Anyone use a graphics tablet?

[SpazzDotCom]

I have found that it is next to impossible to draw with a mouse. I would like to give using a graphics tablet a try. I don't have a lot of money to spen (especially since I'm not sure I will use it all that much), so I was wondering what you guys thought of the cheaper ones on the market.

I have noticed one by JamStudios, that is around $20-$30 most places. Obviously, it will not be as good as a $100+ item by Intous(sp?), but what exactly make a better one, well, better?

I am not using it for a graphic arts profesion or anything, so I'm sure I don't need a prefesional quality one. But since I am buying it jsut for fun, I would like something good enough to not be frustrating, and therefore, notfun to play with.

Any insight is appreciated.
thanks,
-Scot

 

[gsaldivar]

I'd suggest getting a second-hand "brand name" (Wacom) tablet from E-Bay or the FS/FT forum.

Good luck!

 

[sathyan]

I have a Wacom Graphire2 (USB) on my desktop. I use it as a total replacement for my mouse. Took some getting used to but it especially excels in photo editing (cropping and painting is what I do mostly), audio editing (I "feel" that I have more precise control with a pen) and web browsing (because it uses absolute instead of relative positioning)
These go for around $50 nowadays. Depending on the drawing you do you may need a larger size.

 

[sammykun]

I agree with gsaldivar as well...Wacom would be the way to go. I managed to get a used Wacom Graphire tablet for $20...it's the serial version, but still works great when I'm doing photo touchup, texture work, or just drawing.