Computer Graphics tablets?

[johnmiic]

I recall some members here use Graphics tablets to draw on computer. Have the overall prices come down on these items since iPads and stuff came out? Do they come with their own software-comparable to what Photoshop offers?

[Hector]

Get the Intuos 4 (or Intuos 5), friggin' awesome tablet.

I bought mine just before the wireless one came out, but it's always next to my desktop, so the attached USB doesn't bother me one bit.

Get the medium one...it's the perfect size for your needs.

[Hector]

Yes, super compatible to Photoshop, Illustrator, Painter, etc, practically all the drawing softwares.

[Hector]

Get Sketchbook Pro, it's pretty cheap...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TN81ZG?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

[Hector]

I have no idea on the functions and quality of this drawing tablet, but hey, it damn cheap...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OBZRPU?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

[Hector]

The Cintiq is of course the Ferrari of drawing tablets, but they are really expensive.

[johnmiic]

But how easy are these to use? Do they have a million tools or do they have simple tool selection?

[Hector]

To get the best answers, and more effective than me posting...youtube has tons of great videos on how to operate the Intuos, it's very user friendly.

It's hard for me to post youtube videos from my iPhone, but I'll be at my desktop in a couple of hours...I'll post some cool instructional videos.

[Hector]

This is a pretty cool Intuos 4 tutorial...

That will give you a great idea.

It smudges with fingerprints, but can easily be cleaned...I'm a bit OCD on that...so I wear a smudgeguard glove...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smudgeguard-XL-Glove-for-tablets-wacom-cintiq-intuos-/291029547507?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

Just keep searching...they are tons of cool instructional videos...that's how I learned...

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=intuos+4+tutorial&sm=3

[Hector]

Here's my Intuos 4 Medium size...






The tablet is ambidextrous...you can have the control buttons on either the right or left...

[CrimsonGhost]

I've used one for about 10 years. I threw my mouse off a cliff, it became completely useless. If you do any artwork on your computer, buy a tablet for any price and don't look back.

[Brazoo]

It all depends - what do you want to do with it? Do you want to paint, draw, create graphs...?

A low-end Bamboo (about $100) might be fine. It's hard to say.

I have a Wacom Intuos 3 - 6" X 11". As a graphic designer/illustrator I use it all the time, especially with Adobe Illustrator's vector pen tool. For raster based illustration work I only use it for touch ups and corrections. Sometimes I use it for quick sketches - but I actually have an easier time drawing more detailed or careful drawings with my mouse - I guess it's because I've been doing that since I was 13. I know some people who can draw with a Intuos well, but most serious digital artists I know used a Cintiq.

If you want to create detailed art with your tablet I think you should consider saving up for the Cintiq. Though MegoScott posted a cool looking new alternative - there are new pressure sensitive styluses (styli?) that you can use with an ipad. The price of an iPad + pressure sensitive stylus is considerably cheaper than a new Cintiq - so that might be a good option. Though, I believe the degrees of sensitivity in that pen are less than the degrees of sensitivity in a high end Wacom, and you'll have less options in terms of software too. For example, you can't get Adobe Suite on a iPad - but maybe you just want painting software - in that case there's tons available on an iPad.

If you're looking for a Wacom tablet I'd seriously consider checking out Craigslist. I got my Intuos for less than half of what it was new - and it's still in fantastic shape. (Though, my dog did get to the USB cable when she was a puppy, so there are some teeth marks on it now.)

[Brazoo]

For software it's the same thing - it depends on what you want to do.

For example, if you want to do photo retouching on your own I'm sure there's tons of great pieces of software to use. If you want to get hired by a company doing digital photo retouching I think you'll need Adobe Photoshop - because I've never heard of a company who doesn't look for that first-thing.

[Hector]

I trace more precise with the mouse, but the tablet is great for many other things as you said.

I have used the Cintiq as well, it's definitely the best, but unless you are going to make a living using it, or have money to burn, get an Intuos instead. First off, the optimum full sized 24 HD is $2500...that's some serious cash. The 13 HD model is an even grand, but the drawing surface is rather small, I believe Scott has one, you should ask him.

I'm still contemplating getting the small Cintiq anyway, lol.

[Brazoo]

I trace more precise with the mouse, but the tablet is great for many other things as you said.

I have used the Cintiq as well, it's definitely the best, but unless you are going to make a living using it, or have money to burn, get an Intuos instead. First off, the optimum full sized 24 HD is $2500...that's some serious cash. The 13 HD model is an even grand, but the drawing surface is rather small, I believe Scott has one, you should ask him.

I'm still contemplating getting the small Cintiq anyway, lol.

Yeah man, there's no question the Cintiq is the best. When I've demo'ed it at stores or played around on a friends it's blown me away. A whole other level of control and detail. When I'm thinking about this soberly I can't justify the expense for what I do - but like you I've daydreamed about it many many times!