Graphic Tablet Poll

[T Paul]

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

[Ed_L]

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.

Ed

[G. Couch]

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.

[BarryB]

^^^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.

[DJ Dubovsky]

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

[Bob Walden]

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

Bob

[T Paul]

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

[DJ Dubovsky]

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

[Mike L. Whitten]

I Love my Wacom 6x8

[winwintoo]

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

[Paul Rupp]

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

[Sanda]

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.

[DJ Dubovsky]

Oh Sanda that was a big mistake. 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. 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.
DJ

[BigAl]

Sanda, you may want to look at the Genius WizardPen. 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.

[Jakaleena]

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...

[jerry]

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

[DJ Dubovsky]

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

[BigAl]

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

[fugitive]

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

[fugitive]

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

In the PSP 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

[Blacknight]

Try making a mask, such as is needed in THIS CHALLENGE 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!

[DJ Dubovsky]

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. Nice try though.
DJ

[ravenmd]

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?

[DJ Dubovsky]

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.ph...0c3e3a5c04176/ or even http://price-search.net/ Sometimes you can get quite a savings from those places.
DJ

[ravenmd]

thanks DJ

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

[DJ Dubovsky]

OK, that makes sense.
DJ

[fugitive]

Yeah, that Canadian cash is just like Monopoly money.

[d_kendal]

yep, our exchange rate stinks

- David

[BigAl]

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.

[ravenmd]

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..