What size graphic tablet do you use...4x5, 6x8, 9x12 other. Or do you use a mouse instead?

I use a mouse, not because I wouldn't like to have a tablet, but because I've spent my limit for quite a while. :( So I'll have to keep digging through my neighbor's garbage, hoping he'll throw one away. :D

Ed

4"x5"
I have tried larger but actually prefer the 4x5. I have mine set up to behave like a mouse, which seems to work better for me than the default settings.

I could not live without it!:)

I should add that I still use a mouse for non photoshop work.

^^^Ditto

4x5 works best for me. As I said in another thread, the larger tablets makes my arm tired after a few hours.

Outside of Photoshop, I often use a multi-button scroll mouse.

I was fortunate in getting mine as a combined family present for Christmas so instead of the Graphire I was going to buy, I got the 6 x 8 Wacom Intous tablet. I love it. From what everyone says, the tablets they got are the perfect size so I think I would have been happy with the smaller on and I don't feel the need for the largest one so I think it's all in what you get used to working with. I do love the pen and tablet and believe anyone serious about digital graphics should get one. I still use my mouse for most everything else though.
DJ

I use a 6x8. Had a 4x5 but seem to run out of room often.

Bob

Thanks for all the information. I currently just have a mouse and drawing with it can be quite the pain. I have finally decided to invest in a Wacom tablet. From reading all these threads, I think I will go with the 6 X 8. THANKS for the help!

-T

T
Don't leave us hanging when you get your new toy. :)
DJ

I Love my Wacom 6x8:D

I have a Graphire tablet that I had forgotten about. It was stuck away in a drawer until I read this thread.

I have damage to my right shoulder, so trained myself to use the mouse/tablet with my left hand and got pretty good with it.

Then I got a new iMac which came with an Apple Pro mouse and I found it so comfortable to use and so accurate, I was not missing the precision of the tablet at all even for fine PhotoShop work.

However now that you've reminded me, I dug out the tablet and have been giving my right arm a rest. Strange that even though I'm right-handed, I find it really awkward to use the tablet with my right hand.

Thanks for all the good info,

Margaret

I love my 9x12 Wacom Intous!!!

Couldn't be without it.

Whatever size you get, practice, practice, practice!!
Once you get the hang of it, you will wonder what you ever did without it!!

Paul Rupp :wavey:

I'm sitting here with a borrowed Graphire tablet and I want one!! It's not fair he won it in a competition and desn't even use it, so he lent it to me to see what I thought of it. I'm reluctant to give it back but I must. :( There my sulking tantrum is over. :)

Oh Sanda that was a big mistake. :D Never try out a free toy if you're not prepared to buy one. That's why they hand out free demos all the time. You could always say you want to give it a thorough testing so you can really make a proper assesment and that will probably take about a year or so. You know there are so many factors to study for a really informed opinion and it really takes time, alot of time. :D Think they will buy that story? Heck they aren't even using it. Have you considered a rent to buy contract? For a very small monthly fee equal to $1 US you can own it in about 2 to 3 years? Hey, I'm coming up with some good ideas here. Work with me. :D
DJ

Sanda, you may want to look at the Genius WizardPen (http://www.geniusnet.com.tw/product/tablet/wizardpen.htm). They're a good deal cheaper than the Wacoms. I've had the older WizardPad (256 pressure levels) for about 5 years and can't do without it for fine/pressure sensitive work.

Although I am dying to have a tablet, alas, I am still "drawing with a bar of soap"

(read that on a newsgroup once and it seemed appropriate)

I've decided to take a leave from work and try to concentrate on building my own business, so new toys just aren't in the budget right now...

Hi Folks

Here is a really newbie question..

Just what are the advantages of using a tablet in photoshop.

I know you use it for painting instead of the mouse but there must be a lot more to it than that.. Do you use it for selections and what are the advantages..

Hope this isnt too simple..

Thanks
Jerry :D

Simply put, it gives you much more control especially with small detail work.
Yes, I use it for selections also. Just about every thing in Photohop, I do with the pen except for the type tool of course.
DJ

to add to what DJ mentioned
...and it's pressure sensitive (eg more pressure, thicker line).

I got the 6 x 8 Wacom Intous tablet. I love it. From what everyone says, the tablets they got are the perfect size so I think I would have been happy with the smaller on and I don't feel the need for the largest one.

DJ: wanna trade?
4X5

greg

Have a bit to say on this subject.
To Sanda, don't give it back, find a way to keep it.

In the Paint Shop Pro news group I have been in for 3 yrs, most use the small Graphire, as they say the larger tablet makes one have to move their arm too much.

I have the small Graphire2 I got last Xmas, being an active sketcher and painter, I would like to try the larger ones.

To the lurkers and Mouse users, a mouse is like have your arm in a cast for a long time, the pen is like the freedom you feel when it is removed.

If you like to draw or paint, get the tablet, today, run right out and charge it.

I have seen the Graphire2 for $80 at Costco, Wacom also sells refurbished tablets on their site.
Ebay is another source, I have bought things there, and the problem is dumb folks keep driving the price up until it reaches retail, don't fall into that trap. Some people will sell cheap just to get the auction over. It's worth a try.

