Need opinions on cheap beginner graphic tablets

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 11:47:34 +0200, lennier1
scribbled:

I´m considering to buy a cheap graphic tablet

Don’t.

Voivod wrote:

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 11:47:34 +0200, lennier1
scribbled:

I´m considering to buy a cheap graphic tablet

Don’t.

"Cheap" as in not too expensive. I want to get an initial feeling for it but I don´t want to waste too much money on it in case I find out I don´t like to work with them. If it turns out I like to work with a graphic tablet I´d buy a better one in less than a year anyway. Therefore I want to start out with something more affordable before any big investments. Hope that´s what you meant. Such one-word answers are pretty useless.

Hi, lennier1. I’m using a Wacom Graphire 4 Pen Tablet; it’s not too big, nor too expensive (although not exactly CHEAP, either). I don’t remember the exact price, but it was about 150 eur (in Spain) and it came with some bundled Adobe software and free Photoshop plug-ins. Wacom also makes tiny tablets for laptops, so if you just want to "try it out" and don’t mind if it’s the size of a matchbox (well, a little bit bigger), I think one of those tiny ones costs something around 35 – 50 eur.

Anyway, I would definitely buy a Wacom if I were you. I’m sure you can find an affordable model, if size doesn’t matter at this stage.

Sorry, Michael, I hadn’t seen your first message before replying… All I can tell you is that the Wacom I have works perfectly with Photoshop and Illustrator (they recognize the pen pressure, etc.), so I’m quite convinced that whichever Wacom you decide to buy, you won’t be disappointed.

Kielipuoli wrote:

Hi, lennier1. I’m using a Wacom Graphire 4 Pen Tablet; it’s not too big, nor too expensive (although not exactly CHEAP, either). I don’t remember the exact price, but it was about 150 eur (in Spain) and it came with some bundled Adobe software and free Photoshop plug-ins. Wacom also makes tiny tablets for laptops, so if you just want to "try it out" and don’t mind if it’s the size of a matchbox (well, a little bit bigger), I think one of those tiny ones costs something around 35 – 50 eur.

Anyway, I would definitely buy a Wacom if I were you. I’m sure you can find an affordable model, if size doesn’t matter at this stage.

Kielipuoli wrote:

Sorry, Michael, I hadn’t seen your first message before replying… All I can tell you is that the Wacom I have works perfectly with Photoshop and Illustrator (they recognize the pen pressure, etc.), so I’m quite convinced that whichever Wacom you decide to buy, you won’t be disappointed.

Hi, Kielipuoli

Thank you for your help. I´d definitely prefer to buy Wacom products because it seems to be the only producer of tablets that has a good reputation in the graphics community (higher prices which seem to result in the use of better materials and more ergonomic shapes). Is it also possible to use them with other programs so I don´t have to switch back to the mouse for everything? For example, when I´m texturing 3D objects I often have Photoshop and 3D Studio Max running at the same time so I can check the changes in a matter of seconds (e.g drawing something in Photoshop, save the changes from the PSD file to the JPEG texture files, get the minimized 3D Studio back on top, click on reload and render).
It should basically work as a pen for Photoshop but also be a substitute for the mouse (just for short periods). Does a Wacom driver normally create a second cursor or does it simply control the same one that´s assigned to the mouse?
Once again thank you for the help.

Michael

Hi

I´m considering to buy a cheap graphic tablet to get some experience. In case it´s something that fits my work style I´d
upgrade to a bigger one after about a year anyway. Therefore I don´t want to invest too much money for the first one. It would
mainly be used for smaller editing like adding dirt to the textures for my 3D projects and for smaller retouching work (nothing
too fancy). That´s why I want to keep the price below 100 Euros for now (keep in mind it´s only to decide whether it suits my
work habits). Right now I´m eyeing these two possible candidates: -Wacom Volito 2 (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 37,- € -Wacom Graphire 4 Classic (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 73,50€ Does anyone have any opinions? Maybe even suggestions for an alternative beginner tablet?
Thanks in advance for your replies.

Michael

Wacom (like walk’um) is the top maker, uses a 1/4" radio frequency in the working surface and the pen and mouse (and other tools) are passive relays that do not use batteries. Past models are Intuos (which I have), Intuos2, current is Intuos3 which is rather expensive and is the superior one. They also make the ‘Graphire’ line that is technically the affordable lower grade, and same technology. Wacom also has the most accessories available for their tablets, as well as full graphics softwares that are not demos, if you buy new.

