Just ordered a graphics tablet

jhob

jhob

Suspended / Banned
Messages
557
Name
John
Edit My Images
Yes
I was getting fed up with using the mouse for doing a variety of photo-related tasks, but largely dodging and burning. I just didn't have the control that I wanted so I've decided to get a graphics tablet.

After a bit of research I have settled on the wacom bamboo. It's only recently come out and looks a nice piece of kit. It's also sized for a widescreen monitor which I have and it looks pretty slick too. There's more about it here if you're interested: http://www.wacom-europe.com/bamboo/.

I'm looking forward to arrive and getting to learn to use it properly. I did use a graphics tablet a few years ago at work but never for any photo type stuff so I at least know I can get on with it as a control device. I'm hoping it will go some way to alleviating the aching in my hand too.
 
I've been tempted to by a graphics tablet for a while now, altough I've been put off becasue I know nothing about them or had any experience using one. Out of interest how much did you pay for it? Be interested on how you get on with it.
 
It's about A6 size and cost a little under £70. Wacom also make the graphire4 which can be had for £60 or an even cheaper one for around £30. genius and trust both have tablets around the £30 mark too. I did a bit of research and it sounded like the genius and trust tablets, while good for the price, were found wanting in some areas so I opted for the proven quality of the wacom as I know I'll get good use out of it once I've familiarised myself with the new control system.
 
I've got the Graphire4, it's amazing what a difference it makes when editing, the control is so precise :thumbs:
 
I couldn't cope without my graphics tablet, absolutely awesome invention!
Using a mouse is like drawing with a bar of soap IMO :lol:
 
I'm still trying to get used to mine, seem to spend a bit a time with it then go back to the mouse. Eventually I will get used to it.
 
Once you are used to it then it becoms an invaluable tool.
Use mine a lot in PS2
 
I am very interested in the outcome of this and how you like it also as you will see form a previous post ;)
 
I'm expecting to like it as I have used one before so I know it won't feel totally alien and I know I won't hate it. Even if I don't take to it at first I will persevere as I know how much extra control I can get through using it. I'll post up a review once I've been using it for a bit.

It's been shipped now so should be here in the next few days.
 
This thread has prompted me into a bit impulse buying, just bought the graphire4 (as nobody sold the 'bamboo' near me and I didn't want to wait).
First impressions a bit starange, but I'm using it for everything (including web browsing) just to get used to it, it's not a odd as I thought it would be. On thing I do like is the pressure sensitive writing, much fun to be had practicing writing my name and logo :)

ps, it's almost (but not quite) giving me enough reasons to install Vista as I think by the sounds of it vista has got a few things in to mak it more useful than XP.
 
good good, that's what I like to hear! For some reason I enjoy it when I convince others into a bit of impulse buying.

I almost got the graphire4 before I'd heard about the bamboo. They sound like they're technically almost identical, just the touch wheel bit and slightly different sizing that sets them apart from one another. Best of luck with it!
 
Congratulations folks, i'm sure you'll love your new purchases. There's no way I would give up mine now.
 
Well, it turned up this morning so here's my first impressions...

The tablet oozes quality - the feel of the pen on the tablet just feels right.

I've quickly got used to the control system and am now nipping around all over the screen with it. Not done any serious photo editing yet as I'm working but will have a play later. I did have a quick mess around with dodging and burning and I think I will take a bit of getting used to the pressure sensitivity for different brush stroke widths but I can see that when I do it will give me so much more control and will be well worth the learning curve. At the moment I press too lightly most of the time.

I find the 'right mouse button' on the pen a little hard to press whilst still keeping the pen hovering in the same place.

I like the little ipod-like touch wheel for zooming and scrolling - it's a nice touch.

It is definitely more comfortable to use than my mouse however... it is a little more annoying to use when doing an activity that requires a bit of typing and then a bit of clicking and then more typing again such as programming. The extra step involved to pick the pen up or put it down is a bit annoying and not as easy as simply placing your hand on the mouse to move.

In summary - I love it so far and I think soon I wouldn't want to be without it and will probably get annoyed when I have to use computers without a tablet.
 
jhob said:
Well, it turned up this morning so here's my first impressions...

The tablet oozes quality - the feel of the pen on the tablet just feels right.

I've quickly got used to the control system and am now nipping around all over the screen with it. Not done any serious photo editing yet as I'm working but will have a play later. I did have a quick mess around with dodging and burning and I think I will take a bit of getting used to the pressure sensitivity for different brush stroke widths but I can see that when I do it will give me so much more control and will be well worth the learning curve. At the moment I press too lightly most of the time.

I find the 'right mouse button' on the pen a little hard to press whilst still keeping the pen hovering in the same place.

I like the little ipod-like touch wheel for zooming and scrolling - it's a nice touch.

It is definitely more comfortable to use than my mouse however... it is a little more annoying to use when doing an activity that requires a bit of typing and then a bit of clicking and then more typing again such as programming. The extra step involved to pick the pen up or put it down is a bit annoying and not as easy as simply placing your hand on the mouse to move.

In summary - I love it so far and I think soon I wouldn't want to be without it and will probably get annoyed when I have to use computers without a tablet.
Click to expand...


Best advice is to use it for the piccies an drawing etc and then the mouse for the boring stuf. Good Luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top