Wacom Tablets,,, 3.65x5.02

[Baadil]

Hi,

So far I have been using my mice for editting images etc. I believe it is now time to invest in a tablet and was wondering if anyone uses Wacom Graphire3 3.65" x 5.02" for image editting. I will be using it with PS CS2. What I really want to know is:

1. Is that a decent size table for beginners (Price seems right)?
2. Is this a decent tablet?
3. Does it work well with PS CS2?

Thank you everyone.:D

[mickle]

1. Size is reasonable.
2. Very good tablet.
3. works very well.

[Baadil]

Thank you Mike. :-) I think I shall order it now. :-)

[Tom Reid]

I bought a refurbished Wacom Graphire3 at a local computer shop...half the price of a brand new one. Works well and a definate asset for fine tuning. I use it a lot when cutting out sports action shots.

[scottbergerphoto]

I got a Intuos 3 6x8, a couple of months ago and I really like it.

[Baadil]

Thanks everyone.

Scott,
I would love to get an Intuos 3 6x8 but for now, it is a bit out of my budget :-)

[lancea]

When you upgrade, I highly recommend you go for the 9x12. I got a 6x8 first and quickly decided I really needed the 9x12. It's perfect. If had infinite money (I don't :( ) I wouldn't go any bigger than that either.

[Baadil]

thanks everyone. Just ordered the small version. Once I get used to of using it and get approval from my domestic finance minister, I will look into getting the upgrade. :-)

[cmar]

4X5 is great for photo edeting and genral use, if you do any drawing or digital art, it is a little small.

[Mernya]

I'd like to counter what some of the people have said (or agree with others as the case may be). I've used tablets as small as 4x5 and up to 12x12. My current preference is 6 x 8, although I believe the 9 x 12 might be my next one given the larger monitors I use now.

In the early years (1996, i got my first Wacom, an ArtZII) I started with a 6 x 8 after recommendations for it. I used some of my prize earnings in a Corel contest to get it. I don't know if because it was my first, that it tainted me, or what, but I was given a 12 x 12 for one of my design jobs and didn't like it. The large size was too cumbersome for me and my desk. I also had access to a smaller one (my boss now has a 4 x 5), but it isn't enough for anything but a few strokes.

Ultimately, it comes down to how you work. If you are an artist, are you a finger, wrist, or elbow artist? Elbow artists (many painters, sculpters) tend to need the larger sizes. CAD guys tend to use the big ones, too. The mid sizes are the most popular for a reason (or three). They are ideal for the artist that works at the wrist level, provide a large enough area that the monitor mapping isn't too awkward in its scale, provide enough area to simply complete a stroke, but small enough to fit on a desk or lap. 4 x 5s are fine if you are a finger artist, or only have to do very small things or changes. Red eye correction, short burts with the clone tool, etc.

I've had two home tablets in 9 years, and a couple at various jobs. These things last a long time. My old one still works, it is just an old serial/powered connection that makes it a pain to use sometimes as opposed to the Intuos. This also has a side benefit, if you can't afford a new Intuos3, I heartedly recommend getting an Intuos1 or 2 on ebay as your first one.