Since I'm new here you don't know how much it has changed me and my work. I can tell you, output has gone up several hundred percent, so has quality and the tasks I can take on. Before, I had to limit what I did, no paintings or drawings, Mostly colorizations and cut and paste creations.

greg

Try making a mask, such as is needed in THIS CHALLENGE (http://www.retouchpro.com/challenge/retouching/challenge8/index.html) and tracing the hair with a mouse. You'll soon be pulling your hair! It's basic to us because from day one in school we used a pencil or a crayon to do our work. Think back to the first time you tried a mouse. It took some getting used to, didn't it. The pen and tablet is like going home. It feels good in your hand. Makes you feel like an artist, even if you're not.

I have the Graphire, and I find it is just a nice size for me on my desktop. I bought it because I thought a wireless mouse would be a good idea, but I never use the mouse, just the pen. Try it if you're thinking about it at all. Sell it on Ebay if you don't like it...but I bet you will!
:wavey:

Now Greg, my point was that once you got used to a certain size it seemed right for you. So you see, I could never go to the smaller one now. :D Nice try though. :D
DJ

ok ok, I'm SOLD on getting a tablet. oh man am I ever convinced


Best price I found here for an Intuos2, 6x8 is $505 plus 15% tax. ouch.
Anyone know of a good bargoon place in Canada to order or pick up one?

How about checking their refurbished prices? Sometimes that's cheaper but just as good. Wow, the prices have soared since I got my 6x8 Intous at about $275. You might also check out places like http://www.pricewatch.com/ or http://www.pricegrabber.com/index.php/ut=4220c3e3a5c04176/ or even http://price-search.net/ Sometimes you can get quite a savings from those places.
DJ

thanks DJ

sorry, I should point out that I am quoting Canadian dolllars above.

OK, that makes sense. :D
DJ

Yeah, that Canadian cash is just like Monopoly money.
:)

yep, our exchange rate stinks:sad:

- David

I wonder what you'd call SA money then? 10 of our units (R) buys $1 :( Epson color cartridges are now around R700, yet you can buy 24 beers for R60 (and our major brewer just bought Miller). Our fuel costs around 40c (US) per litre.

I'm with you David and Greg.. the Cdn exchange rate stinks, however I have some of that monopoly money in my hand today and no Wacom tablet. Something must be done..

Wacom Intuos 12x18. It's BIG, but perfect match for a 21" screen.
Built myself a custom monitor stand so I can slide it under my display when I don't need it and save valuable square feet of desk space :tongue:

PixelMover
Sounds like a dream setup. :)
DJ

Thanks!

Took me a while to get it all together (long hours, no holidays) but it's worth it :)

PixelMover
You said that 12x18 is a perfect match for a 21 inch screen. How's that?
DJ

Ok DJ, let me try to explain my view on this..

Some people prefer to work on a 1:1 scale, meaning every milimeter you draw on the tablet also gives you one milmeter of stroke on the screen.
This way you never have to adjust your drawing. If your tablet is for example half the size of the display, then each inch becomes 2 inch on the screen, making it more difficult to achieve very precise effects and smooth strokes. Especially for ppl who rely a lot on their 'classic' drawing skills (like me), this is the best (most natural) way.

The diagonal of my display is 21". The diagonal of my artpad workspace is also almost 21" (give or take a few tenths). So this is the closest match to my screen.
So when I llok at my screen and see I want to draw a line of, say, 2 inch, then without having to think about when to stop, I can just draw the line the way I would do when working on paper.
With a smaller tablet I'd have to start the line and pay attention to when to stop it because i'd have to 'draw' a shorter line than Iwould see appear on the screen.
For many ppl this really is no issue at all, and they work perfectly well with any tablet size. It's just a personal feel.

I even go so far as to actually have a piece of paper on my tablet and use thw Wacom Ink-pen to have the 'real' drawing feeling. The friction of the paper and the feel of the fineliner pen-point gives me the most control and most natural 'feel' when drawing.

The 9x12 would be the best (closest) match for 17" screen.

...hope that makes any sense to you?

I think you explained it very well. I'm looking at my 21 in monitor and thinking that's one huge tablet to deal with. But I know what you mean about some prefering to work on a 1:1 ratio. I guess I never had it that way so I got used to it this way.
DJ

I just got my new wacom 5x8 Intuos 2. I was able to get a good deal, I saved almost $200 for a torn box. When I saw the deal on the distributors web site I couldn't resist and justifyed it by calling it my birthday present to myself. :D Now all I have to do is learn how to use it. :)

Finally ordered my Intuos2 6x8, but had to send it back as it was damaged. :( I should get a replacement tomorrow, and then I can start playing!

Sanda,
Lucky find!!! It won't take you long to be using that thing like an old pro.

T
Bummer. Sanda finds a good tablet in a broken box and you get a good box with a broken tablet. :D Boy, some days it just don't pay to get out of bed. :D I can definately sympathize with you though. But cheer up it will be here soon and you will be up and playing with that new toy. :)
DJ

I've been watching the distributors web site for months because I knew they sold "seconds" at good prices. I was lucky enough to be the first to see the tablet and quick enough to ring and order it. Must have been my day.

