Does anyone use a Wacom tablet?
 

`Hi out there. Does anyone use a Wacom tablet with Photoshop or other programs? Do you find it a help?

Yes!

Very useful although when you are deciding it seems a lots of money for something you could do with a mouse.

Wacom tablet allows a break from the mouse and speeds things up requiring less mental agility for the same goal.

I was lucky and had one given to me. When I migrated to a Mac the same one did not work so an upto date Wacom tablet (in white) was soon sourced.

Andy, I'm using it for last eight years. Not only with Photoshop but all other applications. So much so, I don't use mouse at all at home. :D

Isn't your WACOM is with USB connect? If yes then what's the issue? :confused:

Interesting thread, I have often thought about one. It must make detailed selections a bit easier.

Has anyone got any recommendations for which particular model, for enthusiast use, rather than a graphics professional.

Duncan for your usage, go for 9 X 12 size. Product name is INTUOS 3. http://www.wacom.com/intuos/9x12.cfm

I have a graphire 4, A5. A5 as in paper size but is being phased into XL. Anything smaller i.e A6 would be too small. I dont think the Graphire will be made for much longer so a bargain might be had.

I suggest the A5 size is perfect, large enough to provide fine control of the pointer and not too large to clutter the desk when not in use.

I use the tablet on 100% of my aviation photos but only 10% of wpf stuff which only get minor touching up with the mouse because I am not processing photo after photo unlike my aviation photos.

Stephen, your mouse should be out of your desktop. :D It does 10% of your tablet anyway....:)

Hmmm, Rudra's comment on mouse has made me think. I'm left handed, so I'd be using a tablet pen in my left hand. But, I use a mouse right handed, and a joystick too for that matter. It might all get a bit cluttered on the desktop with both devices. Debbi will want to continue using a mouse, so that will have to stay within reach on the desktop. Given the amount of space I have, and the need to retain mouse area, I'm certain an A4 tablet would be far too big. It may take quite a bit of getting used to using a pen, especially as I've been conditioned to using a mouse in RH for so long now.

Duncan

No I am not using... That is last time I use one of these was on Commodore 64 and it was a light pen to be used on screen, some 20 years back....

May be that is why I am developing a blister on top of my right index finger that has to rub against that not so soft touch pad of my laptop when working with PS.

Good head rising and suggestion Andy that needs a farther look especially when Rudra is so happy with it.

It's really a good investment I feel. Best part of it is pressure sensitive brushing. So helpful in photoshop painting..

Not long after starting this thread I took the plunge and invested in an A5 Intuos 3 - Here is a Link to the Amazon UK web site with 17 customer reviews of the A5 tablet
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wacom-Intuos.../dp/B0006ZOY60
I am still learning and fine tuning but as Rudra says well worth it - I am at the stage where I wonder how I managed before. I also got the Colin Smith training DVD which has been a great help. Here is a link to the DVD:
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/phot...blets-cs3.html

I've been using the Wacom A6 Graphire for a couple of years now and couldn't manage without it. As for which size you go for - I've not found the small size of the A6 a handicap for detailed work I alway zoom the screen so there samller tablet works fine AND it takes up less desk top space :D

Totally agree. I have an A6 and size definatley is not an issue.

Ok, so having looked at the options, I think the Intuos range, and whilst extremely nice, is somewhat beyond my needs. I've looked at the Graphire and also what appears to be its replacement, the Bamboo Fun Medium (sounds like an Oriental mystic comedy act); this is looking to be the most likely option at the moment.

The next question is, how do you 'right-click'? The Intuos pen has a vast multitude of buttons, but the simpler models appear to have a rocker switch. I'm making the assumption that it's push one way on the rocker switch for a left-click and rock the switch the other way for a right click, is this correct?

You Mac users are no doubt looking confused and saying "What does he mean 'right and left click? What's he on about?" :confused:

Not at all....:D For the lack of click choices we use space bar/control key..

Andy, I really hope you paid less than in your link, as I can get that same model for £168.

Myself, well I'll probably go with Clive's recommendation as it's only £70 :)

Hi Derek - yes I paid a lot less - I only included that link for the reviews which I found very helpful.