I purchased the Astropad darkboard for my M2 chip ipad pro. It took a while to be shipped but now that I have used it for a while, I love it! I grab it and find my favorite chair and away I go, drawing and loving the way I can find any orthopedic position that I want. I also purchased the Astropad folding stand and the magnetic screen saver, although I haven't used those yet. I wanted to thank you for ALL of your videos because you help me artistically, emotionally, and my orthopedic problems are better because of your advice on products and your experience with all of these things. Thank you so much!
Glad to see a video without AI in the title. That’s my entire feed right now. This accessory feels like something for those of us who get that itch where we want to keep drawing but the act of touching our iPad in the exact same way is sensory overload. I could see myself using it for that reason- just like I have a standing desk, standard desk and bed/chill workstation. You never know what the vibe will be that day. I think the key to ergonomics for me is to switch workstations pretty frequently so you don’t overwork the same muscle group. Thanks Art Dad.
I'm usually locked into one position whenever I'm drawing for hours on my iPad. I like how this encourages you to move even with the stand. (i'm also tired of my ipad constantly falling off the stand I currently use)
How does this compare to the Sketchboard Pro? I already have one of those and this looks like it fills a very similar function. I'd be lying if I said I used the sketchboard as much as I should, so if this is an improvement then it might be worth investing in, but if they're pretty similar in terms of feel and function then it'll just end up not getting used. For me personally, I wasn't happy with the height of the sketchboard, I found that regardless of the angle of the screen I ended up hunching over it and craning my neck down. I combined it with (I think?) the laptop stand you briefly held up in this video for some added height but then the makeshift contraption as a whole ends up quite unstable and becomes a pain to set up and put away - hence why it doesn't get used as much as it should.
The neck pain is exactly why I'm looking for a good solution for the iPad drawing. I have Sketchbook Pro and I was pretty happy with the setup if I would draw for a couple hours. But when I'm drawing the whole day I hurt my neck because I have to hunch over the desk. The tilt of the surface is not enough. Adam, did you pain on the iPad for a long consecutive hours in this setup? And what digital artist setup you think is the most ergonomic?
With your M2 IPad Pro experience, is the 8gb or 16gb ram necessary for digital painting and art creation? I’ll be using Procreate, Artstudio, and Nomad. If I can save some money and use the 8gb, then that would be preferred, but from your experience if a 16gb is substantially better, I’ll consider. Thanks in advance!
Guessing you’ve made your decision already but I only use procreate and I have the M1.I’ve never had an issue with a lack of layers. My old iPad Pro, the ten inch would run into layer limits at very high resolutions but even that wasn’t debilitating.
Damn, I thought it would be a nice alternative for Sketchboard Pro, but it's just another piece of plastic with no adjustable legs/stand for over 100 bucks 😢
Been shopping around for something like this, this one does seem better than the sketchboard pro, if only it had upgrae-dablitiy though like the sketchboard pro
Do you not but your Ipad in a case? Idk a lot of Ipad accessories seem impractical to me because they would mean I'd have to take it out of the case all the time, and honestly, I'm really anxious I'll drop this huge but fragile investment everytime I do that.
My thoughts exactly! I will be getting my 1600$ iPad pro a mouse case and I wish a stand company partnered with them to make a stand that fits an iPad with that super protective case!