T sorry to hear you got a dud but I'm sure you'll get your replacement soon. We'll have to compare notes on learning how to use them.

I am only replying to this thread through indignancy. My next door neighbour has bought a Wacom Intuos ( I think) A4 oversized for £180, he then had the nerve to "invite" me around to "see this little puppy in action".

All the more galling that he has no artistic bone in his body and is a mere code monkey;) - I look at Gregs paintings with Painter and the like and curse his talent, whilst having a tablet may not be the answer to my prayers, surely it would be a start.

Second hand tablets of a decent size are as rare as hens teeth, if anyone hears of a criminal price, please post details on this forum so that we may all 'make a steal':D

I have a 12 x 12 Calcomp tablet and find it easy to use for drawings and outlining photo parts but not so good for menus etc., for which I use a mouse. I can hook them both up together, but, frankly, I usually just use the mouse for EVERYTHING unless it looks like an exceptionally complex job.

Phyllis

I use a 6x8 Aiptek and I think its the best kept secret out there! I paid $99 and it has 512 presure values. It is fully configurable as to ratio, speed, pressure, etc.

Tex

Mike,

Here (http://www.shopharmony.com/) ya go! A Graphire 2 refurbished tablet. $65.00 with shipping included. I don't know anything about the online store, but the price seems right. I'm thinking about it myself. Has anyone done business with Harmony Computers?

Ed

Ed,
Price Grabber (http://pricegrabber.com) has a merchant rating scale with customer reivews. I found your tablet with Harmony there also. It's listed as the least price offer. If you check this page (http://www.pricegrabber.com/rating_getreview.php/retid=38/masterid=467929/ut=4220c3e3a5c04176/) you will see the customer reviews on this company. Looks pretty good to me.
DJ

Thanks Deb. It looks like they've sent customers the wrong item several times, and when the cutomer tries to it reconciled, they have a hard time. Fourty three out of fifty two are happy with the service though.

Ed

In the latest photoshop special of the 'Computer arts magazine' was a comparison test of the most common a4-sized art-pad types.

The results were somewhat predictable :tongue: , however, there was a nice surprise in it that might be interesting to all those who are thinking about buying an artpad, but are scared stiff of the prices...

Probably due to the very low price, this EasyPen actually scored better overall than the Intuos 2 ;)

The results:
1) Wacom Cintiq 15x 15" for £1300
2) Wacom Intuos 2 A4 for £ 430
3) EasyPen G6 for around £ 65 !!!! :cool:

This EasyPen G6 has a resolution of 3048lpi and 512 pressure levels. but no tilt-sensitivity. It does have the programmable menu strip the wacoms have, however.

Since I'm a firm believer in copyright laws, for a full review go to www.computerarts.co.uk
(Not sure it's on the site yet, or check out tha pad at www.nisis.com)

I have a track ball,touch pad,cordless mouse,and of course the old microsoft standard.There all in the closet with I cleaned this morning.I have a 8x6 Intous tablet which I use all the time.I love it.The only thing I have to remember when serfing the net is to change tha pen pressure otherwise I have no controll on it.:grin:

PixelMover,
Thanks for the review on the Easy Pen. That really sounds interesting. Wacom is fast moving in and taking over the tablet industry and I suspect, overshadowing alot of great tablets that can't afford advertising on the scale Wacom does. It's good to know there are many other tablets out there that offer just as much and maybe even better for alot less. Also the more competitors Wacom has the lower their prices will have to be to stay on top. Healthy competition in the market also opens the way for much better products.

Ed,
If money is the factor, you might be smart to do a comparison check of some of these other tablets out there.
DJ

BTW, I happened to use a Wacom Cintiq briefly at a Photoshop "Expo" I attended last Monday. OMG!! First of all, the LCD technology for the display is far superior to anything else I've ever seen. It has a 160 degree viewing angle!! (Meaning, you can view it up to 80 degrees off center and not see any degration of the image.) I thought it must be a CRT because I was standing so far to the side and realized I was still seeing a good image. When I found out it was LCD I was blown away!

And, being able to "draw" write on the display as a tablet is very cool. The only thing I didn't like was that there seemed to be a bit of a lag between the paintbrush "circle" and the pen I was holding. I was told that delay is affected by the size of the file as well as the speed of the computer's processor. However, I was so blown away by the quality of the LCD, this was a very minor point.

You can keep the tablet on a stand, remove it to put on your lap - or just about anywhere you want.

My husband has been bugging me to get an LCD display, but the limited viewing angles really, really bug me. When I came home to tell him I'd found the perfect display for $3500 (for the 18"), he decided perhaps my old CRT was just fine. :bawling: ;)

Jeanie

For those looking for a bargain price on Wacom tablets you may also consider doing a check at ebay. There are good deals. Takes a bit of patience and discernment (sometimes prices go too high)but I have seen some great deals on there.

