# Alternatives to pen computers

## Overview

Instead of pen computers, I recommend looking at other kinds of standalone devices: **pen-enabled mobile devices** or **pen-enabled laptops**.

* To understand why I don't recommend pen computers: [The case against pen computers](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/buying/pen-computers-bad)

## **ALTERNATIVE #1: Pen-enabled mobile devices**

* Apple iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil
* Samsung Galaxy Tab S series tablets that use the Samsung S Pen

## **ALTERNATIVE #2: Pen-enabled laptops**

* Microsoft Surface Pro
* Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro

More here: [Standalone drawing tablet recommendations](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/buying/broken-reference)

## ALTERNATIVE #3: Laptops/Mini PCs + pen display

Another option is to use a standard drawing tablet connected to a small mini PC or laptop. This lets you draw in different locations, though dealing with the extra cabling can be cumbersome.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/buying/pen-computer-alternatives.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
