Graphics Pen

A good place to start is the manufacturer site of the best digital tablet

http://www.wacom.com/

Tablets prices go from +/- $90.00 to $3000.00.
If you tell me the age of your son I can suggest which tablet model is more adequate.

All my work is done with a wacom tablet and a mouse can not replace the digital pen.

Alfredo
www.alfredom.com

"Gasman1223" wrote in message

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the

same

on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen

of

some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

Gasman1223 wrote:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

In the UK I bought a radio pen and tablet for about 29 UKP some years back, so I’d guess that you could get one for about $50 or thereabouts.

I did a search on ‘radio graphics tablet’ and the cheapest I found so far was;

< http://www.thegadgetstore.com/TemplatePages/Product.asp?CatI D=40&ProdID=4&RootID=2>

It’s in UK prices but it shows that you can get cheap but good tablets.

Richard.

On Thu, 12 May 2005 09:26:55 -0400, "Gasman1223" wrote:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

The best buy will be from Wacom – not the cheapest, but the only ones with good build quality. As he’s just starting out the best one for you to get is a Graphire 3.

—

Hecate – The Real One

Fashion: Buying things you don’t need, with money
you don’t have, to impress people you don’t like…

"Gasman1223" wrote in message

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

Wacom is recognised as the leader in this area. I bought the smallest cheapest of their tablets a few months ago – the Wacom Graphire3 4×5. It is conveniently the same size as a mousepad, so sits next to my laptop using the same space, and doubling as a mousepad as well. It’s been terrific with photoshop work – though I do not do drawing/art, but only retouching.

I made the decision to go with a Wacom as I had read that the build quality was better than other makes. I also read that many of the lesser know brands don’t keep their drivers updated as well for new software etc, and are compatible with less software.

Depending on how old your son is a cheaper brand may be the way to go, but if he is older a Wacom Graphire, and even a larger 6×8 tablet, would be the way to go. If he’s a really serious artist you could look at the Wacom Intuos3 range as well.

Nb. the size of the tablet does not impact on how you use it, as each corner of the tablet surface is a corner of your screen – but for drawing will mean that he has to draw in a small scale, so a larger tablet equals a bigger drawing surface, so bigger brush strokes. The 4×5 Graphire is around $85.

http://www.wacom.com/graphire/index.cfm

In article <4283d243$0$27630$
com.au>, says…

"Gasman1223" wrote in message

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

Wacom is recognised as the leader in this area. I bought the smallest cheapest of their tablets a few months ago – the Wacom Graphire3 4×5. It is conveniently the same size as a mousepad, so sits next to my laptop using the same space, and doubling as a mousepad as well. It’s been terrific with photoshop work – though I do not do drawing/art, but only retouching.
I made the decision to go with a Wacom as I had read that the build quality was better than other makes. I also read that many of the lesser know brands don’t keep their drivers updated as well for new software etc, and are compatible with less software.

Depending on how old your son is a cheaper brand may be the way to go, but if he is older a Wacom Graphire, and even a larger 6×8 tablet, would be the way to go. If he’s a really serious artist you could look at the Wacom Intuos3 range as well.

Nb. the size of the tablet does not impact on how you use it, as each corner of the tablet surface is a corner of your screen – but for drawing will mean that he has to draw in a small scale, so a larger tablet equals a bigger drawing surface, so bigger brush strokes. The 4×5 Graphire is around $85.
http://www.wacom.com/graphire/index.cfm

Very good comments, indeed. I’d add that if possible, let your son try out various tablet sizes, if possible. Some like the smaller tablets, and many will place them in their lap to sketch. Others, myself included, are willing to shell out the $ and the desktop real estate for the larger pad, rather than work on the smaller ones. Size becomes a matter of budget, and personal preference. You might want to look at Wacom’s site, for "reconditioned" tablets, as they are usually priced very well, though they may not be the latest release. As for that, I still use one that is four generations old, plus several more, of a more recent vintage, and all work just fine.