I love my baby wacom graphite2 tablet 4x5 ( ~3 weeks old)
:)
i'm still using wheel mouse 4 buttons for everything else
foreigner

Just do not drop your graphire pen on the ground like I did yesterday...$29.95 for a replacement... ARGH!!!! :(

Greg,
You're really having some bad luck with your equipment in that new house. Was this another touch of "specteral" disturbance? Too bad you can't send the bill to the resident ghost. :D Ouch! Those things ain't cheap.
DJ

DJ- No ghost, just my own clumsiness! I found out it's 29.95 plus a $10 handling charge...at least I will get it in 1-2 days! All told it's about $40 just to replace the pen, so for all of you getting a Wacom tablet, please take good care of the pen!! Considering that nothing else broke during my move across the country I am not that angry but $40 seems pretty steep...although, at least I now have a spare tip from the broken pen! :D

Just $40 for a pen replacement? Sounds good to me! Wonder if the graphire pen would work on my Intuos2..Nah, don't think so...
Intuos 2 'classic' pen is $49,95 and I happen to have lost my 'designer' pen, which is $99.99...without s&h...
:bawling: :bawling:

Yikes! Maybe we should all keep the pens in locked boxes when not in use!

I'm using the small Graphire 2 which is $100. US, 80 at Costco on line.
I would suggest than any who upgrade, make their old tablets available for sale or gift to others who really need one.
On the size issue. I think that my Wacom changes ratio when I magnefy the image, as I never have any problems with not being able to do what I want, and can paint down to the single pixel level, which I do with eyes.

Originally posted by fugitive
....I would suggest than any who upgrade, make their old tablets available for sale or gift to others who really need one....

Excellent idea. When I upgraded to Intuos 2, I gave the old Intuos to the student who had just finished her internship in my company. She really earned it, worked very very hard.

Especially for students, this kind of equipment can make a world of difference and open up a whole new world of creativity that is usually out of their reach for financial reasons.

I often sell old equipment very cheaply to students, or give it to them. I remember staring at my goldfish-bowl round 15" screen night after night, constantly scrolling trying to lay-out an A4-page :tongue: ...student life...

But, to avoid abuse, I have 2 conditions.
1) They have to show me a valid student ID, showing they study an arts-course for which they would actually need the equipment.
2) They have to be able to explain to me why they need it and how they would use it to improve their work.
I don't give it to students who simply enjoy having cool equipment.

But remember..the students of today will be your competitiors tomorrow..:eek: so don't spoil them too much!

P.S. I currently have a free, legal, original, copy of painter classic available for anyone who could put it to good use.

Very good, I agree with yur method. Pay it forward.

I use a Wacom Intuos 2 6X8.
There seems to be a distinct advantage to this size when you factor in that "most" users will be using both the pen and mouse while using their computer. The tablets drawing area is roughly about the size of a mouse pad, so the transition of changing from the pen to the mouse is simple. Just by placing the included "cordless and battery free" mouse on the tablet the mode changes automatically from pen to mouse and you don't find yourself "short" on movement area when using the tablet as a mouse pad.
When you are ready to switch back to the pen, you simply set your mouse aside, pick up the pen from its holder and draw away (the mode again changes).
Although the complete area of space the tablet takes is roughly 10X13 inches, this can create set-up problems as far as finding a "usable" place for your keyboard. Myself, I have a shelf that my keyboard was once on and use this for my tablet. My keyboard is sitting in front of my monitor, which I use with my left hand while drawing with my right. Also, I might mention that the Wacom tablets have a "really long" cord, which gives you the option of placing the tablet in your lap if you wish to do so. Another feature of using this size is the fact that you can "trace" a rather large image without repositioning it, by placing it under the transparent surface.
I realize this information is probably obvious to many of you, but for those considering the investment and not having any experience with tablets, perhaps this will give you something to consider. :)

A guy gave me $40.00 for doing a restoration for him, and he said he'd have more for me to do. So I took the money, and bought a Wacom Graphire 2. Just ordered it this morning. All the positive talk on the forums about tablets made me want one. If I'm not happy with it, I'll be looking for you. But if I do, I'll send you a kiss (girls only...maybe a warm handshake for the guys). :D

Ed

Ed, once you start using the Graphire, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

Someone here mentioned that most people still alternate between the pen and the mouse - I NEVER use the mouse any more. Everything is so much easier with the pen.

The only thing about the pen that I don't take advantage of is the little rocker switch on the side of it - I just can't get used to it, but there are easy ways to duplicate it's function so it's not a problem

I'm looking forward to that kiss :blush: :blush:

Margaret

Hey Ed, that's great!!! I know you're going to love it. Wait til you see the difference in control and precision it gives your work. Don't keep us in suspense when you get it.
DJ

Margaret's not going to have to worry about that kiss just yet. :D Got the tablet this morning, and after playing with it for an hour or so, I'm still having trouble controlling it. The good news is that I think she'll have to start worring about it again in a couple of days. :)

Ed

You may be using it in the mouse mode. That could be why you're not getting the control. Check your settings on it. It should feel and act like a pencil.
DJ

It was in pen mode. I think I just need to get used to using it. I just read part of the user's guide, and they have an exercise for beginners to try. It looks pretty good, so I think I'll give it a go.