Have you tried the case made by ZUGU for portable drawing stand? I've tried many stands and cases over the years, and it's the one I still choose to use. It is a bit expensive for a case, but you get what you pay for in quality This board looks amazing, but the price point doesn't seem right to me
hmm this board is not so new, in fact a company called Sketchboard Pro made it before Astropad. I like this idea and like that companies are making actual valuable accessories, but.. I kinda don't like Astropad to take on this idea from Sketchboard Pro, and not really bringing something new to the table. more so.. Astropad made a whole blog post comparing the two boards, so I take it as a bit low tactic to advertise their own board. I'm not against or for any of these companies - it is a great product and I love to see it in production and in use, its just that these boards for iPad were a big passion project of mine I did back in about 2017 - with my iPad Pro 9.7 2016, building it up with cardboard in my home, at the time - thought how cool might it be to have Just A Little more space to rest my hand on a surface while I paint, and so I can make more out of the 9.7 display without making the canvas smaller. I do have more improvements for these boards, I never stopped thinking of improving them, but at this point - I keep them to myself and just make myown, or 3D Print them in some point. thank you for this video Adam, always a joy to hear and watch :)
@@loveArtnotFood why 3d print it? when I can make if with lightweight woods, cardboard or other light and durable materials? but my main point is that Astropad copied the idea without making it better - from Sketchboard Pro a bit shame but hey - as long as everybody gets paid, its cool I guess
Hello :) Thank you for your review, Adam and your other videos. Love them 🍀 I am looking for something like the darkboard for a longer time now and I‘ve got a question.. Is the ipad overheating in the darkboard? I can’t find first hand information about that and I am not sure if I should spend 150 bucks (price in Europe) for the darkboard when my ipad will be heating up after a few minutes or an hour when I am painting. That’s the problem with my current case for the ipad. When I am not using it my iPad doesn’t get warm so it’s not my ipad or the settings (but I am sooo afraid of accidentaly dropping it that I left it in the case most of the times … but it‘s heating up it’s uncomfortable and I just don‘t like the experience .. 😅). Hope someone could help 🍀
add 100 more $ to that price point and you'll be ok... on that note if you live in EU you need to pay 70$ shipping + VAT which will take the product upwards of 200E on EU ground. If they actually sell their products they should get an EU localized company for people to pay maximum of 130$ pad+shipping... cause this is insane. For that price point I'll order 10 thick foam boards and carve them myself and I will still be left with like 100E in my pocket.
@@schism5797 actually i've literally made one for myself like a month ago. Took a box i had just laying around, bought some glue, cut the box and layered cardboard after a bit of cutting, and now i have this product basically for free.
@@katethegoat7507 I actually checked the price for the "premium" EVA foam they mention I can get 9 times the size of their board for 30$( need to get a razor sharp kitchen knife for another 10$ to cut the boards so that I can hold them with holder and holes), then the glue another 5$ plus a plastic tray that can hold the Ipad in, so that it doesn't stay on the foam another 15-20$ Total = 65$ and 5h maybe wasted to cut the boards and stick everything together + the time I went to the shops. I can make the stand from cardboard, the same mobility like in the video I just have to tape it properly... with all of that I stil don't get to 100$ let alone 120$ + Shipping and VAT if you are in EU. The only way I'm spending money on something like this is if its 50-70E with free shipping in the EU, otherwise I don't see how this is worth(maybe the bag). To anyone that bought one, I am not criticizing you, I criticize the company.
😂😂😂That is a p1$$ take £100+ for that!!?. I’m gonna make my own it’s essentially a kids swimming float board that I can buy for £5, that comes with a nifty bag too 😂 I don’t mind paying out for some stuff but that’s a joke!
I don't even draw, why am I watching this? Ah yes, I enjoy listening to you and I really respect you as an artist and a role model. Thank you
Well that’s a very nice thing to say, thank you :)
I purchased the Astropad darkboard for my M2 chip ipad pro. It took a while to be shipped but now that I have used it for a while, I love it! I grab it and find my favorite chair and away I go, drawing and loving the way I can find any orthopedic position that I want. I also purchased the Astropad folding stand and the magnetic screen saver, although I haven't used those yet. I wanted to thank you for ALL of your videos because you help me artistically, emotionally, and my orthopedic problems are better because of your advice on products and your experience with all of these things. Thank you so much!
My main takeaway from this video: Brilliant!
Glad to see a video without AI in the title. That’s my entire feed right now.
This accessory feels like something for those of us who get that itch where we want to keep drawing but the act of touching our iPad in the exact same way is sensory overload. I could see myself using it for that reason- just like I have a standing desk, standard desk and bed/chill workstation. You never know what the vibe will be that day. I think the key to ergonomics for me is to switch workstations pretty frequently so you don’t overwork the same muscle group.
Thanks Art Dad.
I'm usually locked into one position whenever I'm drawing for hours on my iPad. I like how this encourages you to move even with the stand. (i'm also tired of my ipad constantly falling off the stand I currently use)
I am SOOOO happy they decided to start shipping internationally for the Darkboard and stand, mine shipped yesterday!
