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Tablets

5 replies [Last post]
Mon, 05/25/2009 - 13:57
Torrent
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To go along with the 'Best Three Programs', I have a question about Tablets.

I know the Wacom name from numerous postings and webcomics I read. I really want to get into drawing again. I tend to do a lot of little doodles and such on paper, but never really go any further, mainly because I lose papers. :) I want to do some digital drawing and make either game art, or doodles, or webcomics or the like.

SO... I looked at teh Interweb. Wacom seems ubiquitous. I see the bamboo's as being the smaller cheaper end of things. I have no experience drawing on one, so wanted to ask some experiences. Is that a decent base model to get me into doing art on my computer instead of playing video games? Or is it so cheapo as to be annoying?
I don't want to spend too much. Are there other decent names to look for? if it matters, I will probably be using Gimp as my software.

I know there are some great artists here, so I hope to get some direction.

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Mon, 05/25/2009 - 15:38
#1
simpson
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Joined: 10/22/2008
I use a Wacom Silver with a

I use a Wacom Silver with a 6x8 draw area. About $150 from places like Best Buy (cost of about three video games) but well worth it. To see samples of what the wacom can do compared to traditional media, send me a msg and I'll give you a link to my art blog.

simpson

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Mon, 05/25/2009 - 16:21
#2
RTaylor
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Joined: 04/08/2009
try to test the tablet

I would recommend testing the tablet you're interested in if at all possible.

My husband brought an 'airliner' tablet home from work for me to test, and my arthritis makes it impossible for me to use it correctly due to the way the pen/stylus is designed. I can't hold it without pressing the 'click' button. We would have never thought of this if we didn't have one to try out.

Also, check what replacement styluses cost- we once had a tablet pc at work and the replacement stylus (no electronics inside) cost 80$. Yikes.

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Mon, 05/25/2009 - 16:35
#3
seo
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Joined: 07/21/2008
I have an old 6x8 ArtZ II

I have an old 6x8 ArtZ II that I've been using since 1995, and I love it. I also have a 4x6 Graphire 2 that I use with the notebook.

The small one is just as good as the 6x8 as a mouse replacement, but not so much for drawing, painting and photo retouching. You would think that the difference in pressure sensibility is not so important, but it is.

The new Intuos tablets have 2048 pressure levels, tilt sensitivity and 5080dpi resolution. They are just great, so if you can afford one, go for it and you'll never regret it. If you can't afford an Intuos, even the small, 512 pressure levels of the tiny 4x6 Bamboos (with lower resolution and no tilt sensitivity) will be amazing compared to a mouse.

You can get a Bamboo Fun Medium (8.5 x 5.3") for $199, and it comes with Photoshop Elelments and Corel Painter Essentials. That one sounds like a good option if the Intuos is too expensive.

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Mon, 05/25/2009 - 17:38
#4
End of Time Games
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Torrent wrote:To go along

Torrent wrote:
To go along with the 'Best Three Programs', I have a question about Tablets.

I know the Wacom name from numerous postings and webcomics I read. I really want to get into drawing again. I tend to do a lot of little doodles and such on paper, but never really go any further, mainly because I lose papers. :) I want to do some digital drawing and make either game art, or doodles, or webcomics or the like.

SO... I looked at teh Interweb. Wacom seems ubiquitous. I see the bamboo's as being the smaller cheaper end of things. I have no experience drawing on one, so wanted to ask some experiences. Is that a decent base model to get me into doing art on my computer instead of playing video games? Or is it so cheapo as to be annoying?
I don't want to spend too much. Are there other decent names to look for? if it matters, I will probably be using Gimp as my software.

I know there are some great artists here, so I hope to get some direction.


I am not experienced with Wacom tablets, but I am an artist. With many years of experience in oil painting and various drawing mediums, I was impressed to see my cousin Michael quickly sketch out beautiful artwork on this digital tablet. To me, it looked no different than sketching on a paper tablet. I was sold, after getting over my initial issue of "does this replace my hard work in mastering oil medium? Does this make draditional mediums obsolete?" The answer I came to is No! The Wacom tablet works perfect for Gimp or Photoshop, and I see it as perfect way for producing illustrations. It makes the process quick and I see it as an ecinomic way of producing large amounts of work. For myself, I see getting used to using the tablet, adjusting to looking on the screen as I draw and learning Gimp. I have been recomended the "Wacom Graphire" and I'm looking at the biger onse.

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Tue, 05/26/2009 - 08:25
#5
InvisibleJon
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Joined: 07/27/2008
I agree with Seo...

seo wrote:
I have an old 6x8 ArtZ II that I've been using since 1995, and I love it. I also have a 4x6 Graphire 2 that I use with the notebook.

The small one is just as good as the 6x8 as a mouse replacement, but not so much for drawing, painting and photo retouching. You would think that the difference in pressure sensibility is not so important, but it is.

I also own a Graphire, and I agree with everything that Seo said. Not only is the pressure sensitivity relevant, but the drawing area is just a little bit too small. If you're going to do it, splurge just a little and get the Bamboo or the Intuos.

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