Ed

Well, give yourself a week or so to really make it second nature to you. Some people take longer than others and some take to it right away. I still use my mouse for most everything else. Tried using the pen but I didn't like it as much. Others use their pens exclusively.
DJ

I can't wait to get a tablet. I use a trackball mouse, which is a big improvement over the standard mouse. I do have more control, but there's still room for more. Perhaps Santa will remember I'm still around, or maybe I'll leave this post up on my monitor for my nieces and nephew to see.
Debbie

Finally got around to ordering a 4*5 'Graphire 2 USB Graphite' through an online firm, hopefully it'll be delivered tomorrow, have already downloaded the upgraded driver for it. Comes with 'Painter Classic' and 'Expressions 2 Lt', set me back AU$175 including freight. After reading the posts here I'm really looking forward to making use of it.:)

That's great Nick. Let us know how it goes for you. I don't know why they ship it with Painter Classic since it doesn't take advantage of the tilt feature. You need full version Painter to do that but maybe that's their gimic. At anyrate, I think you will really enjoy your new pen.

Ed,
Thought I would ask how you're pen is doing for you? You haven't mentioned it lately so I don't know if you finally got comfortable with it or not.
DJ

DJ - I don't think the Graphire's pen is capable of the tilt stuff...you have to get the fancy tablet like yours! :tongue:

Opps, you're right Greg. Forgot. :ditsy:
DJ

Originally posted by DJ Dubovsky


Ed,
Thought I would ask how you're pen is doing for you? You haven't mentioned it lately so I don't know if you finally got comfortable with it or not.
DJ

You didn't get your kiss yet, did you? :) Actually, it's getting much easier to control, although I haven't really used it very much yet. When I'm committed to 15 - 20 hours per day on the site, it's hard to do too much. But I'm sure as I use it more, I'll be a happy camper with it.

Ed

Hi! DJ,
received the pen just after I sent in the post. from Sydney to where I live in a day, that's blazing fast for out here.
Still alternating with mouse, don't know what the tilt function is, I hold the pen at an angle it appears to work OK

Sorry Nick. I forgot the Graphire doesn't have the tilt feature. :blush: That sure was fast. Hey, I still use the mouse for most everything but digital art and photo work. Some use the pen exclusively but for me I still like the mouse for navigating the net and such. I think you will really enjoy the pen. It feels natural to use it.

So I'm getting close to a virtual kiss huh Ed? :D I sure hope so. Hate to see you spend that money and not like the thing after all the horn blowing we've been doing about pens on this site. :)
DJ

well, I finally did it, I bought a Graphire 2 today, and I love it!! I just spent the past couple hours playing around with it, experimenting with the settings in the driver and learning Painter classic. my reaction so far: WOW!! I had no idea what I've been missing out on for so long. by now I'm just using the pen and included mouse for everything and I've put my old mouse off to the side for now. I actually like the mouse that came with the graphire better than my old mouse (a Logitech wireless mouse) since i get way better accuracy. (and no batteries :thumbsup:!! i always had to replace my mouse batteries revery couple months). I can't wait to try it out with Photoshop 7, which I have to wait til about the middle of this week for (that seems like a loong time right now :( I'm a very impatient person)

- David :)

David,

Congrats on your new tablet! Can't wait to see what new masterpieces you create with it! :)

I understand being impatient! My new monitor was supposed to arrive on Friday, but wasn't delivered. Waiting over the weekend for it to arrive today almost put me over the edge!! :mad:

Jeanie

Makes you wonder how you ever did any restoration of art work using the mouse doesn't it? I can understand your impatience. I'm the same way. Keep us informed when you finally merge the 2 new toys David. :)
DJ

thanks DJ and Jeanie, I love this thing! it makes everything soo much easier and faster, I just wish I had got one earlier, I had no idea they were this good.

- David :)

Welcome to the tablet world David! :D

thanks Greg!

you've done some really amazing stuff with your tablet and Painter, and I'm really excited to learn how to do all those kind of things.

- David :)

David - I don't have Photoshop 7 but it's supposed to have a whole new set of brushes and a revamped painting system...you are going to have a great time when 7 arrives! :)

Hi David

I've been closely following this thread because I think Santa might be bringing me a tablet also. I was wondering just what you immediately liked about it.. I am a left hander working with a mouse with my right hand and was wondering what good things might be in store for me..Can you tell me the things that were most evident to you..

thanks
Jerry :D

Hey Jerry,

the things I noticed first: the mouse is a lot lighter than my old mouse, but much more accurate. I love the pen, I got used to it very fast, and it just seems a lot more natural to use than a mouse. I can work a lot faster than I used to be able to.

- David :)

Jerry, The mouse with the Intuos is symetrical so you can configure it easily for the left hand. Whether this is the case with the Graphire Dave can answer.

whoops, I comletely missed that part of the question, sorry. the Graphire is the same as the intuos apparently. both the pen and the mouse are usable with either hand.

