Graphics Tablet
- Started
- Last post
- 18 Responses
- Hue
Hi, wondered if anyone would recommend a cheap graphics tablet? I have never used on before, and would like to give one a go. Working on a mac, I mainly use photoshop and illustrator. Seen the Wacom Bamboo Pen, or the Wacom Bamboo Fun, but just wondered if anyone would recommend one that might be worth looking into further? Also what is a good size to go for?
- ideaist0
My fiance is using the Bamboo Pen & Touch just to sample the technology; $99 and change to give it a try cannot hurt...
http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/bamb…
The active area is only 4.9" x 3.4", but it's worthwhile to try out the medium... I you enjoy it and it seems functional and appropriate splurge and grab a larger surfaced one...
(digital) baby steps...
; )
- bjladams0
i used a wacom for years- loved it. don't know what the technical size is, but looking over at it sticking out of the box, it looks like the drawing area is about 10" across.
- Hue0
Looking at the wacom bamboo pen & touch, and the wacom bamboo fun pen & touch, but can't tell the difference. Looks they might be a good starter though
- nb0
I had a Wacom Graphire for years and it was great. I wanted something bigger so I bought a cheap knockoff from Monoprice. I've been using the Monoprice 12" x 9" model for the past few months and it's a great replacement for less money. If it breaks, I'll buy another.
- orrinward0
I use a WACOM Graphire 4 6X8 at home and it's great. If I do tablet work in the office I borrow the Cintiq.
I've tried one cheaper brand than Graphire and didn't enjoy it. My laptop has an N-Trig multitouch digitizer and it's also not nearly as good.
I can't speak for everything, but WACOM are very good and they are a market-leader for a reason.
- scenek0
would recommend checking out a Intuos model if you can. obviously you don't want to drop a ton of money if you've never tried a tablet, but you also don't want to judge the experience on a cheap model. I believe the Bamboo is about half the sensitivity/resolution of the Intuos, making it seem like using a crayon compared to a pencil IMO.
also be sure to play with remapping the surface area of the tablet. larger is better for actual drawing, smaller area is better if using the pen in place of a mouse.
- TheMagicSheep0
http://www.monoprice.com/product…
can't say anything about the quality, but they're cheap.
i think somebody on here ordered one...
- Hue0
I have been speaking to a friend that has the wacom bamboo pen & touch at work, hopefully I can borrow it and try it out to see if it something I like. Thanks for all your info everyone
- Chief0
I just had an Intuos 4 medium delivered. Opening it up now. It'll replace the Intuos 2 (6x8 I think) I have at work which is really showing it's age.
- Iggyboo0
why not Skip the pads buy an iPad and get a $30.00 pen from wacom that activates the sucker. Seems like a smarter investment.
- Comparing apples to oranges here. I've spend to much money on art/design apps only realize the iPad is not a design tool. :(
ThisIsMe - One reason not to go with the iPad: 1024x768.luckyorphan
- Comparing apples to oranges here. I've spend to much money on art/design apps only realize the iPad is not a design tool. :(
- ThisIsMe0
Work bought me an Wacom Intuos 4 (large). I love it. I've stopped using a mouse all together at work. But it was a 600 dollar investment for a million dollar company so if I didn't like it, it wasn't a big deal. I don't know if I would have invested my own money on one.
Now I am saving up for one for home.
- genfour0
I've been using a 6x9 intuos 3 daily for the past 5 years.
secretly hoping it breaks so I can upgrade to intuos4
If you do any type of graphic work I don't know how you can do it with a mouse.
- hellojeehae0
i bought a wacom bamboo fun used on macmall.com for 30 bucks when it was on sale.
- Natson130
Test drove a Bamboo on a pitch for them a while back... preferred my Intuos3 tho. Although both better than a mouse : )
- luckyorphan0
Start small. But don't ever use anyone other than Wacom.
Bamboo is okay, but if you're going to be doing anything that requires refined work like concept illustration, I'd suggest bumping up to the Intuos line. Then, when you become a junkie for it, you can sell blood and work odd jobs in order to buy a Cintiq.
I've been using Wacom since '90, and they've been solid ever since.
- desmo0
I have been using the Wacom Intuos3 for a few years now. Although a bit pricey, I highly recommend it.
Ive never used the Bamboo, so my suggestion to you is try out a friends/co-workers tablet. If you like it, get a good one up front so you dont buy multiple tablets if you decide to cheap out at the start.
- deathboy0
i still use the intuos 2 see through plastic on i started on at home. ...actually i think i started on a serial port one and stole this usb one shortly afterwards... Have to steal tips from works a3/a4s becuase i have gone through the plastic tips. jsut spend the money for a decent one they, for me, have been well worth the money and lasted. i recommend a 6x8 for general use. i dont liek the large models. use a a3 over a a4 at work for that reason