The other two makers are "Genius" made by Kye systems, and UC logic. Both of those makes use batteries in their pens and mice and the technology is electro magnetic, so you’d definitely keep it "away" from your hard drive. Both of these are cheaper to get for higher resolution.

All three makes have current websites where you can do the research for tech, numbers like LPI (lines per inch resolution) and so forth, and levels of pen pressure sensitivity… the more the better.

http://www.wacom.com/ (For your country, and see what the discount privileges are too) http://www.wacom-asia.com/index.html (better site)
http://www.superpen.com/ (UC Logic)
http://www.genius-kye.com/ and http://www.geniusnet.com/

I suggest buy a Wacom Graphire4 4×5, it has full software programs, a warrentee and will be in your price range.

Good luck,

—
}<)))*> Giant_Alex (California)
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/

[upper snip]

It should basically work as a pen for Photoshop but also be a substitute for the mouse (just for short periods). Does a Wacom driver normally create a second cursor or does it simply control the same one that´s assigned to the mouse?
Once again thank you for the help.

Michael

You’re very accurate about your understanding. It does not create a second pointer but you can use all three, tablet pen and mouse, and the computer mouse with the same screen pointer (cursor). It all works very smoothly. And these days, the Wacom drivers are better with controlling "jitter" that used to uccur with the pointer when under pen control,
much smoother these days. It used to be dreadful for me, using an Intuos(1) in Painter 6.

—
}<)))*> Giant_Alex
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/

In article <44a4f302$0$29133$>, lennier1
@arcor.de says…

Hi

I´m considering to buy a cheap graphic tablet to get some experience. In case it´s something that fits my work style I´d upgrade to a bigger one after about a year anyway. Therefore I don´t want to invest too much money for the first one. It would mainly be used for smaller editing like adding dirt to the textures for my 3D projects and for smaller retouching work (nothing too fancy). That´s why I want to keep the price below 100 Euros for now (keep in mind it´s only to decide whether it suits my work habits). Right now I´m eyeing these two possible candidates: -Wacom Volito 2 (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 37,- € -Wacom Graphire 4 Classic (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 73,50€ Does anyone have any opinions? Maybe even suggestions for an alternative beginner tablet?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Michael

Michael,

You will probably save yourself grief & money, if you look into either a Wacom re-furb. from the Wacom site, or hang out on e-bay, looking for a Wacom. The re-furb units have been rehabilitated by Wacom and are usually a model, or so old.

Hunt

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:19:54 -0700, AAvK wrote:

[upper snip]

It should basically work as a pen for Photoshop but also be a substitute for the mouse (just for short periods). Does a Wacom driver normally create a second cursor or does it simply control the same one that´s assigned to the mouse?
Once again thank you for the help.

Michael

You’re very accurate about your understanding. It does not create a second pointer but you can use all three, tablet pen and mouse, and the computer mouse with the same screen pointer (cursor). It all works very smoothly. And these days, the Wacom drivers are better with controlling "jitter" that used to uccur with the pointer when under pen control,
much smoother these days. It used to be dreadful for me, using an Intuos(1) in Painter 6.

Thank you!!!
That´s exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for.

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:05:21 -0700, AAvK wrote:

Hi

I´m considering to buy a cheap graphic tablet to get some experience. In case it´s something that fits my work style I´d
upgrade to a bigger one after about a year anyway. Therefore I don´t want to invest too much money for the first one. It would
mainly be used for smaller editing like adding dirt to the textures for my 3D projects and for smaller retouching work (nothing
too fancy). That´s why I want to keep the price below 100 Euros for now (keep in mind it´s only to decide whether it suits my
work habits). Right now I´m eyeing these two possible candidates: -Wacom Volito 2 (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 37,- € -Wacom Graphire 4 Classic (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 73,50€ Does anyone have any opinions? Maybe even suggestions for an alternative beginner tablet?
Thanks in advance for your replies.

Michael

Wacom (like walk’um) is the top maker, uses a 1/4" radio frequency in the working surface and the pen and mouse (and other tools) are passive relays that do not use batteries. Past models are Intuos (which I have), Intuos2, current is Intuos3 which is rather expensive and is the superior one. They also make the ‘Graphire’ line that is technically the affordable lower grade, and same technology. Wacom also has the most accessories available for their tablets, as well as full graphics softwares that are not demos, if you buy new.

The other two makers are "Genius" made by Kye systems, and UC logic. Both of those makes use batteries in their pens and mice and the technology is electro magnetic, so you’d definitely keep it "away" from your hard drive. Both of these are cheaper to get for higher resolution.

