graphics tablet advice

[bob2131]

hi
ive been suffering from pain in arms and wrists for a while from using computer. I started using trackball mice, which helps and other techniques.

But, im now thinking about graphics tablet.
Ive just seen the vids on wacom website. This is really exiting stuff for me.
It seems to look like it will be easier to use computer and my apps with something like this. And it allows creative possibilities that the mouse just doesnt offer..

I definately want to use/try a tablet for graphic design apps (CS3),
Im totally new to this tablet thing.
Is wacom the best and only company/brand i should consider????
using mouse or trackpad (macbook) has never made me too comfortable when using photoshop.

So i definately want to try using tablet with CS3, and see how it works overall on OSX and windows XP with all my other apps too. I use alot of apps. Like logic and other music production apps.

any tips or advice, would be great...thankyou.

do you guys who use a tablet also use it FOR EVERYTHING ELSE TOO? like internet browsing and general navigation and task?? eg totally replacing a mouse and trackpad???

thankyou.

 

[gregtuco]

For what it's worth, my experience with Wacom, most of which has been with Graphire and Intuos models, has been great. My only problem since 1996 has been with the pairing of Graphire 3 and Adobe CS3. (Pen will stop working for no apparent reason. Nothing I've tried has worked, drivers, new tips, etc.)

My tablet at work, the Graphire 4. has worked perfectly (through some very hard use) with the first three versions of CS.

 

[MisterMe]

To the OP: It is not nice to double-post.

 

[justbobf]

Yes, I think Wacom is the only way to go. You probably do not need a super big tablet. Mine is about 6"x8". You can use it instead of a mouse; but, you probably will not want to.

 

[katy]

I think it can. There are times when a mouse is convenient...Depends how you use your mac. If you are sitting at a desk then definitely (I tend to move about with my Macbook, so sometimes a mouse is more suitable.)

The only downside to a tablet is; it needs getting used to. Its quite (very?) awkward to begin with...to the point where a lot of people give up. Its worth it though...

 

[katy]

also, having used a small and larger of the Wacom tablets, I must admit, the bigger feels nicer than the small ones...But probably merits trying them out first

 

[gregtuco]

I use my pen for almost everything. (thank God for the right click button!) The one exception is when I'm scrolling through multiple page PDFs or long web pages, then I reach for the mouse– and then it's only to use the scroll wheel.

I've used the bigger tablets and I like them, but they take up a lot of desk space. The perfect size for me is 6x8.

I remember the first time I used the Wacom back in 1996. It took me about 15 minutes to get used to it and I never looked back. Where it really made the difference for me was with the bezier tool (and of course the drawing and painting tools, etc.)

 

[bob2131]

thankyouthankyouthankyou

yes yes yes

i have now a bamboo pen and touch i think its called.

i want to buy another variant, as i usually have my laptop in bed, and i have a desktop, so im constantly unplugging and plugging to either computer, annoying.

havnt used it majorly for graphics apps yet.
but WOW im using the pen instead of the mouse or trackpad.

using the trackpad on the tablet with fingers (like a macbook trackpad) is quite awkward and alot hand and finger movement required, not good for RSI etc.

using the pen to navigate and use as the pointer, is by far the easiest way ive yet come across to use computer. Along with the "show keyboard viewer" on OSX where you get a qwerty keyboard on screen to tap away, in bed late at night, this is nice. as reaching out to type is awkward.

no need to use mouse, ever.

wish the tablet had arrow keys on it....that would be nice.

now i can be on computer for HOURS, with no pain.

highly recommended.

cheers.