Wacom....now!

[shund]

Being relatively new to the world of digital painting, I am currently tablet-less. I've gathered, through lurking in several forums like this one, that Wacom is the way to go. I've done some research on them and like what I see. Here's the question(s)....

First, how big do I REALLY need? Aside from the idea that "bigger is better," I'm under no misconception that I'm some sort of professional...because, well, I'm not. However, I would like to eventually achieve that title, so I figure I need a tablet....the old mouse just isn't giving me what I want. Is a 9x12 really necessary for a beginner? Would a 6x8 be okay? I must admit that I'm leaning towards the 9x12.

Secondly, where should I buy it? Wacom sells the 9x12's direct for $469. But, Newegg.com sells them for $399. Should I go for cheaper, or should I go for manufacturer direct? Or is there anywhere else you would recommend (don't say "eBay" because, despite all of the good that has come from it, I don't particularly trust individuals who don't have business licenses).

Thanks for the help.

[mcotie]

6x8 is ok I used those at school and they arn't bad. But I have a 9x12 I bought online for $405 ( cant remeber where though). It has a more natural feel to it because the scale is not reduced. But either way you'll have to get used to it. So go with the best you can afford. If you can do the 9x12 then I would say do the 9x12. But if it'll cause you to eat air sandwiches for the next year or so....


mitch

[KayCustomz]

am gonna get me a 9X12, if i had the money i'ed get a cintiq

[shund]

Scaling was exactly what I was worried about. Having a 19" monitor and using a 6x8 didn't really make sense to me. I've decided to get the 9x12 after asking around quite a bit. Newegg.com has it for $399. I think I might go with that. Thanks for the help :D

[Trickster]

i've recently got mine and i think you should stick to the 9x12" cos i've got 12x12" and it is HUGE!!! talk about lean on it and break it! hahahaha

[Laconic]

I just got a tablet. General concensus when i asked about wa sthat the A5 size (5 by 6 i think) was plenty big enough for most stuff. The thing is a lot bigger than i was expecting, but the working area is fine. I definately couldnt have handled the next one up on my desk.

But then, those with more experience might say its too small.

Laconic

[Jin]

Hi folks,

Plenty of experienced, and professional, Painter artists use the 6 x 8 inch Intuos 2 tablet and say there's plenty of room to work.

I bought the 9 x 12 Intuos 2 and within a day found it impossible to use as it took up so much room on my desk and I had to reach too far to use my keyboard. I returned it and brought home the 6 x 8 Intuos 2 (for considerably less money) and have been happy with it.

Sacrificing efficiency and comfort just to have an unnecessarily large tablet hardly makes sense.. and again.. it costs more!

I suppose for people with plenty of money, plenty of desktop space, and another level (pullout keyboard holder) for their keyboard, it might make sense to buy a 9 x 12 inch tablet. Lots of us don't fall into that category, though.

A 6 x 8 tablet is fine, as long as you have pressure sensitivity and the Intuos 2 has 1024 levels.. and higher resolution than the Graphire (which someone had to tell me!). ;)

[Trickster]

i wish i could return mine but i got mine from my bro in HK!!!:(
complete shame that it doesn't work on Painter 7 on MacX plus very difficult to use the tablet tho it always peeves me off when you tilt your pen and the sensor jumps over somewhere else!!!

[Manta_Ray]

So what really is the best size? Are there any other professionals out there that would like to comment and say one way or the other..dont worry about price....just what are your functional reasons for using either size....cheers

[ArtJunky]

I have had a 12x12, a 8x6 and recently the 4x6

Believe it or not, I have been the happiest with the smallest size because I didn't like having to move my hand with large gestures in order to draw. With the large size I always ended up formatting the drawing area on the tablet.

If you get the 4x5, you probably will not feel as though you are really missing anything.

For me, the small tablet works because it just takes up less room. If I were going to get another, I would probably get the same size...

The 8x6 isn't a bad size either...it allows you to create a smaller drawing area but if you need to trace something that is larger, you can expand that area.

The 12x12 ratio, I believe, is too large.

[Manta_Ray]

Thanks Junky...but what do you mean you had to format the drawing area on the 12x12 tablet?

