Graphics Tablet - Worth it?

[Todd Jacobsen]

Money already spent but would like to know how usefull a graphics tablet is for those that already own one.

The one I purchased was the Wacom Intuos-3 (9x12).

Can I still use my trackball (I hate mice)?

Pet peeves of graphics tablets would be handy.

[AjP]

I use Wacom Graphite3 8x6 and I'm happy with it, yes you can use anything u want in the same time, all my stuff is usb and I have no problem using tablet, mouse or whatsoever.

[Todd Jacobsen]

The Wacom tablet comes with a mouse but I plan on ignoring it...if I can...and use my trackball.

[AjP]

I'm not using wacom mouse, I use my other one working fine

[wilflee]

I have the original Intuos 9X12 serial port version and love it. I will never go back to photoshop with mouse again. Only gripe is that it doesn't have a power switch.

[elbirth]

I have a 9x12 Intuos 2 and I love it. I tried the included mouse, but it seemed too cumbersome to use.
I love my wacom tablet, I can do editing with it that wasn't possible with a mouse (namely pressure sensitivity).

The only issue I have is that since I don't have a large area on my desk to put it (I've got dual CRT monitors... haven't gotten LCDs yet)... so the 9x12 is a bit big to hold in my lap while drawing... other than that, I love it

[EOSAddict]

I use a Genius 5x4 inch tablet (dead cheap and bought before into Dig photog) but I could not go back to a mouse routinely now. Only thing I miss is the scroll wheel but I also have a wireless mouse plugged in for when I need it. Both run off USB ports with no conflict.

[scottbergerphoto]

I got the Intuos 3 to replace an old graphire. It has made my editing much easier and more precise due to the pressure sensitivity of the stylus.

[TammieO]

I have the Intuos 8x6. I like the smaller size because it fits on my lap and takes up less desk space. When photoshopping pics I'm usually using the pen.

[aam1234]

Excuse the ignorant question, but other than marking an area in a photo, what other functions these devices provide.

Sorry for the silly question, and thanks.

[Mernya]

wilflee - That's an issue with the serial port ones. The USB ones use less power and are always on.

Peeves? Sheesh, um.. which there was a better way of dealing with dual monitors. I feel stupid when I get errors with the mouse moving erratically because I left the pen on the tablet.

Money spent? Well you got a good one. That might be the size I get next, but after 9 years, my two 6x8s have been the perfect size. Once you get used to it (and that includes not needing to look at it while you are using it), you will be more than happy with it. Otherwise, send it to me.

[EOSAddict]

Excuse the ignorant question, but other than marking an area in a photo, what other functions these devices provide.

Sorry for the silly question, and thanks.

Direct replacement for a mouse - can click, double click exactly like one. Its just you have to get used to an absolute rather than relative frame of reference when you use one. Once you get used to it, its much more intuituve and sensitive (IMHO!).

Mine als has 'hot spots' just off the screen area where you can put shortcuts to applications. Ans the stylus sensitivity is adjustable to about 250 levels..

[Mernya]

Ah, but it seems to be more of a pain when I am doing things with the keyboard requiring two hands, like typing or something.

[EOSAddict]

Thats why I have a wireless mouse too ;)

[aam1234]

Thanks AJS. What functions these devices give you for photography. I can imagine cut/copy and paste. Anything else. Last Q, what is the use of pressure sensitivity, I'm sure it's handy for drawings but what about for photo editing.

Sorry for the many (and silly) questions :o

[EOSAddict]

This is the one I have

http://www.geniusmouse.co.uk/product.asp?stock_id=118

Although I am seriously looking at this one....

http://www.geniusmouse.co.uk/product.asp?stock_id=180

For photo editing?? masking/selecting is much more intuituve with a drawing than dragging method. Some applications make use of pressure sensitivity... none I use I have to say.

At the end of the day its just a different way of doing things. I use a Mouse all day at work and the pad at home. I also have to say the pad gives me less wrist/hand ache. Hope this helps.

[aam1234]

Thank you very much AJS. Appreciate the help.

[Todd Jacobsen]

The only issue I have is that since I don't have a large area on my desk to put it (I've got dual CRT monitors... haven't gotten LCDs yet)... so the 9x12 is a bit big to hold in my lap while drawing... other than that, I love it

I'm gonna be in your boat. I got the same problem dual CRT's and no place in front of monitors to put the tablet.

I'll probably just tilt it on my lap and just move it if I have to use the keyboard. I am addicted to a trackball anyway (hate mice) so I probably won't have the stylus issue.

[Todd Jacobsen]

wilflee - That's an issue with the serial port ones. The USB ones use less power and are always on.

Peeves? Sheesh, um.. which there was a better way of dealing with dual monitors. I feel stupid when I get errors with the mouse moving erratically because I left the pen on the tablet.

Money spent? Well you got a good one. That might be the size I get next, but after 9 years, my two 6x8s have been the perfect size. Once you get used to it (and that includes not needing to look at it while you are using it), you will be more than happy with it. Otherwise, send it to me.

If I do like it, I'll probably buy the 8x6 for my laptop.

[Mernya]

Pressure Sensitivity and Stylus benefits for Photography(More than this, guaranteed):

1. Accurate masking/brush/cloning. It is much easier to draw a fine line with a 'pen' than a 'bar of soap'. The freeform lasso tool becomes usable (otherwise, I just use the polygon lasso)

2. Speed (in time). I find it faster to navigate. Also, for tablets with preset shortcuts, it can be faster.

3.Wrist fatigue goes away. Excellent for people with Carpal Tunnel issues.

4. Quick Mask mode becomes much more usable

5. All painting functions, including quick mask, cloning, brush become enhanced with pressure sensitivity (especially in terms of brush size or opacity). Being able to fade in a Layer Mask or Clone (or whatever) with lighter pressure is absolutely invaluable. This also works with spot healing.

6. Tilt sensitivity. I don't use it alot, but you can alter your stroke shape much like you can with a magic marker.

7. Pressure sensitive eraser. Face it peeps, it is natural to flip over a pencil to erase. You don't have to go back and forth to the tool palette (or hit the E key)

[R1 Kid]

I know I'm sold... I just need to money to buy it. Speaking of which look on ebay. I've seen several companies selling the 6x8 Wacom Intuos-3 for $269. Just an FYI...

[aam1234]

Thanks a ton Mernya! this is the info I was looking for. I could've easily found the functions of these devices in the net, but was looking for real world usage of them; which you provided handsomely. Thanks!