- David :)

Thanks Dave and Chris..I guess it won't be long before I take the plunge..

Jerry :D

my graphire 4x5 is the second best investment i've made for my computer(next only to photo shop). I don't use a mouse at all any more even for web surfing. I find the pen so much faster.more accurate and a lot less tiring than a mouse.

Just ordered my Graphire2 today. I had one on my wish list for later purchase but when I saw that I could get Knockout2 for 100.00 if I bought the tablet now, I jumped on it. An incredable deal to get my tablet and Knockout2 for 200.00. I just hope the offer doesn't go away before I can get mine.

I really like these threads that go on for months. It was nice to read all the posts about others making the decission and later seeing how they are doing with their purchases.

I've owned a graphire 2 tablet for 8 months now and found it to be very help when workin on photos and such. Had a few problems with infinate loop errors at first but found this was easily solved by plugging my serial trac ball back in, found this to be useful later on as I am left handed but use the mouse right handed and being able to use both. Little trick for the pen if you have problems with hands cramping from extended use I went out and bought a bic xxl foam grip pen then took the grip off and slid over graphics pen found this also helps to prevent accidental clicking of the duoswitch.

Rick

I find a good trackball is the best tool by far. Something with a 2+ inch ball. The thing doesn't have to move around the table and you don't have to have drawing skills...

No matter, I can't beat it for control. Something like:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006B8NS/newwriting/

My husband had an Wacom Digitizer II hooked up that he rarely used but since I'm getting into photoart has hooked it up for me. I'm trying to use it as a mouse for the moment just to get used to the feel. This tablet was purchased years ago for more than it would probably cost now and I can find no manual or even information for it on the Wacom site. It's 9x12 but the way.
Any help or guidance would be appreciated. I have managed to set my pressure sensitivity and click speed but it obviously is capable of many things I don't understand.

Thanks,
Blu

I found myself in Houston with my Graphire in my suitcase, but no stylus. That was enough incentive to upgrade so I found a Graphire III at a Best Buy and decided to buy it.

So far, I really like it. It's much smoother than the old one and I like the levels of pressure.

One good thing came out of not having my Graphire for a few days, I learned to use the polygonal lasso tool. I had always avoided it, but when I had few alternatives it did the job nicely.

Take care, Margaret

This site (http://www.iril.no/gts_links.htm) has been posted before but tablet neophytes may be unfamiliar with it.

Thanks very much for the response, Chris. :)
The site is just what I'm looking for.

Blu - a neophyte

His book is pretty good too..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1929685149/qid%3D1069153014/202-9980719-5253450

i got 6x8. its great. i use my mouse for all the browsing.

I was shopping at Sam's Club a few weeks ago and they had a skid of the 4x5 tablets selling for $49.95. Best deal I have seen on them.

I use a 6x8 at home, a 12 x 18 at work. I need the large tablet because I have two monitors, and once you have two monitors, you divide your graphics tablet real estate in proportion to the size of the monitors, effectively reducing the resolution of your tablet. With my previous 6x8, every little tremor was magnified, and it was much more difficult to click on nodes.

I love my 6x8 with the thin pen :) Use optical mouse for browsing.

I got the A4 oversized (could this be the 12x12? I think so) one which is really huge. Although it's nice to work with a tablet I never got really used to it because of it's size. It just feels really akward on such a huge area. It's like a workout - no joke! Also the tablet is really thick so it feels unnatural (left hand low on the table and the right hand raised almost an inch).

Probably the 6x8 or 9x12 are optimal.

Anyway I thought about ebaying it and getting the REAL deal Cintiq 18". But then I need a new colorproofable LCD (been looking at the Eizo Colorgraph 21" and the new Apple Cinesomething 23" or 30") as my productive screen seems to get inconsistent.

if only computers and accessories where free :-P

I have a 6X8 Intuos that I use at home, and my 'portable' one is a 4X5 Graphire3 (I use this for demos in class). My Intuos has paid for itself several times over, and the Graphire is starting to catch up.

I have two older intuos 2 12x12 tablets in my office at home and a new intuos 2 in my office here at work. (we have probably 12 or 13 in the building) I have seen alot of comments about using the larger tablets (people don't like them!?!) I find that using a larger area gives me greater control over my image, not to mention it makes airbrushing much more controlled. (at least for me) And hey..... can't we all use a little motion in our lives so we don't become part of our desk/chair? LOL

:vampire:

I use a Wacom Intuos2 6X8 table works great!! Anyone doing any kind of photo work should have one!! Makes life alot easer.

Wacom Intuos 2 Graphics Tablet 4x5 and i love it... been considering getting a larger pad but may reconsider after reading the notes about hands and arms getting tired... i already get cramps from the pen on this one...

I'm about to spring for a Wacom, probably Intuos3 9X12... I'm particularly interested in the airbrush...but that aside, do you experience other advantages to the Intuos Vs the Graphire?

Is the Wacom airbrush often useful if you don't want a painted "airbrushed" look?

(I find traditional airbrushed restorations usually look worse than damaged originals unless big chunks of the original are missing and we have to do complete speculative image re-creation).

