Tools for Mathematicians: Handwriting in a Computer

Hello mathematicians, puzzlers, and other curious people!

If you\’re trying to use a non-touchscreen device for math (or some other things) you might have gotten frustrated by trying to write with the mouse. Some programs do mathematical notation from your keyboard, but they slow you down, so if you can you\’d like to handwrite in your computer while you\’re learning math from home.

As we mathematicians say, \”a solution exists!\” For those who don\’t already know, they\’re called graphics tablets, because they were invented for drawing and graphic design.

I use the previous version of this graphics tablet (about 8\”x10\” drawing area and about $50 as of September 9). Someday when it wears out, I\’ll consider whatever version they\’re up to, because it\’s done what I need from it. The same manufacturer has smaller ones at lower price points such as this one (about 6\”x4\” and about $40) and this one (about 4\”x2\” and about $24). There are other manufacturers, of course — I don\’t know which of them make reasonably good products (except I\’ve heard good things about Wacom if they\’re in your price range), but if there\’s one you\’ve gotten good results from, tell each other about them in the comments section.

Personally, I wouldn\’t recommend the smallest one above, or any other with a smaller writing area than a notecard (3\”x5\”), unless you really need it to be pocket-size level portable. The usual way external graphics tablets interact with a desktop or laptop computer is by mapping points proportionately between the tablet and the computer\’s screen; then, pressing down the stylus is equivalent to clicking the mouse at that point. So, if your screen is several times larger than your tablet, your handwriting will turn out very big on the screen.

Another point against buying a very small graphics tablet if you already have a smartphone is that your phone\’s screen may be about the same size or larger, and there are apps for using your phone as a graphics tablet. I haven\’t needed to do this, but I\’d be happy to hear what\’s worked for you.

You can also find older used ones on eBay and other resale sites. To protect yourself from buying a broken one, make sure the seller says it\’s working and has a money-back return guarantee. Older graphics tablets might have lower resolution or fewer pressure sensitivity levels — if you\’ll use the same device for art and graphic design purposes you might notice the difference, but for simple purposes such as sharing whiteboards like in Zoom or AWWApp and taking notes in programs like Stylus Labs Write, you won\’t have any trouble from those sorts of things.

As always, before you buy anything, to plug into a computer, double check that it\’s compatible, and keep in mind how you plan to use it.

Calc You Later!