To all those experienced using Graphics Tablets.
I am considering buying one and I would love to hear what people think is a good quality tablet that does not require me mortgaging my car.
Big thanx.
I use Intel based machines.
I use an AIPTEK cheapo. 12Inch.
Lemo
If you can afford it, a Wacom Intuos3. I have a big one and wish now I would have bought a smaller one. I only use one corner of the tablet and it is so large its just to hard to deal with. If you will be doing lots of traceing from large originals is about the only reason to have a large one. If your budget is tight a Graphire3 is great also and I think it runs about $100 US. At first you will have to force yourself to use it, but once you get the hang of it you will wonder how you managed without it.
Both your infos are useful - I researched a bit and I came to a similar conclusion about the size and the money thing.
I am sure some of the special features are nice in the expensive varieties but I really just want a tablet with the basic stuff as I feel that its the main stuff I need. Besides money is a matter to be considered. I have a little daughter that needs some Xmas presents hehe.
So lomg Zbrush is compatible with it ofcousre.
Are there any special specifications I should watch out for???
OK Ciao and thanx again
I use an Aiptek too, its okay, i have the 12 inch but now also only use a 5x6 area of it. I believe they are having a winter sale. also they sell refurbished tablets at a very cheap price. i’ve had no problems other than running out of batteries from use. 
the main advantage wacom have over other brands is they have the patents on cordless, batteryless, eraser tipped, pressure, tilt and rotation sensitive pens. that’s also why they can charge as much as they can, because there’s no real competition.
every other tablet on the market will have some combo of the above features, but not all. seeing as zbrush only uses pressure, thats the only feature you need to watch out for.
Another consideration is what programs you will be using the tablet for. If you do a lot of work in PhotoShop or Illustrator you may want more features. I’ll be honest though, I seldom use any feature other than pressure and the eraser.
have owned a wacom since they came into being. currently use a graphire3 4x6 and find that the smaller size is not a hinderance in anyway. Works great in every program that supports it.
I would prefer an intous but budget doesn’t account for it. I would recommend the g3 as a good starting point. Pens take a little bit of time to get used to and if you decide you don’t like it well you haven’t forked out an arm and a leg and if you do like it…well it will last you a good long time so you can save up for a better model if you are so inclined.
Only time I use my mouse is for web trolling now and can’t remember life before my pen…just love it.
Right - that is the info I was looking for and it seems my own research bear all this out too. I also thought that the size thing was a bit of a gimmick but if you work a lot of trace 2d stuff then it would be an advantage but hey I get that stuff scanned anyway - hehe.
The pressure thing seems to be the really important aspect and that will be the decider.
If any of can tell me what level of pressure is suitable for Zbrush that would be the final info needed. I assume the greater the level of pressure steps like 512 or greater is the way to go.
OK Cioa for now - got to feed the baby - hehe. I will use my mouse of course - grrr"
:lol:
yeah…get the highest level of pressure you can afford. the g3 is only 512 which is ok but if I could I’d take the intous’ 1024 anyday. Having said that…512 works pretty well in zbrush and ps as it is but of course double that would be pretty good too:D
Intuos 3… i first bought a el cheapo graphire 3, but i am so happy with my intuos now… its really worth the extra money.
I use the Wacom Intuos 3 4X5. I also have used the graphire version of the same size and a few of the older version of the Intuos and graphire series. I’ve also used a couple of different off/cheaper brands and what I’ve found is that their sensitivity is faulty/intermittent.
I would reccommend the Intuos 3 4X5 whole heartedly!!! I can’t imagine that it’s only being 200 bucks would be much of a hindrance, even on a college student. That’s what I spent, and apart from my video card (and zbrush! :-)), it was the best purchase for my computer I’ve ever made…
-MWS
I use a intous3 9x12, I find the extra size gives me a better tablet to screen ratio, which means more accuracy. It does take alot of space but I find it is worth it.