This Forum's got a bunch of great participants...Happy New Year !



John in Albuquerque

Just bought a Graphire 2 Blue Steel 4x5 from the Wacom Europe website, £39 used price. Cant wait for its arrival.

I have used an AIPTEK tablet in the past, but it was cheap and un-usable, i just didnt get use to it, so gave it away to a friend.

Anyways, will let you know how i get on with it.

I am looking at getting another graphic tablet. I have and love the Graphire2 which I currently use with my PC. My husband bought me a laptop for Christmas so I am considering "demoting" the 4x5 Graphire to travelling use and getting another tablet for home use. So, I am wondering if the extra features of the Intuos are worthwhile. I know they have "hot buttons" that can be programmed as keyboard shortcuts, but not sure what the difference is besides that. Any input or suggestions? Thanks!

Two days now since I purchased an Intuos 3 A5 pad and I cannot believe the control you get. I should have done this long ago.

About 4 years ago, I saw and used a wacom tablet for the first time and fell in love with it. Couldn't afford one though, and didn't really need it. When I started editing photos, I realized that this was a tool I needed. Then I got credit through Dell, but I had no idea which one to get, and they have a limited selection. I wanted feedback on all of them, and thanks to you guys here, I made my decision and ordered the 6x8 wacom graphire 3. I wanted the intuos, but couldn't afford it. Anyway, it's has an estimated ship date of the 23rd due to backorder. I can't wait for it to arrive so that I can stop trying to draw with a bar of soap. LOL. You will hear the cheer from upstate NY when it arrives. If I don't scream loud enough for you, don't worry, I'll post my excitedness. :bigthmb:

I recieved the Wacom Graphice3 for Christmas. Oh, what a lovely gift....

I can't take my hands off of it!

T

My limited desk space allows for a 4 x 5, but I find it just right. Only use it in PhotoShop. The pressure sensitivity is great when working on masks and eliminates having to change the opacity of the brush as often.

I have used my Wacom Intuos 6x8 tablet for about 2 years now and find a mouse clumsy and slow in comparison. In Photoshop it has been priceless but my recent purchase of Painter IX has opened up new possiblities which are truly exciting !
This week I bought a copy of the book by Cher Threinen-Pendarvis called " The Photoshop and Painter ARTIST TABLET Book" WOW what an inspiration !!! If you get the chance - have a look at this excellent book - but only if you are prepared to buy it - because I promise you, once you look inside it is a MUST HAVE !!!

I also have the 6x8 Intous and love it. I was lucky enough to have several family members combine their resources as a Christmas present a few years back so that's how I was able to afford mine but even if I had had to pruchase it myself, it would've been well worth the money. I use it all the time and can't even imagine how I did things without it. If you're serious with this type of work on the computer I would say it's a must have. Even the Graphire is a thousand times better than using a mouse and those that have that one are just as thrilled with it as the ones who have the fancier models. You'll have to let us know how you like it when it arrives Fizzgiz.
DJ

My tablet arrived today!! All I can say is OMG, OMG, OMG!! :D

I'm waiting for Wacom to ship the Cintiq 21UX that I ordered at work. They have massive back orders and production issues.

For those that haven't heard of the Cintiq, it's a 21 inch Wacom tablet, with an LCD monitor right under the surface. So, you use the pen right on the screen. It can be inclined and rotated or you can even kick back and use it in your lap.

Take a look at it here (http://www.wacom.com/lcdtablets/index_21UX.cfm) if you're interested.

--Racc

At home I have a 6x8 tablet :bigthmb:

I have a 9x12 at work and I feel like it is a little big.

I could not be without my Wacom. :wavey:

Cathy

Well, the Cintiq has finally arrived!

All I can say is WOW! It looks like a work of art just sitting on the desk. I can never go back to a separate screen and tablet again. I'm now officially spoiled. I wish I could afford one at home. This thing is amazing! There is no way to describe the experience. It's completely different from using a regular tablet. The disconnect between the tablet and screen no longer exists, you work right on the screen, just like you had a canvas right in front of you. It's even faster than using a regular tablet, and I didn't think that was possible, because I can fly on a tablet. If I was flying before, I'm breaking the sound barrier now.

I'm completely impressed with this thing, and I'm not easily impressed. It was worth the wait!

--Racc

Oh Racc...I am soooo jealous.

Cathy :nod:

mouse and probably will remain with a mouse. i cant draw with pen and paper, so why would i want to spend money on something i wont be able to use, other than for very poorly drawn stick figures ;)

ok, i know it's for more than that....isnt it?

i will pass on one trick for other mouse users, however. make sure you are NOT using a mechanical mouse; you know, those ones with a ball in the bottom. then, oil your mousepad, very lightly. very! this will lessen the friction and irregularities of pad to mouse and reduce those nasty little jagged jumps one gets at times that totally screw up a piece. you dont want the oil dripping off the pad or even showing on the bottom of the mouse; you just want a tiny bit smoothed out across the pad.

Craig

I have the Wacom Graphire. Although better than using a mouse I find it a little small, particularly on a Dual Screen setup where you only get half the area to work with.

