> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/general/total-cost-of-ownership-tco.md). # Total cost of ownership (TCO) ## Overview The cost of the drawing tablet is often the only cost people consider. However, that is only the most obvious cost, and I suggest everyone get familiar with all the other costs. The sum of all these other costs is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). All costs below are rough estimates. ## Tablets Costs of tablets vary significantly based on brand, audience (pro vs non-pro), quality, size, etc. * Pen tablets - from about $50 to $250 * Pen displays - $250 to $3500 * Pen computers - $2500 to $3500 * Mobile computers with pen support - $250 to $1200 ## Cables * New tablets usually come with the cables they need. However, you may need to purchase cables if you bought your tablet used, lose your cables, or damage your cables. * Pen tablet cabling - costs not much to replace. $5 to $10 * Pen display cabling - these cabling options are more complex because they have to account for a decent amount of power and bandwidth for the display signal. $30 to $50. ## Drawing gloves These are useful when you want to prevent skin oil from collecting on your tablet. They are also very useful if your tablet supports touch because they can help with palm rejection. $5 to $10 per glove. ## Pens Pens are a big contributor to TCO. Even though pens come with a tablet, you still have to consider their cost. Pens are very easily lost and damaged. Replacement costs vary significantly. At the high end, Wacom's professional pens cost more than some tablets. $30 to $140. ## Stands These are popular for keeping tablets, usually pen displays, at an angle. $30 to $100. ## Monitor arms Instead of a stand, some people prefer keeping their pen displays on a monitor arm so that they can switch between using them like a monitor and using them like a tablet. $50 to $400. ## Surface protectors TBD ## Carrying cases $50 to $200 ## Cleaning solution for pen displays $1 per 30ml ## Nibs $1/nib to $3/nib. $1 is the typical cost. Wacom nibs for their professional pens can cost $3. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## 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, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/guides/general/total-cost-of-ownership-tco.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. 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.