Rugged Tablets For Procreate Review: Essential Guide

Rugged Tablets For Procreate: Essential Buying Guide

It’s possible to use rugged tablets for Procreate, but careful research is essential. Not all rugged tablets are optimized for demanding art apps like Procreate. This guide helps you choose rugged tablets that offer the performance and features artists need, ensuring your creative workflow is protected from the elements and falls.

Creating art on a tablet is a fantastic experience! You might be thinking about taking your digital canvas on the go, perhaps to the great outdoors or a busy worksite. Art apps like Procreate offer amazing creative freedom. But if your tablet needs to be tough enough for rough conditions, choosing wisely is key. It can feel a bit confusing to find a device that’s both durable and great for drawing. Don’t worry, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to pick out the perfect rugged tablet for your Procreate adventures.

Why Consider a Rugged Tablet for Procreate?

Normally, when we think of tablets for art, we picture sleek, lightweight devices meant for cozy studios or coffee shops. But what if your artistic inspiration strikes on a construction site, a mountaintop, or a busy factory floor? That’s where rugged tablets shine.

These devices are built differently. They have reinforced casings, tougher screens, and are designed to withstand drops, dust, water, and extreme temperatures. This means you don’t have to worry as much about accidental spills or bumps damaging your expensive gear. For artists who work in challenging environments, a rugged tablet isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s often a necessity.

However, the term “rugged” can make you wonder if performance is sacrificed for durability. Does a tough exterior mean a slower drawing experience? Can it actually run Procreate smoothly? These are valid questions. The goal is to find that sweet spot: a tablet that’s built like a tank but also performs like a lightweight champion when it comes to your digital art.

Durability for Demanding Environments

Rugged tablets are engineered with specific durability standards in mind, often meeting military specifications like MIL-STD-810G. This means they are:

• Drop-Resistant: Built to survive drops from significant heights onto hard surfaces.
• Water and Dustproof: Often rated to IP (Ingress Protection) standards, meaning they can handle submersion in water or withstand fine dust particles.
• Temperature Resistant: Designed to operate in a wider range of temperatures than standard consumer tablets.
• Vibration and Shockproof: Can handle the bumps and jolts of mobile work environments.

For artists who can’t afford to have their equipment damaged by the elements or accidents, this level of protection is invaluable. It allows for creative freedom in places where a regular tablet would be too risky to use.

Performance Needs for Procreate

Procreate is a powerful application that requires a capable processor, sufficient RAM, and good graphics performance to run smoothly, especially when dealing with larger canvases, many layers, or complex brushes. While rugged tablets prioritize durability, it’s crucial that they also offer enough processing power to handle these demands:

• Processor (CPU): Needs to be fast enough to handle the calculations for brush strokes and filters.
• RAM: More RAM (8GB or higher is ideal) allows for more layers and a smoother experience.
• Storage: Sufficient internal storage is needed for Procreate itself, your artwork files, and the operating system.
• Screen Quality: While rugged screens are tough, they also need to be responsive and offer good color accuracy for art.

The challenge lies in finding rugged tablets that don’t compromise too much on these performance aspects. We’ll explore what to look for to ensure your Procreate experience remains enjoyable and productive.

What to Look For in a Rugged Tablet for Procreate

When you’re on the hunt for a rugged tablet that can handle Procreate, you need to consider a few key features. It’s not just about how tough it is; it’s about whether it can actually run your favorite art app well. Let’s break down what matters most.

1. Operating System Matters

This is perhaps the biggest hurdle. Procreate is exclusively an iOS application, meaning it only runs on Apple iPads. This immediately narrows down your options significantly if Procreate is a non-negotiable requirement.

• iOS (iPadOS): If Procreate is your primary goal, the only way to run it natively is on an Apple iPad. Apple doesn’t produce “ruggedized” iPads in the same way Android and Windows manufacturers offer rugged devices. However, durable cases exist for iPads that can offer substantial protection.
• Windows/Android: Many rugged tablets run Windows or Android. While Procreate won’t run on these platforms, there are excellent alternative art apps for both. For Android, apps like Clip Studio Paint, Infinite Painter, and Krita are powerful. For Windows, you have applications like Corel Painter, Sketchbook, and Adobe Photoshop. If you own an iPad and want a secondary rugged device for sketching on the go, your focus might be on stylus compatibility and app performance for alternative art tools.

