Electromagnetic Interference
Introduction
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) can occur between your tablet and other devices. These devices could include cell phones or keyboards. It doesn't even really have to be a device. Sometimes ordinary non-electronic objects have magnets inside them that can interfere with a tablet.
Effects of EMI
Jerky or stuttering pen position tracking
EMI can make the pen have jerky movements - making the pen unresponsive for a few tenths of a second and then the pointer will catch up.
Warped regions due to Magnets
Sometimes the EMI takes the form of a region that warps straight lines. Below is an example of such warping caused by a magnet. In this case, it was a magnet attached to a stand underneath the tablet. (See this reddit thread)
Skipped regions
EMI can also present as a region where the pen seems unable to make a mark. Notice that some warping is also present. In this case, the cause was that the tablet was resting on a laptop keyboard. Note that there is also some warping of the pen position. (See this reddit thread)
Tablets interfering with other devices
Sometimes it is the tablet that is interfering with another device.
Examples:
A wireless mouse might have trouble working near some tablets.
A tablet might interfere with your WiFi network connection
General weirdness
Weird things can happen. I have a keyboard that, when I unplug its USB-C cable, acts like a pen and controls the position of the pointer on one of my tablets.
Magnetized desk surface
There are computer desks that are made of metal and deliberately magnetized. These can interfere with your drawing tablet. See:
iPads and cases
Some iPad cases have magnets in them, and they can interfere with the proper functioning of an Apple Pencil.
/r/iPad - Some magnetic cases may interfere with the Apple Pencil Pro 2024-06-05
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