Would like to hear the pro's and con's from tablet users

[Suzee]

I am looking at and hearing alot of good and bad about the usefullness of tablets instead of a mouse or with a mouse.

Does anyone use it with Elements?

What is the most useful thing you do with it? Worth the money?

If so, what are the specs of your tablet and why did you get that one?

Nosey aren't I :D

I do appreciate your input and thoughts.

[Suzee]

Now I see the ad bar across the top of the screen for the 30 day trial of the tablet..... :oops:

[Mary]

If anyone has some ideas for tutorials for learning how to use a tablet I would really appreciate it.

I have had a Wacom tablet for several years but just can't get the hang of it. It is the little basic one but they probably all have the same underlying functions?????

Any help appreciated! :roll:

[Jodi Frye]

Well I don't have one :( so I cannot help here. Sorry. Yes there are tutorials on the Wacom site for the newer tablets. I would suspect a google search would turn up something for the older models.

[Patricia Heere]

I have an Intuos 2 and I like it. I find it a little hard sometimes to use the pen for click functions and I don't utilize any of the programmable or fancy stuff. I use mine to draw and for precise work in elements. It can't be beat for those functions. It has the same feel as a pen or pencil. For the life of me I could not draw well with the mouse. I also use it when I make a quick pencil sketch on paper to transfer that to the computer by tracing on the tablet. I got mine as a package with Painter and I also use it for that. Again, it can't be topped when doing those things. So----I guess it would depend on what you want to use it for. I know that when in elements and I want to be right on the edge of something the pen tool is invaluable to me.

Pat Heere

[MikeH]

I have a Wacom Graphire Studio :) - bought as a pressie two weeks ago :) :)

Having used a mouse all these years it is taking a bit to get used to it, but my experience is similar to Pat's.

For detailed and close up work you can't beat working with the tablet and pen. The control and accuracy is far greater.

Where I am struggling is using the pen for traditional mouse functions like right click and navigating menus. So right now I'm using three ways to work - the tablet, mouse and keyboard shortcuts :shock: .

The other thing that I've had to get used to is that the tablet respresents exactly the same area as the screen. By this I mean that the top right hand corner of the tablet is always the top right hand corner of the screen, so it's not like just repositioning a mouse.

I'm getting better with it as time goes on, but whether I doubt whether I will stop using a mouse completely.

Mike

[Suzee]

Great stuff guys

THANK YOU :P

[neil]

Hi there, i have a Wacom Intuos 2. Wouldn't want to be without it. I don't use the mouse for anything, never did :) I use a lot of Keyboard shortcut as well but for accurate and precise photoshop work you won't get around using a tablet - ask the graphic pros and they will tell you the same.
Buy one and stick with it, in no time you won't need the mouse for anything. Have i got you convinced. Mind you i'm biased.
Have fun deciding
Best wishes Neil

[Byuphoto]

I want to say hi and glad to have found this place. I started with a Wacom Graphire 3 and have since upgraded to an Intuos3. I would never go back, the precision and ease of using pressures makes it a breeze. I have found I can keep the pen in my righthand and use my left for shortcuts, on the keyboard. I also much prefer the cordless, batteryless mouse.

[Wendy]

I too am trying to decided if I should buy a tablet ... so thanks to everyone for all the information :)


Wendy

[Jodi Frye]

I'm waiting for one to fall in my lap since I cannot justify the expense of a tablet when i'm not makin' nearly enough money on my artwork. Good thing I enjoy it.

[betty]

I'm using one since 2 years and no I'm not doing that much work in Photoshop, but it's far better to use a pen than a mouse . It prevents RSI and pain in your shoulder. Because working with Photoshop is fun, we don't take a brake at a proper time....

[Wendy]

Betty,

Oh I do know what you mean ... sometimes I am still there at one o'clock in the morning :)


Wendy

[marcosd]

I have had one for about a year(wacom). I think it is great. If you enjoy
painting and drawing then you will fid it humorous and fun. Also for
zoomed photo editing it is quite usefull. I am still stuck to my mouse
and think that will stay that way. I think they are a good investment but get a small one to start. And thats my two cents.

[YorkieMomInFL]

I've been using a tablet for probably close to 5 yrs. now and I would not want to be without one! Last Fall I upgraded from the Graphire2 to the Intuos3. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used to use it to play games at Pogo.com too.........really saves my hand!

Pam

[Fstop]

I won my wacom 3 tablet on the first Elements challenge. :D I am still learning all the bells and whistles. So far, it's great. The pen is much easier to use than the mouse.

Steve

[Wendy]

Steve,

Congratulations on the win :) ... It sounds like you are very pleased with the tablet ..

Wendy

[Jodi Frye]

Yes, congradulations Steve...I was wondering where you were... ;)