PC Tablet and Pen

[AngelicKim]

Hello all. I have been thinking about purchasing a tablet and pen such as the Wacom. Does anyone use any of the Wacom or other manufacturers models? If so do you recommend them and is the Wacom better than the less expensive ones? Any suggestions on which to buy for a first timer.

[TonyW]

Well I did try a cheap one - even cheaper as it was on sale. It lasted one generation of Elements (PSE2) and then I got a Wacom Graphire 3 4x5 which wasn't that much more expensive (it was on sale too!) and works just fine for me and is now well into it's second generation of Elements. So in the long run I saved money (and it does work much better than the first one):D

Tony

[Byron Gale]

When I was new to PSE2, I purchased a Wacom Graphire2 (which came with PSE1 bundled!).

I have used it with great ease and success in all versions of PSE, now up through 4, without issue.

I have not experienced any other tablet/pen equipment, so cannot offer a comparison. But I feel confident that a Wacom will serve well.

[AngelicKim]

I am about 98% sure that I will be buying the Wacom because of everything I have read online. I pretty much always research things online but there is nothing more convincing of an item being good then an actual recommendation from someone that wasn't just put on a web site. I guess my main decision to make now is which model and which size. Is the 4x5 too small to work with well? I am thinking that I will most likely get the 6x8 but have to decide between the Intuos or the Graphire.

[Byron Gale]

Kim,

I probably should have included that I bought the 4x5, and have never wished I had gotten the larger model... at least, not because of "real estate" constrictions.

I think that current models include some additional buttons on the side of the tablet, when you get larger models. You could say I have button envy, I suppose, but the working surface has been OK for my needs.

Again, I have no comparitive experience -- and I am not one to draw a lot by hand. I use the pen for fine control... my fingertip coordination is much more precise than my forearm/wrist control.

Byron

[Shari]

Kim - I have the 4 x 5 Graphire 3. It was not very expensive and is perfect for my needs. If you type in Wacom tablet under search you should come up with several threads that have been done on this subject. I think I asked the same question a while ago.
Shari

[AngelicKim]

Between your suggestions on the Graphire 4x5 and looking at the prices of the others, you have talked me into it, lol. Now to do my favorite thing besides spend time in this forum, search ebay, woo hoo.

Thanks for the help again. This place ROCKS!

[Jim Brent]

I just purchased the Wacom Intous 3 6x8 and it will be delicered on 8/17. I can't wait to get started using it. I am also considering the Logitech Nul Looq controller which eliminates the use of keyboard and mouse. It was created for Photoshop so all needed function for keyboard and mouse can be programmed into it. You operate it with you right hand and tablet with the left.

Jim

[Wendy]

Hi Jim ...

I don't know anything about the Logitech controller ... do you have a link to it?

Have to admit that my tablet has cobwebs on it :eek: and I just use the ordinary Mac on button wireless mouse ... :)

Wendy

[AngelicKim]

Jim, I use a laptop. I tried to look up the Logitech Nul Looq controller and didn't find it any where. I said previously I had decided to get the Graphire because of price but I am still not sure. I really would like the Intuos 3 6x8. If I can make a good sell of portraits at my next shoot I will probably get that one. The Intuos seems more suited for me the more I think about it.

[AngelicKim]

I found a site about the controller

http://www.photoshopsupport.com/photoshop-blog/06/02/nulooq-logitech-design-tool.html

[AngelicKim]

Looks like Windows users are out of luck on this one for now. Right now it is only available for Mac and it looks like it is only usable in CS2 programs. Price isn't too bad. Here is another link on it.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/nulooq/home/US/EN,crid=2600,categoryid=499

[Tom K]

Hi Kim;

I am using a 6x8 Intuos 3 ... It can't be beat if you are doing selections
or working with brushes... The mouse that comes with it makes
a good paper weight...

Would I do it again??? Yes..........Tom :)

[Byron Gale]

...Windows users are out of luck...Hmmm.... and Matt made such a big deal of it (the NuLOOQ) in last week's Elements Radio broadcast. He stated that Elements support would be available this week, but I don't recall him saying anything about it being exclusive of Windows.

[Pauline]

I wouldn't be without my tablet.
Wacom Intuos 9 x 12 (wish I had a 6 x 8 though)