Wacom Tablet

[budman101]

I'm thinking about taking the plunge and getting a graphics tablet. Would a Wacom Bamboo be good enough to get my feet wet?

[SharLamb]

I'm no expert on tablets/pens, but my DS gave me a Bamboo for Mother's Day, and I'm having a blast with it. Although it takes practice using it, the learning curve isn't very steep. I love using it for selecting...for writing (my signature, for instance, and making a brush out of it)...for applying spot color. I can see that the more you use it, the more you WANT to use it, and less you want to use your mouse. If you have a good mouse, by the way (I have a cordless ergo one by Logitech that I love), you don't need to buy the tablet that comes with a mouse...you can just use the mouse you have. I still need to read the PDF manual so I'll know what to do with all the buttons, but even without that knowledge, I'm doing okay! As to Bamboo vs other models, I don't know. I just read from several folks that the Bamboo was awesome, and I agree. Could be ignorance (of others) is bliss, but I'm more than content. Shar

[frank abramonte]

I notice that the latest MacMall catalog has refurbished Graphire4 Graphics Tablets (Metallic Blue) on sale for $39.99 while supplies last. Sounds like a good deal for a tryout of a tablet.
I don't own any type of tablet, so can't advise on its capabilities. Or if they come with b/w or color screens. Perhaps a call to them would be educational.

[budman101]

I just ordered the one without a mouse from NewEgg. I'll be able to test drive it by Wednesday.

[SharLamb]

Congrats! OH, BTW, be sure to not use your mouse on the tablet. I move my mouse away when I'm using my pen. I see by your picture that you are a cyclist. My son is an avid road cyclist (raced on the Eastern Washington University team many years ago), and DH and I ride "comfort bikes" on flat, car-free roads/trails. DH also rides a road bike. We can never travel in July, as it is dedicated to the Tour de France! :cool: Shar

[lbranscom]

I bought the Intuos 3 Wacom tablet a couple of months ago. I am terribly disappointed in it, but perhaps I waited too long and just got used to my mouse to make selections. I have the Logitech cordless optical mouse which is small & very easy to manipulate. Also, perhaps I didn't stick with getting used to my pen, which I tell myself I should do. I wouldn't buy an expensive tablet to begin with until you find out how you like it. I think the less expensive tablets work just as well.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I just shared my opinion.:(

[SharLamb]

Lois, it really does take determination to use the pen at first. I gave up and switched back to my mouse a few times when I got frustrated, but then went back and forced myself to use the pen again. I had to take breaks from it. Then I played a game with myself...put the mouse far away from my desk and timed myself to see how long I could go without using it! That was a hoot...had to figure out how to use it in ways I never would have thought to do. Obviously, you can't do that sort of thing when you are in a time crunch. Anyway, it was worth the pain to me (actually, I'm still not that great with it!), and I hope you'll try it again...tiny steps! Shar

[lbranscom]

:oThanks for your encouragement, Shar! I feel I should have used my tablet as I paid over $200 for it. I just wish I would have ordered the Bamboo tablet first. Oh well, live and learn! I think I will try again.

[Sonita]

I bought a wacom graphire recently about a month ago. It was refurbished, and got a great deal. I love it and already mostly just use the pen. No more wrist pain from the mouse.