Need a good value graphics tablet (digitizer?)

[EliteRetard]

Need an electronic drawing pad (WTF are these things supposed to be called?!) to be used in adobe programs like photoshop (maybe others later). Ive seen em, had a really old one...but dont even know enough to research them. I dont even know what theyre really called. The only thing I can think to look for is resolution. They have to have a resolution dont they, so your drawings are accurate and not blocky? Like if my monitor is 1600x1200 and the pad only has a 640x480 resolution then when I try to draw a circle im gonna get a terrible looking octagon like thing on my screen (that was my old one). The current monitor on this computer is junk, and will eventually be upgraded...but Im figuring something in the 1600x1200 range since they dont make quality, color accurate, monitors less than that (need a montior for around/under 500$ that will be good for said adobe programs and one that can be printer matched)? So how does that work nowadays, how do the pads map to your screen?

Oh and there are pressure levels...my old one had like 128 levels, seemed ok to me. I see now like 512 levels...any reason I would need more than that (I dont think so)? How about size, anyone that can reccomend a good average size (big enough, not to big)? Brands? Im not usually a brand name person, I want value...but I dont know who any of the competitors are. Im hoping I dont NEED to spend 500$, if I can get a 150$ tablet that has 80% of the performance then thats what Im looking for.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mpilchfamily]

Wacom makes the best tablets. So pick the one with the features you need and your good to go.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ion=wacom&name=Tablets

 

[Modelworks]

Wacom is the way to go. The other manufacturers are cheaper but not nearly the same quality. Wacom tablets do not require batteries in the pens or mouse while the competitors do. If you can't afford much you can get a bamboo tablet for under $75 or a refrub intuos that is a bit bigger for about $200
http://www.jr.com/wacom/pe/WAC_UPTZ631W_hy_RB/

 

[PurdueRy]

Get one with the same aspect ratio as your monitor. It'll make it much more natural to draw on.

 

[Rottie]

You wont be disappoint with Wacom tablet...I still use Wacom Graphire (sp) and I really love it....It helps me become world famous digital artist.

 

[MiataPaul]

I have a Wacom Graphire (I think 6X8 the med sized one) on one system and a Medion on the other the Medion was like $49 at Aldi supermarket and I prefer it. It is bigger and the pen while it takes batteries it seems just as responsive and there are a bunch of customizable buttons along the edge.

 

[corkyg]

Am on my 4th generation of Wacom tablet - started when they were serial ported. Would not be without it.

 

[Rottie]

Excuse me Corkyg your notebooks do not have serial port for your 4th generation Wacom tablet? I have Wacom Graphite3 with USB

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Rottie

Excuse me Corkyg your notebooks do not have serial port for your 4th generation Wacom tablet? I have Wacom Graphite3 with USB

Of course not! That was about 8 years ago. I don't use the tablet with my notebook - just my two desktops. Currently, Graphire 3's. BTW - Wacom's latest driver is good.

 

[Rottie]

didnt know you have a desktop pc I was assuming you use notebook most of the time.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Rottie
didnt know you have a desktop pc I was assuming you use notebook most of the time.

My notebook is essentially for travel. I fire it up every couple of days to keep it current, but my two desktops are the work horses. The main one is XP Pro w/SP3, and a RAID1 data drive array. The other is my test bed. Using mobile racks, it has Vista w/SP2 on one HDD and Windows 7 RC on the other. This lets me experiment with no fear.

I have been considering replacing a Graphire with a Bamboo, but will wait until the economy is better.

 

[Athena]

I use a 5 year old Wacom Graphire -- the small 4" X 6" model. I originally bought it for a handwriting recognition project but these days it's used 100% for photo editing. I haven't upgraded to anything else because it's been more than adequate for my (hobbyist) editing needs. If something were to happen to the tablet I have, I probably look at slightly larger units only because, as with everything else, prices have fallen and you can buy more for less these days.

While I've been very happy with the Wacom and would definitely consider them if I were to replace my tablet, they are not the only manufacturer around. I have friends with other models and quite honestly, I haven't heard any complaints from them.

 

[Rottie]

Bamboo looks nice i will have to wait until i find graphire pen i lost somewhere when i moved out. Not sure Wacom have anymore Graphire3 pen in the stock.

 

[corkyg]

Graphire 3 pens are still available. I had to replace my mouse - it wore out on the bottom.

Pen

 

[Rottie]

that is good to know they still have in stock. thank you