GAOMON PD2200 Review: A Comprehensive Look at This 21.5-Inch Drawing Tablet

Today, we dive into the world of digital art with a detailed review of the GAOMON PD2200, a 21.5-inch pen display tablet. In this article, we will examine its specifications, performance on Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04, and user experience while drawing with Krita software. Whether you are a professional artist or an aspiring creator, this review will help you understand if the GAOMON PD2200 is the right tool for you.

Overview of the GAOMON PD2200​

The GAOMON PD2200 combines a sizable 21.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, making it an attractive option for artists seeking a spacious canvas. This tablet supports the GAOMON AP32 stylus, which is renowned for its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Drawing, sketching, and painting become intuitive and efficient, resembling traditional pen and paper usage while allowing for fantastic digital flexibility.

Specifications​

Before delving deeper, let’s look at the key specifications of the GAOMON PD2200:

• Panel: 21.5-inch IPS display
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (16:9 FHD)
• Brightness: 220 cd/m²
• Viewing Angle: 89°/89° (H) / 89°/89° (V) (Typ.)
• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
• Response Time: 14 ms
• Gamut Volume: 92% NTSC
• Color Depth: 16.7 million colors (8-bit)
• Active Area: 476.64 x 268.11 mm
• Pressure Levels: 8192
• Tilt Recognition: ±60°
• Connectivity: USB Type-A (for touchscreen), HDMI input, DC jack for power
• Weight: 3.66 kg This tablet is compatible with a range of operating systems, including Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.12 and later, and various Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu.
  

  Unboxing the GAOMON PD2200​

  When you receive the GAOMON PD2200, it comes in a robust packaging that reflects its professional nature. The exterior features the model name prominently, alongside key specifications such as the battery-free stylus and Full HD definition. Upon opening the box, you will find:
• The GAOMON PD2200 pen display
• AP32 pressure-sensitive stylus
• Pen holder
• Screen protection glove
• HDMI cable
• USB-A cable
• Power adapter
• Quick Start Guide with driver download details The tablet is mounted on an adjustable stand that allows users to find the optimal viewing angle, ranging from 15 to 85 degrees.

  Setting Up the GAOMON PD2200​

  Connection Process​

  Setting up the GAOMON PD2200 is straightforward:
  1. Connect the tablet to your host computer using the provided HDMI and USB cables.
  2. Connect the power adapter.
  3. Power on the display by pressing the power button.

     Driver Installation​

     While the tablet may work out of the box as a standard HDMI monitor, to take full advantage of its features—including pressure sensitivity—you must install the appropriate drivers. This is a crucial step for both Windows and Linux users. For Windows 11, you should download and install the GAOMON PD2200 driver. The process includes:
  4. Uninstalling any conflicting drivers.
  5. Closing all graphics software and antivirus temporarily.
  6. Running the driver installation software. Once installed, you can configure the tablet and stylus through the GAOMON Tablet program to customize shortcuts and sensitivity settings.

     Performance on Windows 11​

     Initial Impressions​

     Upon connecting the PD2200 to a Windows 11 system, the tablet operates seamlessly. The stylus allows for straightforward mouse navigation, enabling users to click, scroll, and interact with applications like they would on a traditional tablet. To test the pressure sensitivity, I used Microsoft Paint. Initially, pressure detection did not function correctly, resulting in uniform line thickness. This issue highlighted the necessity of installing the GAOMON driver for optimal performance.

     Express Key Configuration​

     One of the standout features of the PD2200 is its eight programmable touch buttons. Here, you can set keyboard shortcuts or touch functions, making it easier to navigate workflows. I configured a few keys to perform common tasks, such as undoing actions or quick access to frequently used tools.

     Pressure Sensitivity and Calibration​

     The ability to fine-tune pressure sensitivity is crucial for digital drawing. The GAOMON Tablet program allowed for drag-and-drop adjustments on the pressure curve, providing a responsive drawing experience.

     Drawings in Krita​

     To fully exploit the capabilities of the GAOMON tablet, I turned to Krita, an open-source software favored by digital artists. The AP32 stylus’s sensitivity shines through here, allowing for nuanced strokes and varying thickness depending on pressure applied.
     
     Krita not only recognizes the pressure sensitivity but also handles tilt functions remarkably well, offering a truly immersive drawing experience. My sketches benefited immensely from these features, making it an ideal combination of hardware and software for illustrators.

     Performance on Ubuntu 24.04​

     Getting Started​

     Switching to Ubuntu 24.04 provided a new perspective on usability. After connecting the tablet and installing the appropriate driver package for Linux, basic features like display output and stylus functionality were automatically detected.

     Driver Installation​

     The installation process involved downloading the GAOMON driver as a .deb package, running it, and rebooting for changes to take effect. Following this, the tablet enjoyed similar functionality to what was initially experienced on Windows.

     Drawing with Krita on Linux​

     Much like in Windows, drawing in Krita on Ubuntu showcased the PD2200's responsive drawing; however, some features—specifically those associated with configuration—were presented differently in the Linux version of the driver application. Despite minor differences in interface, the drawing performance matched that on the Windows system, confirming compatibility and effectiveness across platforms.

     Conclusion​

     The GAOMON PD2200 proves to be a robust and versatile drawing tablet for anyone serious about digital art. With impressive specifications, comfortable usability, and excellent software support on both Windows and Linux, it caters well to artists and graphic designers alike.

     Pros:​

  []Large, high-quality display []Exceptional pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition []Strong software compatibility, including Krita and other major art applications []Programmable express keys enhance workflow efficiency []Adjustable stand for ergonomic use

  Cons:​

  []Initial driver installation is necessary for full functionality
• Limited display calibration options on Linux compared to Windows For those looking to invest in a drawing tablet, the GAOMON PD2200, priced around $399, emerges as a strong contender that will not disappoint. In summary, whether you are sketching elaborate illustrations or executing detailed illustrations, the GAOMON PD2200 enhances the creative process and serves as a valuable tool in the digital dominion of art. Source: CNX Software GAOMON PD2200 pen display review – A 21.5-inch drawing tablet tested with Windows 11, Ubuntu 24.04, Krita software