tablets?

[moogal]

I've always considered getting a tablet, but now with 1.5 released, it seems even more urgent. I'd really rather not lay out that much cash for an Intuos2, so I wonder if a Graphire can do the job just as well? Do I need the large size of an Intuos2, or could I make do with just a 4x5? Is anyone here getting by with a Graphire, or is it just too inferior?

[Mentat7]

I have already been down this path. You might find something useful in this thread WACOM TABLET WHICHT TO BUY? (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=004265)

[WingedOne]

I use a 4x5 which does the job for me.

[Stonecutter]

8 x 6 here, but I don't think size is an issue, since most tablets have a proportional setting anyway...I think it's just a matter of personal preference, and I find mine perfecto... ;)

[moogal]

OK, so maybe I can get by with a 4x5... But doesn't the Intuos have a better "pen" than the Graphire? I'm not worried as much about sensitivity, but rather if I can program the pen as a mouse replacement on the Graphire as well as with an Intuos. I haven't heard from a Graphire user here yet. (Thanx for pointing me to the thread on this topic, I'll re-read it later when I have more time!)

[Jack 1]

Hi moogal!
I've had a Graphire for over two years now, and I love it. The main differences are:
The Intuos has 1024 levels of sensitivity, the Graphire 512.
There are accessories available that will only work with the Intuos. Check out the Wacom site for these.
The Intuos has Tool ID, which means you can use several pens in one application, and each pen will maintain the tool/setting. Like having a bunch of different brushes while painting.
As for size, I like the 5x4, as I prefer a very compact stroke; in other words, I don't want to have to move my hand all over the place while using the pen.
The pen works the same in both, but the Intuos has "tilt" support: you can hold the pen at an angle and change the stroke.
So, while the Graphire is great, I'd buy the Intuos for the extra features.
Which, now that I think about it, I may do! ;)

[LWTB]

i am using Graphire2, and its great. everything above is valid. plus its very comfortable in my hand. i just set the tablet in my lap and go at it. i havent gotte na single cramp yet :P

[LXIX]

Hi,
I use a Graphire II as well and I like it very much. I find it very comfortable to use and I love having a mouse with NO wire. I know the tablet has a wire but I always hated mice because of the wire coming out of it. The pen is easy to get used to and I like the small size of the tablet.
Tony

[Bonecradle]

Definitely take a look at the Wacom site as the different models and sizes have different features.

With the Intuos it is possible on the larger models to set the drawing area smaller than the actual tablet and use the rest of the tablet for other purposes (selection and so on).

There is also a range of pens available now, including ones that have ink nibs so you can effectively sketch on a piece of paper on your tablet and not even look at the screen. I don't know if these are available for use with the Graphire.

Money is about the only obstacle.

[Stonecutter]

I do the same thing with my Wacom ARTZ tablet...I just tape a piece of drawing paper to my tablet and draw away!
Works for me... ;) I then just trace it in, and since I have my tablet set to 1 to 1 with my drawing area the scale is perfecto!

[Cricket]

I have the original Graphire. It's fine. But I could really use something a bit bigger...it makes me feel cramped.

I don't know why, but I can't use the pen for double-clicking and stuff. Might be my hands that shake a bit. And even though the mouse has no cord, it's clunky, and the area you can use it on is so tiny. My regular mouse died and I had to use the Graphire mouse while waiting for a replacement and it drove me nuts. Others have no problem though.

[talos72]

I have a 9x12 and a 4x5, but hardly use the 9x12 because its too damn big when trying to use the key board for shortcuts and stuff. So almost all my work is done with 4x5, and most of the color work you see in my site (www.tirgari.com) was done with a 4x5 Intuos. If you can afford it, get an Intuos, but I have worked with Graphire too and it can get the job done but doesn't have the sensitivity of Inuos. you may be able to find Intuos 1 tablets for cheaper now that version 2 is out. Both my tablets are the first version, and based on what I have heard the additions in the second version are not worth shelling out another 3 to 5 hundred bucks.