Important Note: Be wary of tablets marketed as “Procreate compatible” that run Android or Windows. They are referring to alternative art apps, not Procreate itself.

2. Performance Specs for Art

Even if you find a rugged tablet, it needs the muscle to run Procreate (or its alternatives) smoothly. Here’s what to pay attention to:

• Processor (CPU): Look for modern, powerful processors. For Android, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-series or Exynos equivalents are good. For Windows, Intel Core i5 or i7 processors would be suitable.
• RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. 16GB is even better, especially if you work with many layers or large files.
• Storage: Procreate can take up a fair bit of space, and your artwork will too. Look for at least 128GB of storage, and ideally 256GB or more. Ensure it’s fast storage (like UFS for Android or NVMe SSD for Windows).
• Display Technology:
  • Resolution: Higher resolution (Full HD or more) means sharper images.
  • Color Accuracy: Look for specs like sRGB coverage (aim for 90% or higher) or DCI-P3 coverage if color is critical.
  • Brightness: Higher nits (300-500+) are better for outdoor use.
  • Touchscreen Technology: Ensure it supports multi-touch and, critically, a stylus.

3. Stylus Support and Quality

Drawing with your finger is rarely ideal. A good stylus is essential for Procreate. For rugged tablets:

• Active Stylus Support: This is critical. Look for tablets that specifically mention support for active styli, such as Wacom AES, USI (Universal Stylus Initiative), or specific manufacturer pens.
• Palm Rejection: The tablet should ignore your palm resting on the screen while you draw with the stylus.
• Pressure Sensitivity: This allows for variation in line thickness based on how hard you press, crucial for expressive art. Look for at least 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, ideally more.
• Tilt and Rotation: Some advanced styli offer tilt and rotation support, which can mimic natural media like pencils and brushes.
• Wacom EMR: Some rugged devices use Wacom EMR technology, which is passive (doesn’t require charging) and is very reliable for drawing.

Check the manufacturer’s specifications carefully to see what stylus technologies are supported. Many rugged devices might support basic capacitive styli, but for serious art, an active stylus is a must.

4. Ruggedness Ratings and Build Quality

When a tablet is advertised as “rugged,” it should have clear specifications:

• IP Ratings: Look for IP65, IP67, or IP68. IP67 means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. IP68 is even better. The second digit indicates protection against dust.
• MIL-STD-810G/H: This is a US military standard that tests devices against a range of environmental stresses like drops, shocks, vibrations, temperature extremes, humidity, and more. Higher numbers (like MIL-STD-810H) indicate more recent testing criteria.
• Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass (and its different versions) or similar hardened glass is common. Some rugged tablets have raised bezels to protect the screen further when dropped face-down.
• Port Covers: Robust covers for charging ports, headphone jacks, and other openings are essential for water and dust resistance.

These ratings give you a quantifiable measure of how tough the device is.

5. Connectivity and Ports

Depending on your workflow, you might need specific ports:

• USB-C: Essential for fast charging and data transfer. Look for Thunderbolt 3 or 4 if available on Windows devices for maximum speed.
• MicroSD Card Slot: Useful for expanding storage if the internal storage isn’t enough.
• HDMI Out: For connecting to external monitors or projectors.
• Cellular Connectivity (4G/5G): If you need to work and connect from anywhere, look for models with built-in cellular options.

Rugged Tablet Options: The Reality for Procreate Users

Let’s be direct: Procreate is an iOS-only app. This means if you absolutely must use Procreate, your only tablet option is an Apple iPad. Apple doesn’t make “rugged” iPads. Instead, the solution for iPad users is to invest in a highly protective, rugged case designed for iPads.

Option 1: iPad with a Rugged Case (The Procreate Way)

This is the most straightforward path for Procreate users who need durability.

