A pen tablet, also known as graphics tablet is a computer gadget, which allows users to draw graphics and images using their hands, much like of drawing in a sketch pad with the use of pencil. Also, with the use of a pen pad and a stylus you will be able to save your handwritten signatures on your computer.
East Asian countries use pen tablets in combination with IME’s with the purpose of writing Korean, Chinese and Japanese characters. This is much better than using a computer keyboard or mouse because it provides a more natural look on the characters. It has been proven that pen tablets provide reinforcement from human body disorders like RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury because a PC mouse is likely be very tiresome on the wrist, while using a pen and tablet require the motion of the whole arm and it is more natural which makes it comfortable to use.
Due to the capability to identify most of the tilt, pressure and other aspects and their stylus-based interface, pen tablets can make you create more detailed 2D graphics.
Pen tablets are also useful for design engineers, CAD drafters, and architects. They can put a piece of paper above the pen tablet, but still be able to use all its functions.
Compared with the standard computer mouse, pen tablets are more instinctive because the location of the pen matches to the position of the pointer of the Graphical User Interface that is shown in the PC monitor.
It is true that pen tablets are great for creating graphics, because it makes you feel like you are drawing naturally, which makes it more enjoyable to use than the ordinary mouse for PC.