[ArtJunky]

You can draw out an area on a larger sized tablet so that the drawing area then falls within that area. So, instead of a 12x12 tablet you then could have a drawing area that is maybe 4x5. The rest of the space falling outside of that area would be disabled until you switch back to full drawing area.

If you have ever used a 12 " tablet, you soon realize that to move the mouse from the lower right hand corner of the screen to the upper left, (usually needed to make a menu selection) you have to physically move your hand and pen that distance. With a mouse, you just shuffle the mouse in place a few times till you get the cursor from point A to B.

Personally, this exagerated movement always bothered me...with a small area defined, you don't have to move your pen as far to make menu selections.

Hope that helps.

[Manta_Ray]

Thanks mate, I'll take it into consideration. The idea of exagerated hand movements to get basic file opening done with a tablet etc, would annoy me....

[MindCandyMan]

Try them both out if you can. I have a 9 x 12 and I like it...Jason Manley likes that size or larger for more gestural strokes. Foster has a 6 x 8 and he kicks butt with it. Just try them out and see which one suits you better...also consider your workspace...if you have an ultra small workspace than you will want the 6 x 8.

[Manta_Ray]

Thanks MindCandy. Im hoping other people will respond so that this thread becomes the thread for all the newbs (like me) to come to whn asking about tablets...:p

[MindCandyMan]

couple things to keep in mind...

don't get a cintiq...it only has half the levels of sensitivity that an intuos 2 has. Also the intuos 2 supports tilting of the stylus. If tilting isn't important you might consider buying an intuos 1 (same as jon foster uses)...it would cost you like 100 bucks on ebay or whatever for a 6 x 8 and would work the same. But it is nice to have a new one hehe.

[ArtJunky]

Just to make sure you know this but be sure that you get the USB not the serial port.

If money were no object, I would probably get a 6x8 but for me, as I said earlier, 4x5 works really good.

[MindCandyMan]

good call artjunky I almost ordered a serial one when I got mine...I was checking over the order and was like...oh man!

[aps26_perez]

Greetings:

What really makes the choice of size will be your desk space. I use a 4x5 and although a 6x8 would be my ideal choice 4x5 works fine. If you have all the money in the world get the cintiq, since you paint on screen.... But if you have a real world budget and you can't afford 312 bucks on an intous 6x8 tablet, don't sweat it and get the 4x5. Also if you have a small desk to work on a big tablet will be a pain in the but. Hope that helps. Oh don't buy an Aiptek, since they don't work well and it's a waste of money, I bought one and wasted 100 bucks. I learned the hard way.

Later,

Alex
3D Artist

[Jack]

I'm no pro, but I also like the 4x5. I prefer a very compact movement of my hand. Surprising how far you have to move the stylus even on a 4x5.

[ArtJunky]

Even with my 4x5 I formatted it to be a smaller drawing area. The only thing that I noticed about the 6x8 was the ability to trace larger things if needed. Not that I really ever traced much. That option was available. I agree with you though, the 4x5 was perfectly large enough. Yes, it is amazing at how far you have to move even on a 4x5.

[Jack]

Hey Art.
I'm about to buy an Intuos2 (have the Graphire now).
I considered the ability to trace larger items, but I also don't trace much, and figure I can scan and then reduce whatever I want to trace.
The Graphire is great, but I'm looking forward to the extra sensitivity, and the tool id feature with some extra pens.

[soup]

What im curious about is,
which product do most of you use?
the intous2
or the graphire 2
does the graphire have decent resolution??
I know it is much cheaper then the intous, but does it work good for painting??

[Jack]

Hi soup.
The Graphire works great, but the Intuos has additional pressure sensitivity and additional features.
The Wacom web site has all the info, so you can compare the two.
If you're using a full version of Painter, I'd recommend the Intuos.
I've seen the Intuos at on line sites for about $165-$170

[soup]

hey thanks, I think ill buy the graphire just because im poor anyways

[Elric]

I just got the Graphire2 (4x5) about a week ago. It really works great. I was a bit worried about the size, but it has been no problem at all. While I may be able to afford a better one, I wasn't sure if it was worth spending so much more money on a few more inches. As far as I can tell right now, I made a good decision.

It still takes up enough space on my desk that I have to push it aside when I'm not using it. Anything any bigger I think would start to become a real inconvenience.

