Do you use a Tablet?

I'm just starting to use CS2 and I was wondering if a tablet would be a better choice than a mouse for fine control. Does anyone use one? Can anyone recommend a make/model?

I've got one, they can be pretty useful if you know what they're capable of. Wouldn't recommend one to a basic photoshop user but further down the line its a cool thing to get

I have a wacom graphire 4, its the smallest size. I think the general consensus is to go for a wacom, though they are more expensive. Go for the intuos series if you have money to burn they have more features and attachments... Also, don't get a big tablet unless you are planning on doing illustration or tracing larger images. remember that the tablet maps to the screen. this means that the top left corner is top left on the screen, bottom right is bottom right on screen. consequently if you have a large tablet your arm has to move further to get across the screen and you will get tired out!

Wacom all the way. It makes airbrushing so much easier, because you have pressure sensitivity...

I just picked up mine yesterday and I love it. Best Buy has a 30.00 instant rebate on the 4x6. It has taken some time to get the hang of using it and I have a lot more to learn. I would recommend getting one.

René Damkot wrote in post #2684717
Wacom all the way. It makes airbrushing so much easier, because you have pressure sensitivity...

I've got one and it's great. Get the largest you can afford. The tablet area maps to your whole screen, so the larger the tablet the easer it is to be precise

Intuos3.....I had a the Graphire and it is less mony but a LOT LESS sensitive. The smaller tablet (4x6) is easiest to work with. In the software that comes with it, you can fine tune just about everything to your personal needs. Also using the smaller area, you aren't swinging your arm and wrist all over the place. I have mine set up so as to have a minimum of movement. Less fatigue over a long session.

i have the wacom graphire3- love it! i have the larger one now and i really like that i have more room- it may be personal preference

A must.

Yup.. Love it.. Once you learn how it moves you wont use a mouse again...

I have the Intuos3 tablet... 6X8"

I was going to get one today from a guy on Craigslist but the d00d sold it while I was on the way! Lame! But I want one non the less.

It was a Graphire 2 4x5 but figured it would be a good starter before going up to a larger Intous 3

I have been contemplating one for a few years but have opted to spend the $$ camera gear instead - go figure!

If it maps out your screen, does the aspect ratio matter? I'm running a 22" wide screen.(16:10 ratio)

R_Metzel wrote in post #2688417
If it maps out your screen, does the aspect ratio matter? I'm running a 22" wide screen.(16:10 ratio)

I just read that you can set this in the SW that comes with the tablet.

graphire4 here (small one)... I love it. I like it for normal use too, not just photoshop. Works well with some types of games too (adventure games, card games, etc.)

My wife hates using the pen. A guy I work with who is heavy into photography doesn't like them either...

I've found its either love or hate. You can't really go wrong with small one, esp. if you're a laptop user as it fits easily into bag.

I have both a tablet and a Turbo Mouse - I actually wind up using the Turbo Mouse (Kensington) most of the time unless I have an absolute need for the pen pressure control (not often).

Mark

IMO anything over A4 wide is too large. Haven't worked with A4 long enough to know if should be included in the 'too large' category or not
If you are running dual or wide monitors, a wide panel is nice to have.