thinking about a tablet

[Mike S]

i am thinking about getting a tablet i am looking into this one. Wacom Graphire3 6x8 USB Tablet - Graphite (CTE630GR) any advice or comments would be appreciated thanks

[Mike S]

i am thinking about getting a tablet i am looking into this one. Wacom Graphire3 6x8 USB Tablet - Graphite (CTE630GR) any advice or comments would be appreciated thanks

[RTK]

Mike,

In my humble opinion...

If you don't enjoy drawing with a pen on paper right now, you will not enjoy a tablet either. You will also never draw as well (contolled) on a tablet, as you can on paper. Granted, there is always Ctrl+Z in any app, but still...

Also, if you are thinking of using it with Xara X (or any other vector application) - remember that line smoothing takes a way from the drawing "feel" - and without line smoothing, it's quite useless.

However, if you work a lot with fluid lines - go for it!

Small tablet if you use your wrist a lot when you draw, and if you draw small. Large tablet if you use your arm a lot - and big.

The really big ones also take up a lot of space.

Hope this helps a little bit.

[John Rayner]

Hi Mikey,

I have a wittle 3X5 wacom that works really nice for me. do not use it all that much. More used to drawing with a mouse. If you use the freehand brush more than the shape editior, then get a tablet. If you use the shape editior more, then a tablet will not be used that much. It will be more of a toy than a tool.

[Mike S]

Thanks guys that is what i was thinking. people keep telling me it makes working with photos easier. how i dont know and i maily use the shape editor tool in xara. (ok i trace alot of stuff instead of drawing)

[Grafixman]

I use a graphire 2. It's lighter than a mouse. Once you get used to it, you wouldn't be able to draw with a mouse again. Ever.

[RTK]

Mike,

It makes certain aspects of touch-up work easier because some of it is a litte bit like drawing. E.g. smoothing area, fixing hair, painting masks etc.

If this interests you - get a tablet, you won't regret it.

I got mine because I was getting pain in my joints from the mouse. Best thing I ever did.

[Mike S]

i was at compusa looking at them also and they have one there branded with their name on it for half the price. instead of a hundred for the small wacom . the 1st one i was looking at was the one i started this thread about. i am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo confused now http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

[RTK]

Wacom makes two different flavours of it - the Graphire and Intuos. The Intuos works at a higher resolution, and has some more features, and accesories. Features: Pen tilt (if supported (Painter)) and shortcut buttons. Accessories: More pens and nips, air brushes etc.

Check out their models here: http://www.wacom.com/productinfo/index.cfm

Perhaps the cheaper one was an older version?

[Albacore]

If you are using the tablet only for vector drawing I would say it is a waste of money but on the other hand if you are using PS or Painter alot then it is a graet help.

I have not the self discipline to use the tablet all of the time and I certainly do not have the "hand & eye" corordination to use the pen in one hand and the mouse in the other. You buy a tablet for speed or to give your drawings a flow or a certain look and I have to force myself to use the tablet so the speed is never there.

Save your money to buy something else like one of the new laser printers that are tumbling down in price at the moment. Don't be like me and have to force yourself to use it or just use it for the mouse for the laptop. Risto is so correct in his description of what size to buy I thought buy big, A4, only to find that it is tiring on the wrist.