graphics tablets

[megy]

Probably a repost, maybe even a repost of a repost, but has anyone or does anyone use a graphics tablet for photoshop work? I have seen the test run in this months digital photographer and am interested in getting one of the cheap ones to trial, then maybe look around at something more substantial if i like it and it works well.

Just wondering if anyone has any views and experiences.

[_dobbo_]

I have one and don't use it that often, as I don't tend to re-touch my photos much beyond a few raw tweaks.

However it's very cool and a lot of fun for drawing and the like. When I do any "heavy" PS work, I do use the tablet and it is much more accurate than a mouse. Think mine cost about 40 squids - it looks like this:

[Bee_Jay]

Another vote for Wacom here - have an A5 one at home, rex uses the 'widescreen' one and I have an A6 one that goes with me in my laptop bag.

Once you've edited with a pen you wonder how you ever did it with a mouse and can't go back.

Best quote as to why to use one for editing I heard was "Have you ever tried writing or signing your name with a mouse?" - nuff said.

[poah]

probably better than what I actually do with my hand and a pen. Don;t like tablets at all

[Graham@Reading]

Got one kicking about somewhere but haven't used it in ages as my desk at home doesn't have the room for it (or even a mouse - I use a trackball ).

Will probably get back into using it when I move though as I'll be buying a new (bigger ) desk.

[Mad Dave]

I have one at home, havent used it in years (it was only a cheapy mind) and didn't like that you had to 'hover' the pen above the tablet, rather than drag it across it - I just never got on with it.

[CVP]

Another vote for Wacom. I just use the small Volito and it really works well for me. Only about £35.

Chris

[megy]

I was looking into the one in the magazine for £20 just to try, then maybe a Wacom if i get on with it well.

[g_stacey]

Use an A3 Wacom all day at work. A4 Wacom at home with 20inch monitor works very well. The kids prefer pen to mouse now. Get one and persevere with it.

Graham

[Bee_Jay]

Mad Dave said:

I have one at home, havent used it in years (it was only a cheapy mind) and didn't like that you had to 'hover' the pen above the tablet, rather than drag it across it - I just never got on with it.

You certainly don't 'hover' the pen with Wacom, they are in fact pressure sensitive...

[Podie]

Bought the good lady a Volito 2 last year for Christmas... gets a fair bit of use. Didn't find it difficult to get to grips with TBH...

[mr noble]

Can you use this little one aswell as the mouse at the same time?

ie. Mouse as usual for surfing and then pen for PShop and graphics stuff, or do you have to keep unplugging and re-plugging them?

[CVP]

mr noble said:

Can you use this little one aswell as the mouse at the same time?

ie. Mouse as usual for surfing and then pen for PShop and graphics stuff, or do you have to keep unplugging and re-plugging them?

With the Wacom Volito mouse and pen are interchangeable at all times, no need for any changes to settings etc. I do use the mouse for Excel / Word etc and then the pen for PS work

Chris

[Podie]

CVP said:

mr noble said:

Can you use this little one aswell as the mouse at the same time?

ie. Mouse as usual for surfing and then pen for PShop and graphics stuff, or do you have to keep unplugging and re-plugging them?

With the Wacom Volito mouse and pen are interchangeable at all times, no need for any changes to settings etc. I do use the mouse for Excel / Word etc and then the pen for PS work

Chris

As Chris says...

Volito 2 is about £40 (never seen it for less) even at PC World... so it's worth a punt.

Missus has one on her PC, but I'm tempted to get one for mine...

[mr noble]

Just ordered one from here for £29 inc vat and delivery! :bargain:

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009H7XAY/wwwdealticouk-21/ref=nosim

[megy]

mr noble said:

Just ordered one from here for £29 inc vat and delivery! :bargain:

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009H7XAY/wwwdealticouk-21/ref=nosim

Thanks for that Greg, i think i am buying one this weekend, will see what the price is in PC World, but guess i will get it from there too.

[mr noble]

www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@2096737096.1160144137@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfladdjdefkfkicflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=750029&category_oid=


Looked there first, its £39.99

Guess you ought to place your order now. If you pay an extra few £££ you'll have it tomorrow morning.

G

[rex]

Have an A5 pad as BeeJay said. Used in conjunction with keyboard shortcuts it is an indespensable (sp?) tool. Got so used to it that feels natural to use it all the time.

[megy]

Well i got the Wacomone, from PC world with price match to Amazon, quickly tried it, and i think i am too used to a mouse at the mo, will have to persevere and get the hang of it, i am sure itwont take long.

Edited to add, Thanks to all that posted, especially Gregg for sending the link to Amazonand PC world.

Edited by megy on Monday 9th October 18:21

[Podie]

megy said:

Well i got the Wacomone, from PC world with price match to Amazon, quickly tried it, and i think i am too used to a mouse at the mo, will have to persevere and get the hang of it, i am sure itwont take long.

Edited to add, Thanks to all that posted, especially Gregg for sending the link to Amazonand PC world.

Edited by megy on Monday 9th October 18:21

Do the tutorial things on the CD - I found they helped get the hang of it...