Motion Computing LE1700: A Portable, Affordable Drawing Tablet

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Since I started using Manga Studio 5, I considered investing in a drawing tablet. By drawing tablet, I mean one with a screen I can draw on, not a regular tablet, like my old Wacom Intuos 3.

Note: this post originally appeared on my other website, Clattertron.

My Intous 3 works fine, for the most part, but it means drawing the ‘separate my hand and my eye’ thing–it is basically a step up from a mouse. Handy, but not great.

Cost is the main hurdle for me, as most screen drawing tablets are pricey, nearly the cost of a new computer, or more.

I researched and test drove three different models and my choice is down to one of the three: a Motion Computing LE1700, a Wacom Cintiq, or a Microsoft Surface Pro 3.

Today’s post is about the Motion Computing LE1700, with the Wacom Cintiq and the Surface Pro 3 each getting their own posts to come (Wednesday and Thursday).

Now, I don’t need a new drawing tablet, but if I really want to get my money’s worth out of Manga Studio 5 (and other drawing programs), it would be a good investment. I keep reminding myself, “Not having a screen drawing tablet won’t stop me from doing what I have done for the past couple years.”

However, if a new drawing tablet allows me to work faster and more efficiently, it is at least worth exploring.

Motion Computing LE1700: A Portable and Affordable Drawing Tablet

A few of my Lansing area comic pals use this the Motion Computing LE1700 and sing its praises. The interesting thing about the Motion Computing LE1700 is, it wasn’t built for artists. The device itself is a few years old and isn’t made any longer (at least not this specific model). The LE1700 tablet started out for industrial use, and someone later figured out its screen was excellent for drawing.

Comic pal Jason Strutz let me take his Motion LE1700 for a spin.

Motion Computing LE1700 Stats:

• Cost: Around $200 to $400, depending on the options.

• Weight: about 3 lbs.

• Screen size: 12.1”.

• Screen Resolution: 1400×1050.

• Processor: Varies on the model, but around 1.2 to 1.5 ghz.
• RAM: Varies, but Manga Studio 5 needs at least 2 GB of RAM.

Motion Computing LE1700 Pros:

• Cost. Very affordable compared to other drawing tablets. About a third or half of the price.

• Portable. The LE1700 is a self-contained computer, not an external monitor.

• Good stylus response. I tried one myself. Sketching and lettering felt great. There was some lag when trying use ‘natural media’ brushes (like watercolors) on large images however.

• Compact.

• Can run Manga Studio. I tried out Manga Studio on a friend’s LE 1700.

• Models with a Solid State Drive (SSD) are available (but might cost more)

• Wi-fi capable.

• Attachable keyboard (which I have heard is so-so).

Motion Computing  LE1700 Cons:

• Can only buy used models via eBay (or someplace similar). New units are no longer available. You get what you get.

• Old technology (I heard these machines are 5 to 6 years old).

• Extra and new batteries can be difficult to find (can still run on a power adapter though) and pricey.

• Would have to install Windows 7 or 8 (some ship with it installed, however).

• Would have to install Manga Studio 5, which might mean buying another copy (probably not though).

• Might need more upgrades after purchase (RAM, etc), which could cut into its affordability.

• No CD drive, which makes software installations from a disk a challenge.

The biggest perks of the Motion LE1700: the cost and portability.

These days, portable is good. I often like to work away from home, because it forces me to focus (my cats and PlayStation 3 can’t come with me to the local coffee place. Sadly).

The cost is very alluring, about a third of a Wacom Cintiq or a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. My main concerns are the age of the machine, buying a used machine, having to rely on Windows,¹ not being able to use my already purchased software.

Does the low-cost and portability of the Motion Computing LE1700 out-weigh these concerns? Maybe.

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¹ Yes, I use a Mac. I don’t consider the Mac OS ‘better’ than Windows. Simplicity is the winner there. I realize if I go the tablet computer route, I gotta use Windows. Oh well.