Hunt

In article <zQIge.35230$>,
"Gasman1223" wrote:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

It’s usually called a graphics tablet and consists of a pressure sensitive board – usually A4 or B4 with a USB cable to connect to the computer and a stylus. It’s much more controllable compared to a mouse and mouse pad. Take a look at any computer stores in your area. There are various models and prices, some tablets work better than others and the more RAM you have on the computer the better.
The most popular (and probably the most expensive) graphics program is Adobe Illustrator ($500) – usually bundled together as Adobe Creative Suite (CS). As CS2 has just been released, CS1 may be available at substantial discount either on ebay or other discount software vendors. There are other less expensive programs out there that other posters may be able to suggest. You can probably download a one month evaluation copy from Adobe.

Depending on your son’s age and your geographical location, you may be able to take him to an art college or good library to allow him to try different sized tablets for more than just a few minutes.

"Gasman1223" wrote in message

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

Depending of the age of the son; if he is in K12 level or higher, he can purchase softwares at educational prices.
It is generally a small fraction of the store price.

Adobe Creative Suite 2 from $1199.00 down to $379.95
Illustrator CS2 for $99.95
Corel Draw Suite 12 $94.95

And so on.
But those are prices for the USA and we don’t know where Gasman1223 is located.

Alfredo

"Alexgirl" wrote in message

Depending on your son’s age and your geographical location, you may be

able

to take him to an art college or good library to allow him to try

different

sized tablets for more than just a few minutes.

"Gasman1223" wrote in message

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite

gifted

when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

In article <5e1c0$428405df$c690ced9$ says…

Depending of the age of the son; if he is in K12 level or higher, he can purchase softwares at educational prices.
It is generally a small fraction of the store price.

Adobe Creative Suite 2 from $1199.00 down to $379.95
Illustrator CS2 for $99.95
Corel Draw Suite 12 $94.95

And so on.
But those are prices for the USA and we don’t know where Gasman1223 is located.

Alfredo

Canada, I think. However, I have no idea if CA has "educational" prices, but that is a good point – if they do.

Hunt

Gasman1223 wrote:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

Wacom tablets are really nice. I bought a Graphire a few years ago. No cord on the pen like some tablets (This is incredibly annoying and gets in the way). No batteries in the pen to weigh it down or to have to change.

Nice eraser on the back end of the pen!

Cheers,
Nicholas Sherlock

Yes we do have educational software in Canada and the prices are as good as the one here in the States, and there is plenty of online stores that specialize on them.

Alfredo

"Hunt" wrote in message

In article <5e1c0$428405df$c690ced9$

says…

Depending of the age of the son; if he is in K12 level or higher, he can purchase softwares at educational prices.
It is generally a small fraction of the store price.

Adobe Creative Suite 2 from $1199.00 down to $379.95
Illustrator CS2 for $99.95
Corel Draw Suite 12 $94.95

And so on.
But those are prices for the USA and we don’t know where Gasman1223 is located.

Alfredo

Canada, I think. However, I have no idea if CA has "educational" prices,

but

that is a good point – if they do.

Hunt

There are three to choose from:

Wacom, Wacom and Wacom

Not the cheapest, but worth it.

John D

"Gasman1223" wrote in message

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the

same

on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen

of

some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

I really appreciate all the help. It seems pretty clear that everyone agrees that Wacom is the way to go..

Thanx

"John DH" wrote in message

There are three to choose from:

Wacom, Wacom and Wacom

Not the cheapest, but worth it.

