ADB graphics tablets
ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) graphics tablets were a class of digital drawing devices designed to connect to Apple Macintosh, Apple IIGS, and NeXT computers using Apple's proprietary serial bus, ADB. These tablets allowed users to input precise graphical data using a stylus or puck, serving as an…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 1986
- Category
- technology
- Problem solved
- ADB graphics tablets addressed the need for precise, pressure-sensitive graphical input on Apple computers, overcoming the limitations of mice for tasks like drawing, painting, and CAD. The ADB interface itself simplified peripheral connection by allowing multiple devices to be daisy-chained and hot-plugged to a single port, reducing cable clutter and the need for dedicated ports per device that older serial interfaces required.
- Platforms
- NeXT computers, Apple IIGS, Apple Macintosh (68k and early PowerPC models)
Related technologies
Notable users
- Illustrators
- CAD professionals
- Digital artists (primarily on Macintosh platforms)
- Desktop publishing professionals
- Animators
- Architects
- Graphic designers