Good to keep in mind for the In the future upgrades
We’re 4 minutes in and I am sold. 😂
7m14s Not only can you use the stand, but you can also *not* use it, it's so versatile! 😄 Genius!
Thanks for this. Ordering mine right now 🤟
Ooh I've been looking for something like this! Just ordered one!
I’m still caught up with the Kensington studiodock you showcased a while ago, I bought one and it’s fkn great
Do you have to take the case off to use that stand?
@@loveArtnotFood yea. But I have one of the magnetically locking foldable keyboard cases, so I just pop the iPad off it and into the studiodock.
Looks great. Wish they made one for the Samsung S9 Ultra.
Nice! I might get one. Any drawing/paintings app you have discovered to your liking since using the iPad Pro more?
My personal favourites are ArtStudio Pro and Infinite Painter
Thank you very much! I have no Idea about this brand, this helps a lot! My arm give you many many thanks 😀👌🏻✌🏻👍🏻✨✨✨ Hi from Chile 🇨🇱✌🏻
Hahaha great review. Even better character accent
How does this compare to the Sketchboard Pro? I already have one of those and this looks like it fills a very similar function. I'd be lying if I said I used the sketchboard as much as I should, so if this is an improvement then it might be worth investing in, but if they're pretty similar in terms of feel and function then it'll just end up not getting used.
For me personally, I wasn't happy with the height of the sketchboard, I found that regardless of the angle of the screen I ended up hunching over it and craning my neck down. I combined it with (I think?) the laptop stand you briefly held up in this video for some added height but then the makeshift contraption as a whole ends up quite unstable and becomes a pain to set up and put away - hence why it doesn't get used as much as it should.
The neck pain is exactly why I'm looking for a good solution for the iPad drawing. I have Sketchbook Pro and I was pretty happy with the setup if I would draw for a couple hours. But when I'm drawing the whole day I hurt my neck because I have to hunch over the desk. The tilt of the surface is not enough.
Adam, did you pain on the iPad for a long consecutive hours in this setup? And what digital artist setup you think is the most ergonomic?
With your M2 IPad Pro experience, is the 8gb or 16gb ram necessary for digital painting and art creation? I’ll be using Procreate, Artstudio, and Nomad. If I can save some money and use the 8gb, then that would be preferred, but from your experience if a 16gb is substantially better, I’ll consider. Thanks in advance!
Guessing you’ve made your decision already but I only use procreate and I have the M1.I’ve never had an issue with a lack of layers. My old iPad Pro, the ten inch would run into layer limits at very high resolutions but even that wasn’t debilitating.
What is that black table mat or cover that is in your table.
Damn, I thought it would be a nice alternative for Sketchboard Pro, but it's just another piece of plastic with no adjustable legs/stand for over 100 bucks 😢
my thoughts as well :)
I wouldn't hesitate if it had adjustable heights. I would like to use it for sitting on the couch, though. Still on the fence.
Where are your the artbook reviews? 😭
Artbook reviews?
Funny you should ask - I updated my studio setup so I could start doing them again
@@AdamDuffArt 😍
@@AdamDuffArt Your studio is amazing, btw. Love your taste.
Been shopping around for something like this, this one does seem better than the sketchboard pro, if only it had upgrae-dablitiy though like the sketchboard pro
Surprise there was no mention of the price at all.
So happy i found this, iPads destroy your neck lol - cant wait to get this
I’m going on a cruise Does it float? Can it fit two people on it?
You uhh. You certainly look like someone this would appeal to. Another one was born.
Do you not but your Ipad in a case?
Idk a lot of Ipad accessories seem impractical to me because they would mean I'd have to take it out of the case all the time, and honestly, I'm really anxious I'll drop this huge but fragile investment everytime I do that.
My thoughts exactly! I will be getting my 1600$ iPad pro a mouse case and I wish a stand company partnered with them to make a stand that fits an iPad with that super protective case!
What is the price for both of them?