I have the intuos 9X12 at home and the smaller 6 inch one at work. It took me awhile to get used to them but now wouldn't live without them. Would love to have the Cintuos tablet that you draw on the screen. Someday, maybe. I use Painter also and the tablet is even more important wth that program. For those painter fans out there Jeremy Sutton and Helen Yancy have some great DVD tutorials.

Vicki

Well I have a 6x8 tablet but don't use it as I have no sense of proportion with it, whilst my 10 year old just seems to find it a breeze

Had a 6 x 8 Wacom Intous tablet, lent it to my sister, and now it calls her house "home." Went out and bought the 6 x 8 Wacom Intous 2.
~Nancy~

I went out and bought a 4x5 graphire 3 tablet, persevered for a day or two and now use it for graphics and web.
Only problems I have are with the intuitiveness of the pen at tablet proximity, (maybe I need to decifer an adjustment instruction somewhere) because I am not holding the pen far enough away from the tablet when concentrating on something else, it suddenly performs an action due to proximity.
The main reason for purchasing was because of arthritis in the shoulder. With the mouse I tend to use the mouse arm out about 40 degrees to the front, and the wrist at a few degrees further round still. This putting a strain on the shoulder joint after a few minutes. The pen and tablet, I tend to use much more to the front, taking the strain off the shoulder. (The penalties of growing old.)
I do occassionally still use the mouse, as my ham like fingers sometimes have problems operating the pen button.
For anyone with a joint problem, try it. I wouldn't be without it now, and 4x5 is the ideal size for me.

I have two different PC's...one is equipped with a 9X12 Wacom and the other (my standby system) with a 6X8 Wacom. By far, I prefer the 9X12. With the smaller one, I always find myself dragging the stylus off the tablet.

I could not do much artistically without my 6x8 tablet. Making selections with a mouse doesn't cut it for me, especially since I am always using the pen tools. I can work very fast with it so it speeds up my workflow. I have an art background and did my share of drawing and painting. I use the wireless mouse to click the clone tool and the stylus as an airbrush. Now if I could just afford the Cintiq...hmmm. steveb

:bawling: I had a 4x5 Graphire :heul: until this Sunday past, :bawling: when it met an untimely and traumatic death by shredder :( My three year old son was the executioner. :eek: The cord.... such a terrible sight, was beyond hope. There were bare wires and exposed sheathes every where!!!!!!!!!! :depressed

I'm plotting for a new one, it must be bigger, it must be better, and it must be soon!!!!:rambo:

In the mean time, I am trying to cope :square:, but I'm afraid the old mouse just doesn’t do it for me.:cry:

Cinthia

:cold: so cold...........

Sorry to hear that Cinthia. My advise would be to do what I have done to my grandaughter.
It preserves their inocence and saves all those little problems. :lol:

Ive got a 17" Wacom LCD Monitor/Tablet, its great being able to work directly on the screen and always be accurate.

I used my 6x8 quite a bit when I first got it, and I still use it for limited retouching work. But I've also become a believer that most editing of digital photos (99% of what I do) concerns the overall image such as color balance, contrast, etc. Consequently, most of my shots are fixed with curves and channel blending, and the tablet gets little work.

Ive got a 17" Wacom LCD Monitor/Tablet, its great being able to work directly on the screen and always be accurate.


<begin sour grapes>who asked you anyway :mad: <end sour grapes>

Needless to say, my sour grapes are fuelled by jealousy!!

That must be a joy to work on. Makes my little 4x6 tablet look pretty pathetic.

Take care, Margaret

I'am using a Wacom A4 since 5 years

I have a Graphire 4x5 tablet, but don't really use the pen. Yes, I know that I should. But, every time I try, I get so frustrated. Any advice to push me over?

Bernie

What seems to be causing the frustration?

We have two Cintiq21 tablets which is really a giant touch-screen, so the stylus is used directly on the screen and on the subject.

They are back-ordered and there's a considerable wait to get one but the wait was so worth it!

It's back to nature.

12x19 - with a 23" apple cinema display - love it!

Unfortunately I'm a little short on cash right now so I'm still using and have done for a few years the track pad on my laptop

Wacom Tablet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi every one,
I am a furniture designer who is constantly doing sketches etc while I am on the run, eg. I have an idea and want to sketch it out and have it saved.

Would the Wacom INTUOS3 PTZ930 be good for me?. For example I travel alot and spend alot of time on planes. If I draw a picture on the Wacom can I store it on the tablet untill I get to the hotel or office? Does it have any sort of hardrive? or if I have a portable hardrive can I save it directly on to that?
Also does it have a cd rom built in?.

Thanks for your help, im a bit unsure about the whole tablet thing... Im a bit of an old schooler and good with rendering pens etc but not so good at Photoshop, will it still be suitable?

The 9x12 would be the best (closest) match for 17" screen.

...hope that makes any sense to you?I'm just looking at buying my first tablet (for Linux, only just posted my first thread in the forum about it).

Your post is a good picture of what it will be like having a Tablet. Many thanks! :)