Wacom Tablet - 4 x 5 or 6 x 8 ?

[BayAreaPhotog]

I am thinking of purchasing a Wacom Graphire3 Tablet. . . Is the 4 x 5 sufficent? Anybody start out with a 4 x 5 and just found it too small?
:?: 4 x 5 or 6 x 8, any thoughts?

[Jesper]

I have the smaller one and for me it's sufficient - the larger one was twice the price of the smaller one here, the difference in size doesn't justify such a large difference in price, in my opinion.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'm very fond of the smaller units.. I have the graphire now and love it. I used to have occasion to use a 9X12" and contrary to common assuption.. these larger tablets are not very good for photo editing. They require so much hand motion that thye almost defeat the advantages a tablet has to offer.

[Belmondo]

I use the 6 X 8. I have a dual-monitor setup, and the 4 X 5 is just a little small. Also, the 6 X 8 doesn't eat up all the available desk space.

[Conk]

I also have the 4x5. I totally agree with CDS. I've heard many tablet users say the same thing about a larger tablet acquiring larger strokes or movement.

[PacAce]

I have the 4x5 size tablet and two monitors so I use the full width of the tablet but only half of the height.

[DReb-MO]

Any one use one of these? Similar specs but significantly lower cost. Thanks.

[Motorsports Photo]

I've been using a tablet for over 10 years. I had BIG ones for CAD, but the actual working area was about that same 4x5, since the rest of the tablet was a command template.

I agree with the others that a 4x5 is just about what your hand can usually move without lifting.

I have never had a WACOM tablet go bad, and would recommend any of them. Even an old one works well on that (probably) unused serial port. I have a box of dead mice in that same time. :wink:

-Pete

[BayAreaPhotog]

I purchased the 4 x 5 and it seems to be adequate for my needs. Thanks for all of the advice.

[Jack W.]

I used a Graphire 4x5 for about 4 years. It was great. I recently bought an Intuos 3, and stayed with 4x5.

Update:
Today I ordered an Intuos 3 6x8 from Dell for a total cost of $236.
Right now Dell has 15% off, plus I used a coupon for an additional $35 off, plus I opened a Dell Preferred account for an additional 2% off, plus free shipping (Dell charges tax in my state).
Coupon number is ?3Z6VTLHJ504TB for anyone who may be interested.
This is a GREAT price for this tablet.

As I posted above, I like the 4x5, as I prefer a compact hand movement. However, I use 2 monitors. When using this setup, with say Photoshop/Paint Shop Pro, I have the palletes on the second monitor. But this really affects the usable space on the tablet, as half of it is for each monitor. Fine for image editing, but can get a bit too compact when using paint brush tools (I also have Corel Painter).
So, 4x5 is great for a single monitor, but with a dual monitor setup a larger tablet may be the better way to go.
And, this deal from Dell is the best I've seen.

[IainB]

I'm keen to get some advice on buying a graphics tablet. So far I have decided on a Wacom - either an Intuos3 or Graphire3 for editing photos. I'd appreciate some opinions on which model to choose. From what I've read the Intuos has many features which may not be needed in PS.