but also not overwhelming. The anti-glare screen protector is a lifesaver, reducing glare and making the drawing experience smoother.

The 8192 pressure levels and tilt support are more than enough for both beginners and experienced artists. The lines you draw feel natural and responsive, just like using a pencil on paper.

Bonus Feature: A Second Monitor!

One of the coolest things about this tablet is that it doubles as a second monitor for your computer. This is a huge plus for multitasking. You can draw on the tablet while having reference images open on your main monitor, or keep an eye on emails and messages while working on your art project. This is great for multi-tasking.

Things to Consider

While there’s a lot to love about the PD1161, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cable Clutter: There are several cables to connect, which can be a bit messy.
• No Touchscreen: The tablet doesn’t have a touchscreen function, which might be a dealbreaker for some artists who are used to zooming in and out directly on the screen.
• Wobbly Pen Holder: The pen holder is a bit wobbly, so be careful not to bump it or you might knock your pen off.
• Less Portable: The tablet is on the small size but all the cables make it that the PD1161 isn’t the most portable option. It’s designed for a stationary workspace in my opinion.

Setting it up for left-handed use

Setting up the tablet for left-handed artists can be a little confusing based on some online reviews. But it wasn’t that hard to do after all:

1. In the GAOMON software, go to the “Work Area” tab and choose “180°” under “Rotate Settings.”
2. Right-click on your desktop and go to “Display Settings.” Make sure your computer recognizes both the tablet and your main monitor.
3. On the tablet, press the “Menu” button and use the arrows to navigate to “Display” and then “Disp Rotation.” Choose “180°” here.

Is GAOMON PD1161 Worth It?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic budget-friendly option for artists who want to upgrade to a display tablet. It’s comfortable to use, performs well, and comes with everything you need to get started. The bonus of having a second monitor makes it an even more attractive choice.

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Very comfortable to use
• Comes with everything you need
• Great budget and quality display tablet
• Can be used as a second monitor
• Flexible stand
• Anti-glare screen protector
• Easy to set up for left-handed users

Cons:

• Multiple cables
• No finger touchscreen
• Flimsy pen holder
• Not that portable

If you’re looking for a mid range tablet then PD1161 might be just it. I would say it’s great for artists on a budget who want a quality display tablet with a great drawing experience.

You can purchase GAOMON PD1161 via their official website, Amazon and probably lots of local vendors:

• GAOMON’s website
• Amazon