John D

"Gasman1223" wrote in message

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted
when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the

same

on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen

of

some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

On 5/12/05 9:26 AM, in article
zQIge.35230$, "Gasman1223"
spewed:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

I have a short PDF with some thoughts on my experience with Wacom tablets here:
http://www.wizardofdraws.com/main/newsletter.htm
In addition to the cost, you want to look at size in relation to the amount of desk space available. Larger does not necessarily mean better in terms of utility. A larger tablet also means larger arm movements from one side of the screen to the other. That’s probably not the most desirable feature. In the end though, I wouldn’t be caught without one.
—
Jeff ‘The Wizard of Draws’ Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic
http://www.wizardofdraws.com

More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic
http://www.cartoonclipart.com

In article <77026$428450f3$c690ced9$ says…

Yes we do have educational software in Canada and the prices are as good as the one here in the States, and there is plenty of online stores that specialize on them.

Alfredo

[SNIP]

Thanks for the info. Though neighbors, there are very many differences, i.e. wine availability, etc. I think you gave the OP a good way to go. I hope that he/she takes it to heart.

Hunt

In article <zQIge.35230$>,
"Gasman1223" wrote:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite gifted when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the same on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen of some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

I just wanted to add that if he’s thinking of using the pen in Illustrator that the CS2 version has greatly-improved pen controls. Brush strokes can depend on tilt, bearing, and rotation now, not just pressure.

There is educational pricing for it.

— paul asente
To reply, make the host be the same as my last name

"Stewy" wrote in message

In article <zQIge.35230$>,
"Gasman1223" wrote:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite

gifted

when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the

same

on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen

of

some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

It’s usually called a graphics tablet and consists of a pressure sensitive board – usually A4 or B4 with a USB cable to connect to the computer and a stylus. It’s much more controllable compared to a mouse and mouse pad. Take a look at any computer stores in your area. There are various models and prices, some tablets work better than others and the more RAM you have on the computer the better.
The most popular (and probably the most expensive) graphics program is Adobe Illustrator ($500) – usually bundled together as Adobe Creative Suite (CS). As CS2 has just been released, CS1 may be available at substantial discount either on ebay or other discount software vendors. There are other less expensive programs out there that other posters may be able to suggest. You can probably download a one month evaluation copy from Adobe.

An alternative to Illustrator which many people (including myself) much prefer is Xara X1 from www.xara.com. It’s cheaper, extremely fast and has a very intuitive interface which will be particularly useful for somebody starting out; also some very fun bells and whistles like interactive shadows and bevels.

But a kid who’s into drawing will probably find working in a bitmap editor (Photoshop, Paintshop Pro) more intuitive anyway.

Ian

—
____________________
A quality online comic strip for the discerning reader.
With shagging in it.
http://www.jaxtrawstudios.com
Free daily rude toons
http://www.lewdart.com

Jaxtraw wrote:

"Stewy" wrote in message

In article <zQIge.35230$>,
"Gasman1223" wrote:

My son is just starting to get into computer graphics. He is quite

gifted

when it comes to drawing with pen and paper and now he wants to do the

same

on the computer.

We have bought him a new computer and we have learned that a digital pen

of

some kind is probably what he needs, but I do not know what I am looking for.

If anyone had any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks for your help.

It’s usually called a graphics tablet and consists of a pressure sensitive board – usually A4 or B4 with a USB cable to connect to the computer and a stylus. It’s much more controllable compared to a mouse and mouse pad. Take a look at any computer stores in your area. There are various models and prices, some tablets work better than others and the more RAM you have on the computer the better.
The most popular (and probably the most expensive) graphics program is Adobe Illustrator ($500) – usually bundled together as Adobe Creative Suite (CS). As CS2 has just been released, CS1 may be available at substantial discount either on ebay or other discount software vendors. There are other less expensive programs out there that other posters may be able to suggest. You can probably download a one month evaluation copy from Adobe.

An alternative to Illustrator which many people (including myself) much prefer is Xara X1 from www.xara.com. It’s cheaper, extremely fast and has a very intuitive interface which will be particularly useful for somebody starting out; also some very fun bells and whistles like interactive shadows and bevels.

But a kid who’s into drawing will probably find working in a bitmap editor (Photoshop, Paintshop Pro) more intuitive anyway.

Ian

Don’t forget the Student Discounts!
Jan