Have you tried the case made by ZUGU for portable drawing stand? I've tried many stands and cases over the years, and it's the one I still choose to use. It is a bit expensive for a case, but you get what you pay for in quality
This board looks amazing, but the price point doesn't seem right to me
Looks like they don’t have one for iPad Pro 13 inch just 11 inch
hmm this board is not so new, in fact a company called Sketchboard Pro made it before Astropad.
I like this idea and like that companies are making actual valuable accessories, but..
I kinda don't like Astropad to take on this idea from Sketchboard Pro, and not really bringing something new to the table.
more so.. Astropad made a whole blog post comparing the two boards, so I take it as a bit low tactic to advertise their own board.
I'm not against or for any of these companies - it is a great product and I love to see it in production and in use,
its just that these boards for iPad were a big passion project of mine I did back in about 2017 - with my iPad Pro 9.7 2016, building it up with cardboard in my home, at the time - thought how cool might it be to have Just A Little more space to rest my hand on a surface while I paint, and so I can make more out of the 9.7 display without making the canvas smaller.
I do have more improvements for these boards, I never stopped thinking of improving them, but at this point - I keep them to myself and just make myown, or 3D Print them in some point.
thank you for this video Adam, always a joy to hear and watch :)
If you can 3d print one that fits an iPad pro 12.9 with a mouse case on with adjustability and everything else I'll pay anything for it!
@@loveArtnotFood why 3d print it? when I can make if with lightweight woods, cardboard or other light and durable materials?
but my main point is that Astropad copied the idea without making it better - from Sketchboard Pro
a bit shame but hey - as long as everybody gets paid, its cool I guess
Hello :)
Thank you for your review, Adam and your other videos. Love them 🍀
I am looking for something like the darkboard for a longer time now and I‘ve got a question..
Is the ipad overheating in the darkboard? I can’t find first hand information about that and I am not sure if I should spend 150 bucks (price in Europe) for the darkboard when my ipad will be heating up after a few minutes or an hour when I am painting.
That’s the problem with my current case for the ipad. When I am not using it my iPad doesn’t get warm so it’s not my ipad or the settings (but I am sooo afraid of accidentaly dropping it that I left it in the case most of the times … but it‘s heating up it’s uncomfortable and I just don‘t like the experience .. 😅).
Hope someone could help 🍀
That board looks like a fairly simple design, I hope it doesn't cost more than like, $20
oh boy... 😂😢
add 100 more $ to that price point and you'll be ok... on that note if you live in EU you need to pay 70$ shipping + VAT which will take the product upwards of 200E on EU ground. If they actually sell their products they should get an EU localized company for people to pay maximum of 130$ pad+shipping... cause this is insane.
For that price point I'll order 10 thick foam boards and carve them myself and I will still be left with like 100E in my pocket.
@@schism5797 actually i've literally made one for myself like a month ago. Took a box i had just laying around, bought some glue, cut the box and layered cardboard after a bit of cutting, and now i have this product basically for free.
@@katethegoat7507 I actually checked the price for the "premium" EVA foam they mention I can get 9 times the size of their board for 30$( need to get a razor sharp kitchen knife for another 10$ to cut the boards so that I can hold them with holder and holes), then the glue another 5$ plus a plastic tray that can hold the Ipad in, so that it doesn't stay on the foam another 15-20$ Total = 65$ and 5h maybe wasted to cut the boards and stick everything together + the time I went to the shops. I can make the stand from cardboard, the same mobility like in the video I just have to tape it properly... with all of that I stil don't get to 100$ let alone 120$ + Shipping and VAT if you are in EU.
The only way I'm spending money on something like this is if its 50-70E with free shipping in the EU, otherwise I don't see how this is worth(maybe the bag).
To anyone that bought one, I am not criticizing you, I criticize the company.
So now they sold packing foam as a product... ok, ok... I see, I see...
THE PRICE IS INSANE.
This looks like a posture hazard.
If you slouch over it, yes :)
let me guess, my 11 Pro is probably too small 😂
😂😂😂That is a p1$$ take £100+ for that!!?.
I’m gonna make my own it’s essentially a kids swimming float board that I can buy for £5, that comes with a nifty bag too 😂 I don’t mind paying out for some stuff but that’s a joke!
hahahaha 120 dollars, hahaha