Graphic Tablet

[srw0701]

I currently own photoshop and I'm getting painter x because I want to start doing some computer paintings. Unfortunately, right now I only have a mouse. I'm looking at buying one of those graphic tablets, but I have absolutely no clue how to pick one out. Can somebody help me with this?

I don't want to spend more than 40-50 dollars on one. It has to work on my pc, I'm running windows xp. I've been looking at them on newegg and stuff, but there's so many things and I don't know the differences between them. Anybody have any recommendations?

[JL.Alfaro]

For the amount of money you want to spend, it wouldn't matter what type of tablet or what capacity it has- I'd say its almost disposable.

If you are serious about your digital artwork, then it would depend greatly on:
1. A larger budget
2. The size and format of your monitor and
3. If you are planning on upgrading the monitor you already have.

in that case I would suggest you invest a little more into your art, and go with a wacom.

www.wacom.com

-JL

[srw0701]

Ok, so do you think the Bamboo is any good? I noticed it doesn't seem to come w/ a mouse.. is that bad? I've got the money, but I'm saving up for a car so I figured cheaper would be better for now.

Also, could you please explain about the monitor. I don't understand what that has to do w/ anything lol.

[Jabo]

The Bamboo is for writing, not painting.

The optimal size of the tablet depends on how big your screen is. The tablet uses absolute mapping, that means wherever your pen is on the tablet, it's mapped directly to the monitor. A small tablet with a large screen results in an unnatural feeling when you paint, as the cursor moves "faster" on screen than your hand does on the tablet. That's why your tablet should match your display.

[srw0701]

I see. What about the bamboo fun? That says it works for painting.

And if my monitor is 13" w x 9 3/4's " tall, what would be an appropriate tablet size?

Thanks for all the help too.