All three makes have current websites where you can do the research for tech, numbers like LPI (lines per inch resolution) and so forth, and levels of pen pressure sensitivity… the more the better.

http://www.wacom.com/ (For your country, and see what the discount privileges are too) http://www.wacom-asia.com/index.html (better site)
http://www.superpen.com/ (UC Logic)
http://www.genius-kye.com/ and http://www.geniusnet.com/
I suggest buy a Wacom Graphire4 4×5, it has full software programs, a warrentee and will be in your price range.

Good luck,

Thank you for the in-depth explanation. I´m using an expensive CRT monitor and sensible HiFi audio boxes in relatively close proximity to the mouse pad area so I´ll probably want to avoid stronger electro-magnetic input devices. Seems like all that´s left is to find a fair price for a Graphire series tablet. And if it really helps with my work I can always invest in a Intuos2 afterwards and sell the "old" Graphire on ebay to get a small amount of money back again. Once again thank you for your help.

PS: I found out that 3D Studio Max supports something some kind of shortcuts like the magic shapes in the Black&White games. Looks like a tablet could speed up my work outside Photoshop as well.

On 30 Jun 2006 20:32:46 GMT, Hunt wrote:

In article <44a4f302$0$29133$>, lennier1
@arcor.de says…

Hi

I´m considering to buy a cheap graphic tablet to get some experience. In case it´s something that fits my work style I´d upgrade to a bigger one after about a year anyway. Therefore I don´t want to invest too much money for the first one. It would mainly be used for smaller editing like adding dirt to the textures for my 3D projects and for smaller retouching work (nothing too fancy). That´s why I want to keep the price below 100 Euros for now (keep in mind it´s only to decide whether it suits my work habits). Right now I´m eyeing these two possible candidates: -Wacom Volito 2 (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 37,- € -Wacom Graphire 4 Classic (127,6 x 92,8 mm active surface) for 73,50€ Does anyone have any opinions? Maybe even suggestions for an alternative beginner tablet?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Michael

Michael,

You will probably save yourself grief & money, if you look into either a Wacom re-furb. from the Wacom site, or hang out on e-bay, looking for a Wacom. The re-furb units have been rehabilitated by Wacom and are usually a model, or so old.

Hunt

Hunt,

Thank you for this advice. This would be perfect. If everything went well the tablet would be replaced with a higher-grade version within a year anyway. One way or the other, you´ve already helped me to save some money and for that I´m grateful.

Michael

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 23:02:49 +0200, lennier1
wrote:

Thank you for this advice. This would be perfect. If everything went well the tablet would be replaced with a higher-grade version within a year anyway. One way or the other, you´ve already helped me to save some money and for that I´m grateful.

Michael

You are not saving money but wasting money, Michael.
Alex gave you an in depth description on the differences.

How can you be saving money if you intend to buy twice?

Go check http://www.geniusnet.com.tw/ (Alex also gave it to you) and think about buying a Genius 6X8. I bought one, and I do not know Wacom, (could not find it in Durban, SA) but comparing to what I read about Wacom, I think I done just as good as buying the popular Wacom brand.

Batteries? Yes it do use batteries in the pen and mouse, (included:-)! but it is long lasting. And I do not use the wireless mouse, but my original because I want more freedom when using the mouse, then using it only in line with the monitor and on the tablet.

Indeed, if the tablet would be replaced within a year or so, why don’t do what I suggest; and maybe you will be saving money by keeping it.

Dave

On Sat, 01 Jul 2006 17:11:34 +0200, Dave wrote:

On Fri, 30 Jun 2006 23:02:49 +0200, lennier1
wrote:

Thank you for this advice. This would be perfect. If everything went well the tablet would be replaced with a higher-grade version within a year anyway. One way or the other, you´ve already helped me to save some money and for that I´m grateful.

Michael

You are not saving money but wasting money, Michael.
Alex gave you an in depth description on the differences.
How can you be saving money if you intend to buy twice?

Go check http://www.geniusnet.com.tw/ (Alex also gave it to you) and think about buying a Genius 6X8. I bought one, and I do not know Wacom, (could not find it in Durban, SA) but comparing to what I read about Wacom, I think I done just as good as buying the popular Wacom brand.

Batteries? Yes it do use batteries in the pen and mouse, (included:-)! but it is long lasting. And I do not use the wireless mouse, but my original because I want more freedom when using the mouse, then using it only in line with the monitor and on the tablet.

