Topic awaiting preservation: Wacom tablets

I'm planning on getting one, but I'm wondering how the size affects the usage, I found a Graphire 2 4"x5" for $150 and it seems pretty reasonable. The intuos is almost $400 for one the same size, and as far as I know, the main differences is a larger resolution and tilt sensitivity.

I'll probably be just using it to muck around with in photoshop and illustrator, so I'm wondering how the resolution and size of the tablet affects the use.

fraxyl

:FAQ: http://faq.ozoneasylum.com/995/rating/

Start reading

When I bought my Graphire (first version, not Graphire 2) it was $150 CDN - so if this one you found is second hand, I wouldn't invest $150 into it.

The size of the tablet depends on how you draw, and what you'll be using it for. If you find that when you draw, you take short, quick strokes then you'll probably feel most comfortable with a 4x5 or 6x8 tablet. If you find that you take longer strokes when drawing, then look at the 9x12, or more if you're feeling spry

Personally, I've owned my Graphire 4x5 for some years now, and I can't complain. I doubt you notice much difference between 512 and 1024 levels of pressure anyhow. I'm sure I'll spring for a 9x12 one of these days though, now that I have the deskspace for it



[This message has been edited by synax (edited 07-18-2003).]

Thanks for the faq and info.

fraxyl

Just finished installing my own Wacom. Can't wait to start messing around with this thing


[ - ozphactor - ]

i'm looking for to buy a drawing tablet for my graphic artist. He has a pentium machine with Windows 2000 and USB. I am willing to go with a lesser-known brand to save money, but I have no idea where to start. Why do some of the 4X5 tablets cost more than the 6X8 tablets? Is it b/c they are newer models? How are the newer models better? thanks

http://
www.magictutorial.com

Reinhart: Yes, it is because they are newer models. They are newer models because they were released after the older models. I have a Aiptek 9x12 ($120 USD) and am very pleased with it.

actually there's an intuous and a graphire line I think, the graphires are the cheaper versions, not to do with age. The Intuous has finer pressure sensitivity and they are a lot more solidly built from what I've seen of the 2.

comparison: http://www.wacom.com/productinfo/differences.cfm

Jason

Yeah, Graphires are pretty good if you're just starting out. They're more affordable. I got mine's for a little less than $100, if I remember correctly, and I'm pretty satisfied with it, so far.

[EDIT: My only complaint would be that the 5x4 size is just a bit too small for my liking.]



[This message has been edited by ozphactor (edited 07-24-2003).]

Reinhart, double check that link to the FAQ that synax put up. You'll find some comparison between brands there...

I have an Aiptek, which, while not the Mercedes of tablets, is adequate for my needs...



Cell 617

quote:

---

Yes, it is because they are newer models. They are newer models because they were released after the older models

---

what? is that a typo? haha

yes, i can read the reviews and product info but i want to hear from your mouths how satisfied you people have been with lesser-known brands. I'll invest in a 6 by 8 aiptek if you guys think it's good, b/c i saw one lukewarm review for an Aiptek product and was like "oh, that's the budget brand hmmm"

http://
www.magictutorial.com

Yes, they are the budget brand. As I've said before, I've had no problems with mine, and it works great. However, it isn't the "best." Think of it this way, as Bohdi (sorta) said: I don't need a Mercedes to drive on a road, because a Camry would do just fine.

[This message has been edited by counterfeitbacon (edited 07-25-2003).]

As far as I'm aware, the stuff in the FAQ was from the guys fingers typing (Or maybe they wrote it freehand via their tablets.)

fraxyl

I'm not sure the Aiptek is even the Camry of tablets, cfb, maybe more like a Sentra...

I've been right satisfied with mine. Compared to some of the prices, for a beginner, it's just perfect. The larger space is more comfortable for my drawing style. If I was ok with a smaller space, I might have gone with the Graphire instead - it wasn't too much more expensive.
But the Aiptek has been good to me. No complaints here...


Cell 617