• Pros:
  • Guaranteed Procreate compatibility and performance.
  • Access to the entire Apple ecosystem and App Store.
  • Apple Pencil support is excellent, with pressure and tilt sensitivity.
  • Wide variety of rugged cases available.
• Cons:
  • Not “built-in” ruggedness; relies entirely on the case.
  • Can be bulky and heavy with a rugged case.
  • The initial cost of an iPad and a good rugged case can be high.

What to look for in rugged iPad cases:

• MIL-STD-810G/H certification.
• IP rating (though less common for cases than for the tablet itself).
• Built-in screen protector or ample bezel protection.
• Reinforced corners and impact-absorbing materials.
• Integrated stand or hand strap for usability.

Popular brands for rugged iPad cases include UAG (Urban Armor Gear), OtterBox, and Griffin Survivor. You can find models for various iPad sizes, from the iPad Mini to the full-sized iPad Pro.

Option 2: Rugged Android Tablets (for Procreate Alternatives)

If Procreate is not a strict requirement and you’re open to powerful alternative art apps, then rugged Android tablets become a viable option. These devices are built tough from the ground up.

Here are some generally respected rugged Android tablet manufacturers and what to consider. Note: Specific models change rapidly, so always check the latest releases and reviews.

Key Rugged Android Tablet Brands & Considerations:

• Panasonic Toughbook and Toughpad series: Often the benchmark for extreme ruggedness and business use. Expect top-tier durability but also higher prices and potentially less consumer-friendly specs for the cost. Focus on their tablet offerings.
• Getac: Another major player in the rugged computing space, offering a range of rugged tablets designed for demanding industries. Known for robust build quality and reliability.
• Zebra Technologies: Primarily focused on enterprise and industrial use, their rugged tablets are built for harsh environments and often come with advanced scanning capabilities, but might be overkill for pure art creation.
• Motion Computing: Though less common now, they have produced ruggedized Windows and Android tablets in the past.
• Consumer Brands with Rugged Lines: Some mainstream brands have entered the rugged market with more affordable, but still very durable, options. Examples might include specific models from Samsung (though they are less “military spec” rugged and more “drop resistant”), or lesser-known brands focusing exclusively on rugged devices.

Example Rugged Android Tablet Features (General):

When looking at specific rugged Android models, here’s what you might find:

Popular Procreate Alternatives for Android/Windows:

If you opt for a rugged Android or Windows tablet, you’ll need to consider alternative art applications:

• For Android:
  • Clip Studio Paint: A professional-grade app with powerful drawing and painting tools, very similar to desktop versions. Subscription-based.
  • Infinite Painter: A highly capable and popular option with a focus on natural brushes and performance. One-time purchase.
  • Krita: A free and open-source powerhouse for digital painting, with extensive brush customization.
  • Autodesk Sketchbook: A user-friendly and capable drawing app, now free.
• For Windows:
  • Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard for image editing and digital art, accessible via subscription (e.g., Creative Cloud).
  • Corel Painter: Known for its incredibly realistic natural media brushes. Perpetual license or subscription.
  • Autodesk Sketchbook: Also available and free on Windows.
  • Krita: Free and open-source, works great on Windows too.

The UI and stylus experience can vary significantly between these apps and Procreate, so it’s worth trying out free versions or trials if possible.

Option 3: Rugged Windows Tablets

Similar to Android, rugged Windows tablets offer robust durability and can run professional art software. These are often 2-in-1 devices or convertible laptops that have been built to military-grade standards.

• Pros:
  • Can run full desktop-class art applications (Photoshop, Painter, etc.).
  • Often have powerful processors and more RAM options than Android equivalents.
  • Wide range of stylus support, including active pens with high pressure sensitivity.
  • Built-in ruggedness without needing a separate case.
• Cons:
  • Windows UIs can be less touch-friendly than iPadOS or Android for pure drawing.

Walter Moore

Your tech guru in Sand City, CA, bringing you the latest insights and tips exclusively on mobile tablets. Dive into the world of sleek devices and stay ahead in the tablet game with my expert guidance. Your go-to source for all things tablet-related – let’s elevate your tech experience!