Graphics Tablets
Discussion
I get really fed up trying to use a mouse for some of the editing features available in various packages - so I was thinking about getting a graphics tablet.
Now the odd thing is that the prices seems to vary enormously from about 20 quid at the bottom and up to hundreds for pro stuff. Intuous do one that seems to be targetted at non pro users in the 80 to 100 quid region. But then Tesco (!) have a Trend product on the shelves giving something like an 8"x6" pad (iirc), USB connection and wireless mouse and pen for about 26 quid.
I don't have space of a large tablet and I'm not sure I would use one enough to justify the higher priced units no matter how good they may be. So I am tempted to buy cheap as an experiment and perhaps upgrade if I find it useful. But would the quality of the lower cost units put me off using a tablet at all?
Any experiences and comments would be very welcome.
Now the odd thing is that the prices seems to vary enormously from about 20 quid at the bottom and up to hundreds for pro stuff. Intuous do one that seems to be targetted at non pro users in the 80 to 100 quid region. But then Tesco (!) have a Trend product on the shelves giving something like an 8"x6" pad (iirc), USB connection and wireless mouse and pen for about 26 quid.
I don't have space of a large tablet and I'm not sure I would use one enough to justify the higher priced units no matter how good they may be. So I am tempted to buy cheap as an experiment and perhaps upgrade if I find it useful. But would the quality of the lower cost units put me off using a tablet at all?
Any experiences and comments would be very welcome.
Firstly, tablets are the way to go - they are much more intuitive for selection, retouching etc. I have owned about 3, all Wacom and from their cheapest ones (some time ago) though to the Intuos range.
I have a colleague who uses the Trend one that you refer to and there is really no comparison between the Wacom Intuos and the Trend - the Wacom is substantially better in terms of build quality, ergonomics etc.
Depending on what resolution you run your screen at and what you intend doing the A5 sized tablets are a practical proposition (it's what I use on my Mac at 1280 x 1024 for example).
Don't forget there is no point in going down this route if the software you are planning to use cannot exploit the additional functionality. Part of the "expressiveness" that the tablet gives in Photoshop, for example, is the ability to assign pressure to opacity or any other of a number of different parameters.
I have a colleague who uses the Trend one that you refer to and there is really no comparison between the Wacom Intuos and the Trend - the Wacom is substantially better in terms of build quality, ergonomics etc.
Depending on what resolution you run your screen at and what you intend doing the A5 sized tablets are a practical proposition (it's what I use on my Mac at 1280 x 1024 for example).
Don't forget there is no point in going down this route if the software you are planning to use cannot exploit the additional functionality. Part of the "expressiveness" that the tablet gives in Photoshop, for example, is the ability to assign pressure to opacity or any other of a number of different parameters.
I have a Wacom one (I can't remember the name of it but if you're interested I'll find out tonight) and it wasn't very expensive IIRC (in the order of £30-£50 max).
I'm really pleased with it. It really does make photoshop edited a breeze in certain circumstances. I have that and my mouse "available" at the same time as they compliment eachother.
The pen is a bit difficult to use as it works on proximity for direction and pressure for the "click". So, whilst you are accurate as you move the pen down - if your fingers get in the way etc. the cursor can move. It's just down to practice and, as I say, I use the mouse for when accurate single clicks are required.
Agree with the above post too!
I'm really pleased with it. It really does make photoshop edited a breeze in certain circumstances. I have that and my mouse "available" at the same time as they compliment eachother.
The pen is a bit difficult to use as it works on proximity for direction and pressure for the "click". So, whilst you are accurate as you move the pen down - if your fingers get in the way etc. the cursor can move. It's just down to practice and, as I say, I use the mouse for when accurate single clicks are required.
Agree with the above post too!
I have an A5 Wacom Intuos 2 and find it very good. I swap between pen and mouse depending on what I'm doing. I use a mouse a lot at work so being able to swap to a pen-like tool at home significantly reduces RSI risk.
I switch the pressure sensitivity off as I'm a bit cack-handed really. Pushing buttons I can do but I don't have the delicate touch to paint anything other than creosote a fence !
I switch the pressure sensitivity off as I'm a bit cack-handed really. Pushing buttons I can do but I don't have the delicate touch to paint anything other than creosote a fence !
Thanks for the input everyone.
Sounds like the Trend will stay on Tesco's shelving and I will start to look seriously higher up the price scale - though not too many alternatives around.
BTW te51cle, shouldn't mention creosote in public these days. Banned substance. May even be illegal to have any. You may get a visit from the Garage and Shed police.
Don't you just love the EU?
Sounds like the Trend will stay on Tesco's shelving and I will start to look seriously higher up the price scale - though not too many alternatives around.
BTW te51cle, shouldn't mention creosote in public these days. Banned substance. May even be illegal to have any. You may get a visit from the Garage and Shed police.
Don't you just love the EU?
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