Graphics Tablets? Pros? Cons? Experiences?

RCNPhotos

Had a very good graphic design class today and was talking to the lecturer for a while about his graphics tablet. He was very enthusiastic about his (and he's had it for about 7/8 years now). Anyway I was wondering if anyone here has any thoughts on them or advise or recommendations???

Calina

I have a little Wacom one. I like it a lot although I don't use it very often.

Beth

I've a Wacom Intuos 3 4x5 and i find it brilliant.
it could be to do with me being left handed but not being able to use the mouse left handed so I find i have much more control and precision using the tablet & pen.

They're pricey for an ordinary user but instead of starting out with cheaper ones, it was on others recomendations that I got it.

I picked up a refurbished one and have had no problems at all with it. I love it.

RCNPhotos

How much did it set you back Beth if I may ask?

Beth

I have no idea, sorry.
It was part of a gift and hubby isnt spilling :rolleyes:

stcstc

I use a wacom intuos A5 wide

when you first start using it, you will try and keep picking up your mouse

the trick is to unplug you mouse, put it in a drawer and work with the tablet for a few days, then you will get used to using it

other thing is i found, i tried a couple of cheap ones and they just are not as nice as the real wacom ones,its worth the investment

if you do a lot of retouching it really does make a difference

Mena

My wife's an artist and graphic designer. She swear's by hers, and hardly ever uses a mouse anymore. Set us back around €100.00 if I recall.

Calina

My little Wacom cost around 100E as well from what I remember.

I love it. I just haven't had time to do anything much with it in the last three or four weeks...

RCNPhotos

Cool, cheers people. Been checking em out all night and yeah I'l be going acom, probably spend 300 (got paid loads this month ) so hopefully it'l go good. Cheers.

trishw78

I was looking at these at Focus on Imaging last year and it got me thinking it might be better than a mouse. I think this will also be going on the maybe shopping list.

TelePaul

You totally don't need one dude. Buy a new lens!

Kintarō Hattori

TelePaul wrote: »

You totally don't need one dude. Buy a new lens!

Ehhhh are you reading the same thread as the rest of us?

TelePaul

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

Ehhhh are you reading the same thread as the rest of us?

Yes........think the op should improve on his kit lens before buying a tablet.

grainne.obrien

I have a wacom bamboo tablet and love it. I don't use the mouse at home any more for anything. Think I paid 130 dollars in america for it, couldn't be sure though. If your doing loads of graphic design or pp in photoshop or something similar it's a must have.

By the way has anyone come across one that will work with a linux, ubuntu, machine?

Kintarō Hattori

TelePaul wrote: »

Yes........think the op should improve on his kit lens before buying a tablet.

I'm certain people who have spent thousands buying excellent lenses still use graphics tablets to mess around with/edit their photo's. I don't see why buying a better lense has to enter into it.

TelePaul

Kintarō Hattori wrote: »

I'm certain people who have spent thousands buying excellent lenses still use graphics tablets to mess around with/edit their photo's. I don't see why buying a better lense has to enter into it.

Because economics implies scarcity - money doesn't grow on trees and people therefore prioritise how they distribute resources.

Calina

TelePaul wrote: »

Because economics implies scarcity - money doesn't grow on trees and people therefore prioritise how they distribute resources.

Oh, totally agreed. But, if they are interested in graphics design, which, incidentally, I am too, the tablet may well be a far higher priority than some more glass.

TelePaul

Calina wrote: »

Oh, totally agreed. But, if they are interested in graphics design, which, incidentally, I am too, the tablet may well be a far higher priority than some more glass.

RCN is going to buy the tablet...even though he knows he should upgarde his kit lens!!!

Isn't that right RCN??

RCNPhotos

You should upgrade your face!

And yes, I probably will Paul. My shoddy kit lens is doing me fine for what I'm doing at the moment. And I have gig lenses for that jazz and also with college I have a ton, a ton of lenses I can borrow for free whenever I want so.....

