Hardware - - Wacom Tablet - Page 3

BarryB · #31 02-09-2002, 07:18 AM

I've used an ADB ArtZ II for years... and I love it. But I'll soon be trading in for a USB... as my new computer isn't ADB native and I've had problems in the past with adapters.

As far as size... I always go with 4x5. It's odd, I know. But I used the bigger 6x8's and 9x12's in college and after a couple of hours my arm would get tired.. especially w/the 9x12! So 4x5 suits me fine.

Vikki · #32 02-09-2002, 07:57 AM

I have an old 8 x 6 Wacom Artzy tablet (probably over 10 years old). I update the drivers periodically, and it's still working great.

I couldn't imagine doing restoration work without this thing!

I've corresponded with several people who've purchased a tablet, but were unable to get used to it. I usually suggest a setup for the tablet that makes it work like a mouse (movements), which seems to really do the trick for them.

In case anyone is interested, here's a screenshot of the setup in Control Panel. The "display area" and "aspect" settings are what make the difference.

Sharon · #33 02-10-2002, 03:46 PM

Vikki, thanks so much for posting the setup screenshot. My Wacom tablet is on backorder, but it should be shipped this month. I've been real concerned that I may not be able to adjust to it. But if I can make it behave like a mouse, maybe I'll have a chance.

Thanks.
Sharon J

BarryB · #34 02-13-2002, 06:06 PM

Just remember to be patient Sharon. Like with anything, using a tablet takes some practice. When I first started using one, it tool me quite awhile to get the hang of it...(for me it was like a month before I was as comfotable with one as I was with a mouse). It's especially tricky trying to use a pen AS a mouse- for pull down menus, navigating through the OS, etc. (That sort of stuff you may want to just keep your mouse handy for anyway.) In the end, the payoff of sticking to the tablet is WELL worth it.

DJ Dubovsky · #35 02-13-2002, 06:28 PM

I thought it was a lot harder setting the pen to work like a mouse. I like it set where my tablet represents the actual size of my screen. I didn't seem to have any problem getting used to it at all. I still use my mouse for other things though.
DJ

T Paul · #36 02-14-2002, 11:34 AM

So does size matter? I am looking at getting an Intuos2 as well and I am between the 6x8 and the 9x12. Now the price difference is a factor, but I would hate to invest in the smaller Intuos2 when the larger one is what I really needed and vice versa. I noticed from this thread that a lot of you have 6x8 tablets. Is the 6x8 space a comfortable work space or would you want just a bit more?

-T

gbdurfee · #37 02-27-2002, 11:23 AM

Hi all, thought I knew what thread to be in to ask about all these intuos, graphires, etc. questions - my novicity leaves me amazed. Are these programs? Is there a better mouse than the laser, more sensitive and can the present laser go bad?

Thanks.

Doug Nelson · #38 02-27-2002, 11:50 AM

Gail:

The Intuos and Graphire are models of drawing tablet (a mouse "substitute" that lets you draw with an actual pen instead of with a hockey puck).

I've not heard about the mouse "laser" going bad, and optical mice (mouses?) are generally considered to be excellent (I know I love mine). Many people just feel the tablet/pen combination is much more natural and sensitive for photo editing than a mouse.

Check out http://www.wacom.com for drawing tablet details.

gbdurfee · #39 02-27-2002, 01:57 PM

Doug - thanks for the expain and the site. Sounds like a much better tool!

Sharon · #40 03-07-2002, 05:35 PM

Hi All,

UPS delivered my Wacom Intuos 2 yesterday and I’ve been playing around with it. I have a question regarding selection an object. When selecting with the mouse, I can use the hand tool to move to a different location on the photo with out loosing my selection. When I use the pen tool in combination with the hand tool, I lose my selection. I am I doing something wrong? Also is there a way to make the pen less sensitive? I am using the tablet with PS 6.

Thanks.
Sharon

DJ Dubovsky · #41 03-07-2002, 05:56 PM

Sharon,
Congrats on your new toy. You should be able to move the image using the hand (pressing the space bar) and pick up with your section as soon as you release the hand (space bar) when you are using the pen tool the same as the mouse. Don't know for sure what happening there. Maybe someone else can answer that.
As for your controls, you need to bring up your Wacom Tablet Properties and choose the sensitivity and controls from there. There are several tabs that allow you to select all the controls you desire with your pen. You can even apply the Wacom tablet to other programs other than Photoshop at the top of the properties dialog box as well. It will take a bit of time to become comfortable with it but you will love it when you do.
DJ

Sharon · #42 03-07-2002, 06:19 PM

Hi DJ,

Thanks for responding so quickly. Selecting is working fine now. I must have been lifting the pen off the tablet. Using a pen is really different and it’s not as difficult as I thought it might be. I went into the Wacom Tablet Properties and tried for a firmer tip. But the default settings seem to work best. With a mouse I have more drag which makes me feel like I have more control. This lack of drag must be the getting used to part.

Sharon

gbdurfee · #43 03-07-2002, 07:37 PM

After all your comments and some checking up I did I found a former model 6x8 Wacom (which is without mouse and has the older pen) but is probably everything I will need. I anxiously await the 'SOUND' of the UPS TRUCK. I just hope I can set it up and use it effectively soon. Thanks for all the good tips.

DonB0130 · #44 03-08-2002, 11:45 AM

i recently got a graphire 2...the small one...i thought the small size would bother me but it doesn't...the only thing i found out that bothers me a little, and maybe this doesn't happen to every one, is that when my machine "coughs" and i have to close a program that is hanging the machine, my wacom mouse is hung up to, but my regular mouse isn't, and i use the regular mouse to unhang the program....so i really can't get rid of my old mouse...don

winwintoo · #45 03-08-2002, 05:26 PM

Hi Don, what system are you using??

I use an iMac and have a Graphire tablet. After suffering the frustration of having the tablet "freeze" after a restart for way too long, I unplugged it from the USB port and was about to give it the old heave-ho but decided to give it one more chance and plugged it back in - lo and behold it worked - it unfroze!!

Just a thought,
Margaret