Either way, everything I read in this board and others helped me make a decision I should have made a long time ago. A scanner and a mouse really don't cut it.

[Manta_Ray]

Just so you know, I bought the Intuos 6x8 and am having a great time with it. Its basically perfect in terms of size and resolution for me, thanks to all who posted comments.

BTW Im using a 19" monitor and I find that to be ok with respect to the tablet as well...

:chug:

[Dan Milligan]

My two cents'

I use a 12X18. lets me draw with my arm and shoulder not just my wrist. Plus its almost perfectly proportioned to my Mac 21'' cinema display.

Dan

[Johannes]

Im not a pro :(
But for me bigger wasnt better.
I had a short practice in a place where I tried the "A3" size wacom (Im not good on inches) and I thought that was too big! Not to talk waaaay to expensive for me. Couldnt have it on the desk, not in the lap either. It was bizarrly big!

Now I have me an A6 graphire :/ Which is actually good. I zoom in for details and zoom out for the bigger things. Todays graphire is as good as the intuios from a few years back.
Oh - cheapscates trick ;) - when the plastic gets a bit rough - tape an a piece of overhead plastic - saves U a buck and I wouldnt know where to get a new plastic either :/

Maybe someday Ill afford the intuios A5, that would suit me fine I would think.

[Watley]

Hello. New to the forums, here.

I just bought a Wacom pad, the Intuos2, and it seems my pressure sensitivity isn't working.

Any suggestions?

[Blind]

Hey Mods: How about a sticky poll somewhere asking "What size is your Wacom?" so we can point those asking toward it? This gets asked a lot, plus it would be interesting to see the result once we got enough replies. I'm betting 6×8" would get the nod.

[Watley]

So, I'm guessing this isn't the place to ask the technical questions?

I've looked elsewhere for answers as to why the pressure sensitivity is not working, but no luck.

It senses movement, but no matter how hard I press, I get the same weight of line...

[Johannes]

Watley - Im not entirely sure, Im out on a limb here- On a graphire, which I have, U set the "stroke weight" kind of in the wacom control panel. That sets the stroke weight feel for the brush in photoshop and also the preassure feel for the airbrush in photoshop. :D

[Jimmy Scifi]

With regards to your wacoms pressure sensitivity, I had a Similar problem when I first installes my wacom, you have to install the driver and check the wacom control panel located in your start menu.

[Watley]

Thanks for your replies!

However, I'm not finding a Wacom Control Panel in my Start Menu...

Maybe I need to re-install?

[Blind]

Originally posted by Watley
However, I'm not finding a Wacom Control Panel in my Start Menu...

Try this: Start|Settings|Control Panel|Wacom Tablet

[symantix]

Check out Linda Bergkvist's work:

http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?threadid=79437

and her personal website:

http://furiae.com

She uses an A5 Wacom (5" x 6"), and as I think you'll agree, she does some very impressive professional work. If you'll scroll through the pages of that CG Talk thread that I referenced above, you'll see that the piece she has done in that thread received extremely high accolades from Steven Stahlberg himself.

[Watley]

Sorry to be such a pain in the ass NOOB, but I don't have a Wacom Tablet icon in my Control Panel. Looks like something didn't finish installing...?

My main problem is I went from being a Mac guy to a PC guy (not by choice), so I'm still figuring out the whole deal with PCs.

Is re-installing the Wacom the way to go, then?

P.S. Thanks a bunch for your help, Blind!

[Blind]

Originally posted by Watley
Sorry to be such a pain in the ass NOOB, but I don't have a Wacom Tablet icon in my Control Panel. Looks like something didn't finish installing...?Hey, no problem... we all help each other around here. Try this... First download this file onto your desktop, it's the latest Wacom drivers Version 4.76-4. What came on your CD with the tablet might be old already. I never install from discs that come with hardware before checking the site first. Click here (ftp://216.65.128.237/drivers/IBMPC/intuos/476/pc476-4-U_en.exe) to get it.

Double-click the file and then hit the UnZip button that you see right after. This will extract a WSetup.exe file to your desktop and open up the Read Me.wri file that tells you exactly how to install. It's bascially just double clicking the WSetup.exe file and following the instructions from there and rebooting. This should install right over any old drivers too, so you shouldn't need to uninstall anything first. If it still doesn't work, then I'd unistall everything from Start|Settings|Control Panel|Add Remove Programs pertaining to Wacom. Then start over by double-clicking WSetup.exe You should then see the Wacom Control Panel in Start|Settings|Control Panel Good luck!

