Computer Tablet

Gooskin

Gooskin

Member
I am beginning to get really into graphic design, and am wondering what kind of drawing tablet I should get. I have been looking at the Wacom Bamboo ones, those look pretty good. I found one new one on their website for $100, and it comes with software like Photoshop Elements...I was thinking this is a pretty good deal, but I wanted opinions of others. What kind of drawing tablet should I invest in?
 
Dude... That's not what he's asking at all.

Anyway, I have a Wacom Intuos4. I've JUST got it and have been using it non-stop since I got it (monday), it's almost replaced my mouse. I love using a pen instead of the mouse, it's really natural once you get used to it a little. Not to mention for editing it's great.

I don't know much about the Bamboo line, but I think it's just a lesser (and much uglier) tablet. The Intuos4 has twice as many detection dots and twice as many pressure levels (aka, it's twice as accurate). I would just look for an older tablet, like the Intuos 3 or 4. Both have 5040 pressure levels (versus half that on the Bamboo's). I went for the Intuos4 because I think it's much prettier and because it has the hotkeys and scroll wheel which I think are really helpful. Also ALL keys are fully customizable per application. For example, the keys on the side of my Intuos4 are customized for Photoshop, Lightroom, Email etc. That way they do something else for every app, which I think is great. I don't think the Intuos3 has that option.

If you have any more questions I'd be glad to help.
 
I forgot to add that size is dependent on what you plan on doing with it and how you normally like doing your penstrokes. A size M (8.8x5.5 inches) is perfect for someone that uses the wrist mostly. If you like moving your whole lower arm you might go a size bigger.

If you plan on sketching and that kinda stuff you're going to want a bigger one than when you're just going to do some editing and stuff.
 
Obviously he was asking to recommend a tablet. I was just saying that ps elements doesn't matter since you can really easily just crack the whole cs6 suite and get the full version of photoshop.
 
My advice is to reconsider whether or not you really need one. Some people swear by them, but I've been doing design work for 5+ years now, and my tablet just collects dust. I'll use it occasionally, but I've never been super stoked on it.

If you're an illustrator/painter or do a lot of photo retouching it makes more sense than if you're just doing print and web work.

I'd say a subscription to CA and some good design books would be a better use of your money at this point. A good mouse would be an option also. My next work purchase will be a gaming mouse with variable sensitivity and mappable hotkeys.
 
My high school has Bamboo tablets. I asked my art teacher about them, he said they work well, but you want to have pressure sensitivity. I would not be doing very many huge projects, but I think it would be very nice to have a tablet for graphic design. However, I am trying to find good deals on these, because I am looking into buying a new camera.....everything is just expensive nowadays, especially for a teen with no job. But thanks for the advice, the Intuos series looks very professional.
 
If you don't draw you probably don't need one.

But if you still want one just borrow one from a friend or something or try it out for a few hours before buying one.
 
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