Indeed, if the tablet would be replaced within a year or so, why don’t do what I suggest; and maybe you will be saving money by keeping it.
Dave

Thanks for your reply. I want to try working with a tablet before I decide whether to invest in a bigger one for long-time use or not. As for genius: I´ve had my fair share of experience with them (rude hotline personnel giving useless advice, a faulty USB hub and last but not least an optical mouse that stopped working (oh wonder) just one month after the warranty ran out). No thanks, I´d rather buy no-name stuff from the flea market than give that company another cent of my money. Sorry about the rant but that company is a moot point for me.
What I want to do is to test working with a graphics tablet. If it isn´t I don´t want to lose too much money. If it is, I´m willing to invest much more money in a long-time solution.

Michael

"Is it also possible to use them with other programs so I don´t have to switch back to the mouse for everything?"

I have never used any 3D software, but I think it should work OK with any software. At least I haven´t had any problems with it (I use it as a substitute for the mouse when I am working with it, and I know that there are some users who always substitute the mouse with the pen.)

I also like the fact that the pen doesn´t need any batteries.

In article ,
"Kielipuoli" wrote:

"Is it also possible to use them with other programs so I don

On 1 Jul 2006 16:53:41 -0700, Kielipuoli wrote:

"Is it also possible to use them with other programs so I don´t have to switch back to the mouse for everything?"

I have never used any 3D software, but I think it should work OK with any software. At least I haven´t had any problems with it (I use it as a substitute for the mouse when I am working with it, and I know that there are some users who always substitute the mouse with the pen.)
I also like the fact that the pen doesn´t need any batteries.

Thank you. I´d probably use the mouse most of the time but it simply seems easier to use the pen while I´m working with 2D software and 3D software at the same time.

On Sun, 02 Jul 2006 11:04:55 +0900, Stewy wrote:

In article ,
"Kielipuoli" wrote:

"Is it also possible to use them with other programs so I don´t have to switch back to the mouse for everything?"

I have never used any 3D software, but I think it should work OK with any software. At least I haven´t had any problems with it (I use it as a substitute for the mouse when I am working with it, and I know that there are some users who always substitute the mouse with the pen.)
I also like the fact that the pen doesn´t need any batteries.

Many graphics tablets come with a cordless mouse. But it’s like switching from a mechanical mouse to optical – once you start using one, you’ll never go back.

I’d suggest buying an A4 sized tablet. The B5 ones are a bit too small and the B4 tablets take up too much space.

Thank you. A4 would probably be the way to go. Also because this would make it easier to trace any printed templates. But first I´ll have to decide whether it suits me or not. The big investment would come afterwards, depending on the experiences.

In article <8l7ltxmzw9p.jgy67z9dadn8$ says
….

On 1 Jul 2006 16:53:41 -0700, Kielipuoli wrote:

"Is it also possible to use them with other programs so I don

This is how I use the Wacoms – mouse (MS wheel, in my cases) for Windows stuff, and Wacom stylii for all PS, Painter and similar. I do find that when working with Paths in Illustrator, and sometimes in PS, I grab the mouse, rather than the stylus. This is "personal choice," and one may find that the stylus is better for ALL functions. As an aside, I have never really liked the mouse with earlier Wacoms, and have never even unpacked mine for the Intuos II tablet. It may have gotten better, but I am a creature of habit.
Hunt

That’s interesting because I have read (in these threads) that the Intuos(1) mouse is the best design over all, five programmable buttons and a side thumb wheel for scrolling. I am thinking about buying it. Or, want to sell me yours? Quasi cash through Paypal?

—
}<)))*> Giant_Alex
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/

What I want to do is to test working with a graphics tablet. If it isn´t I don´t want to lose too much money. If it is, I´m willing to invest much more money in a long-time solution.

Another option would be to buy a ‘good one’ brand new, being very careful to be nice with the packaging when you open it, and keep all the bibs and bobs.

If you like it, which you likely will, then you keep it. If you do not, then you sell it, and likely recoup 80% of what you paid.

Do the math: the money spent on a mediocre tablet on which you’ve already prepared yourself to cut your losses, or the difference between retail and resale value on a good piece of gear, whose value will become apparent very quickly.

I myself bought an Intuos3 6×9 recently, as my first foray into the field. I bought it used. Even if I decide I won’t use it for a long time, I’ll keep it because I know it’s good quality gear.

By my reasoning, buying something that you know ahead of time to be mediocre is pointless. If it’s not known to be ‘good’ equipment, then there has to be a reason for that. The shortcomings will make themselves very clear very quickly, and I expect you will feel frustrated.

Really. Don’t waste your money on mediocrity.

BD.