[Watley]

YES! It worked!

Ha Haaa!

Thanks again!

[Blind]

Originally posted by Watley
YES! It worked!

Ha Haaa!

Thanks again!

Excellent! Now get drawing! :cool:

[Hei Gwei]

The Cintiq is definately worth saving for! I just got mine after a year of scrimping, it is the best art tool I've ever owned.

Get what you can afford now, but keep the Cintiq in sight.

Later,
Hei

[Galvatron]

The other great benefit of a tablet that everyone seems to over look is the the reduction of strain on the wrist. Because I'm in front of the computer several hours a day and up until now have had a less that ideal ergonomic set up, I've started developing all kinds of unpleasent pains all up my right arm. i don't think we can over emphasise this fact: carpal tunnel syndrome is no fun, especially as it not only hinders your work but is caused by your work, and theres nothing more infuriating than being an artist unable to make art. So, in a nutshell; if you can get a tablet, get one! And use it for evertything if you can, even everyday mouse work can damage the wrist. And while your at it, invest in those soft gel wrist supports, anything that reduces stress has to be a good thing.

[art_in_progress]

I bought an inexpensive tablet (from spypen) called "designer" its a 6"x 8" with programable function keys along the top. Although it only has 512 levels of pressure the resolution is 4064 lpi, -higher than top end wacom tablet. Anybody else using this one? It cost me 129 bucks canadian last year. I found it works rather well, and it comes with both pen and mouse.

[Manta_Ray]

Galvatron, that is an excellent summation of another reason for the tablet as a must have tool...thank you. I would also ask, perhaps not related to tablets directly but, what setup do people have in terms of ergonomics and using a tablet? Do people generally leave it on the table in front of them? Is that safe? What kinda of chair is required sitting in front of a computer using a tablet?

I recall Android saying he recently bought a Powerbook and is using that with a tablet, (I'm, :p with envy). What is the optimum way to use a tablet with a laptop/desktop situation?

Andrew...any first hand problems?

Thanks all...I hope we can keep this topic going for all tablet related questions...it's worth money...hehe

[Johannes]

Yes, I alsoe think ergonomics is interessting (a bit boring, but important). I have the monitors rised (upper edges at my eyebrow heights) and a nice chair with armrests. I also have some kind of armrest on the table for the right arm that I seldom use . For the most time I have the wacom in my lap while drawing. Alos I usually see to it that the monitors are not the only light in the room, I want some other lamps too, but not shining into them. Its hard for the eyes to look at a bright monitor and then on sketches and stuff in the dark.
Seems like things could be improved, but I dont know how.

Thats my 2 "korvöre" (sausage-cents as we says in sweden) :D

[Manta_Ray]

Johannes, do you find it difficult to sketch that way? Do you have to look down at the tablet at all? Does it feel natural?

[van]

Originally posted by Jin
Hi folks,

Plenty of experienced, and professional, Painter artists use the 6 x 8 inch Intuos 2 tablet and say there's plenty of room to work.

I bought the 9 x 12 Intuos 2 and within a day found it impossible to use as it took up so much room on my desk and I had to reach too far to use my keyboard. I returned it and brought home the 6 x 8 Intuos 2 (for considerably less money) and have been happy with it.

Sacrificing efficiency and comfort just to have an unnecessarily large tablet hardly makes sense.. and again.. it costs more!

:D Different strokes for different folks. I do all of my digital work with a laptop and I own a Wacom Intuos 9 x 12. It is a perfect combo. The Wacom is perfectly mapped to my screen which made it very easy to get used to. I use the Wacom to color cartoons/comics and I dont know how I got along without. Oh wait...yes I do...I didnt. :p

[metalpig]

I have always had a 6x8, as well as most artist I know. It has plenty space to draw on (much like the middle area of a sketchpad...which we're all familliar with). In the end the size you end up using is really a personal preference.

To save deskspace and not worry about my keyboard I use a Nostromo Speed pad by Belkin. Considering I only use about 8 hot key consistantly it works great for me. I use it for Painter and Maya. My workmates made fun of me for a while, but they got over it and my hand doesn't ever get tired from multiple button key commands all over the keyboard.

