Tablets

[stiney51]

Ok, I'm finally looking into getting a tablet (after 10+ years of designing exclusively with a mouse). I don't have much for cash, but want to get one that's not junk either. Does anyone have any suggestions?

This will need to be PC and Mac compatible (most Wacom tablets look they are). And I would probably be looking for a mid-sized one unless someone can give me good reason to go smaller or bigger.

[Man1c M0g]

My advice is to TRY one before you go and get it, and then go for the biggest Wacom Intuos that you can get with your money. I do advise trying graphics pads first, though, as they are rather difficult to use and some people (like me) can just never get the hang of them!

[stiney51]

Any idea what the difference between the Intous and the Graphire tablets? I may just start by picking up an inexpensive 4x5 one to try out. Don't really know anyone around that would have one to try out... :-(

[nettle]

Hmm I think that Intuos is better than Graphire, this is what I read

[Man1c M0g]

Originally Posted by stiney51

Any idea what the difference between the Intous and the Graphire tablets? I may just start by picking up an inexpensive 4x5 one to try out. Don't really know anyone around that would have one to try out... :-(

Intuos has more double the levels of sensitivity and has a lot more bells-and-whistles than the Graphire. The graphire is a pretty excellent 'starting pad' though - it'll do most of the things you want it to do, and if ya find yourself REALLY needing a full Intuos, then you can go for one later!

[bedlam123]

I use a WACOM 4X5 and I luv it. What Mog says about Intuos is correct, the pen is a better deal and after all that is why you want one. As far as size goes,when I first started I was constantly drawing off the tablet. Now I have gotten adjusted. If you use 2 monitors go for the biggest one. However, if you are like most users and have a single monitor, you don't need the extra cost and space, I think.

[gingerbloke]

I use a HyperPen 12000U by Aiptek ( www.aiptek.com ). It was inexpensive and is A4 in size. I have had it for several years and it's still working fine. The pen is a tad bulky at first but to be honest you do get used to it and now I don't even think about it....having said that this thread made me think about it! Check out the website anyway. It's not a big name like WACOM and it's a HyperPen 12000U and not an Intuos but at the end of the day when someone looks at the finished artwork they'll never know the difference. I am very happy with my one.