Calina

You did the Laird Hamilton shot if I remember rightly yeah?

If so, I don't think anyone can question your talent.

TelePaul

RCNPhotos wrote: »

You should upgrade your face!

And yes, I probably will Paul. My shoddy kit lens is doing me fine for what I'm doing at the moment. And I have gig lenses for that jazz and also with college I have a ton, a ton of lenses I can borrow for free whenever I want so.....

I think you should borrow some for me. Go see about getting us some decent macros for a day or two.

TelePaul

Calina wrote: »

You did the Laird Hamilton shot if I remember rightly yeah?

If so, I don't think anyone can question your talent.

He got some mixed responses to that! I loved it though.

So does a grpahics tablet basically just take over from your mouse as far as tools like lasoo are concerned?

RCNPhotos

What mixed responses?

Wouldn't use lasoo anyway, tis rubbish, paths are awesome.

ThOnda

Back on topic.
I have bought the A4 one in Aldi for €50.00 and I would like to use it more and more. I love using it. Even using it in all menus and internet browser is defferent. And you even realise if you have long or short sleeves

Yes, when you are using it - hide a mouse.

Ricky91t

RCN:i think you're best off getting a cheap one off ebay,i got a nisis G3 (i think) and i like it but certainly wouldn't spend 300 on one as this one is perfect and i couldn't see one being around 10 times more expensize being 10 times better
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nisis-Graphics-Tablet_W0QQitemZ330274235004QQihZ014QQcategoryZ39980QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Thats what i have,got mine buy it now though



Edit:Didn't find myself trying to use the mouse at all really!

Fajitas!

My policy is generally, if you're gonna get something that's going to be used, get a good one. Wacom are the safest bet.

I don't use mine as much as I should tbh, but that's moreso due to me using LR more than ever, and not getting as wrapped up as I used to in PS. Coincidently, I've mine out at the moment, is one of the smaller Wacom tab's, it's handy because it's small, I can throw it into my bag, and bring it around.

It can be a bit awkward to get used to, but it's well worth it, you can do much better, natural and precise strokes, which should lead to better processing. I've used several larger ones aswell, including Wacom's screen, which is a fantastic job, but my problem with the larger ones is that they get too big, where it gets a nuisance to get from one side to the other fast. If you don't have a good comfortable seat, desk and room for it, you're going to end up with **** cramp

See if you can borrow or play around with one for a bit, and not just 5 minutes either. If you like it, go for it, if it's not for you, you've saved yourself a few bob and a sore hand :pac:

Ricky91t

Fajitas! wrote: »

My policy is generally, if you're gonna get something that's going to be used, get a good one. Wacom are the safest bet.

I don't use mine as much as I should tbh, but that's moreso due to me using LR more than ever, and not getting as wrapped up as I used to in PS. Coincidently, I've mine out at the moment, is one of the smaller Wacom tab's, it's handy because it's small, I can throw it into my bag, and bring it around.

It can be a bit awkward to get used to, but it's well worth it, you can do much better, natural and precise strokes, which should lead to better processing. I've used several larger ones aswell, including Wacom's screen, which is a fantastic job, but my problem with the larger ones is that they get too big, where it gets a nuisance to get from one side to the other fast. If you don't have a good comfortable seat, desk and room for it, you're going to end up with **** cramp

See if you can borrow or play around with one for a bit, and not just 5 minutes either. If you like it, go for it, if it's not for you, you've saved yourself a few bob and a sore hand :pac:

I think he should either buy a cheap one or borrow one as spending 300 on something you might use is madness!(and he'll make a big loss selling it on)If he buys a cheap one he can sell it on,either to get a better one or just o back to the good 'ol mouse...

Fajitas!

Well, that's why I'm saying to test it out before going any further!

I'm not saying to spend 300 either - I didn't.

No point in being out 50 quid either!

ThOnda

Just an update for Aldi/Lidl shoppers - does this look familiar? I bet the price tag will be slightly different...