[Anh]

I just bought a 9 X 12 and I love it! There are a lot of people that might want to stick with a 4 X 6 due to the fact that they won't have to move their hand that much. But I heard that drawing in such a small area, with repeated motion, for long periods of time can result in Carpel tunnel syndrome. I rather shell out the money to avoid that. That's my 2 cents.

Besides my 9 X 12 feels great. I have so much freedom. Gotta love that platinum series.

[Luke Mrozek]

I have a A4 tablet, and i'm really happy with it, i tried to work on smaller one, but still, for me it's not the same. But i guess you should always think before youo buy, try smaller one and bigger one, see which one suits u better.And when u buy, remember to check if u want to buy usb or serial...

Good luck.
Luke.

[grinn]

I just bought a 9x12 Intuos 2 yesterday, and I was using a 4x5 graphire prior to that. The change is unimagably great for me. I have no deskspace whatsoever , but it works fine for me, because i like to have it in my lap and tilt it against the desk. This is how I have always drawn so its more convenient and feels right in comparison to laying it flat on a desk.

For me the purchase of the 9x12 was a huge step, it took all the cash I had. I am not rolling in dough or anything. But for me, I think it was definately worth it. My wrist doesnt even hurt anymore!

Unfortunately I cant use it as a mouse pad as well...because I am left handed..but I wouldnt anyways because of the tilting I suppose.

It is not only larger, and easier for me to add detail to any image because of the usable area, but it feels softer too. I guess thats because of the extra levels of sensitivity. I feel much smoother working on this tablet than I did on my old one, or even on paper.

I hope my comments can help someone.

-ryan

[Redmond]

I like the small graphire just fine. I got a 9X12 intuos lately cuz I wanted to digitaly "ink" my art and it just didn't grant me enough elbow room for large quick strokes. But for color, the graphire is great. I did 99% of the content on my site with the graphire. In my opinion. Try to buy a used one, find a good special. But these are all serial ports, I got no idea how fast a usb one will go.

[Pauladrian]

:confused: :confused:
Is there any difference between platinum and midnite exept colour (and price) ?

:confused: :confused:

[infinitipo]

I got a 4"x5" intuos2 recently, I think it's perfect for now. I'd get a larger version, perhaps, but I'm all out of cash

[metalpig]

I like the 6x8 intuos 2..the size is about the size of my sketch book so I am very used to the drawing space. I played with the cintique at work and WOW. I loved it, but it's a bit expensive right now.

As for ergonomics, I use my wacom pad for just about everything including 3D modeling and a Belkin Speedpad for hot keys. The speed pad is programable so i only have to hit one button for hot keys most of the time and my hand sits at a more natural position. Reaching across the keyboard in all sorts of unnatural positions was hurting my hand. Now I have no problems.

[Magicjuand]

Any noticable differences between the pressure sensitivity between a Intuos and a Graphire? Or maybe I should ask what differences has anyone noticed? I have worked on an Intuos and I think its awesome, but I wonder if a graphire would really be any different...
thanks

[Johannes]

About the fastness serial vs USB. Without having much technical know-how, just practcal experience (well, thats a disclaimer... ;) ) - I dont think a USB pad would ever have trouble with large strokes. I think the computer would croake before that, depending on 1processor speed (hardly a problem nowadays), but maybe even more on 2available memory (mucho is good) and 3scratchdiskspace (faster disks are better).

[Man'jak]

You are confusing me here... :)

You say that the A5 Wacom is the same as 5" x 6" ?

If we look at the site (Europe) and then check out the "Intuos2 A5" the information will say "With an active area of 203 x 162 mm" (203.2 x 162.4 mm)

1" = 25.4 mm

203.2 / 25.4 = 8
162.4 / 25.4 = ~ 6.4

A5 Wacom = 8" x 6.4"

Isn't that correct? :D

[Johannes]

I too would like to see a comparison, because especially with the new graphire3 XL (in A5 size) its very competetive prized. But Ive herd that the intuios have a more advanced feeling in the pen, letting it be tilted and then the lines change also - more tilt - thicker lines for instance, with markers.
Ive never tested a intuios, so It would be good to hear from someone that have tested both?