[BlackPool]

For all the years that I have used Photoshop, I have always used the mouse. I have gotten comfortable with it. But Everyone where I work and everyone on this board and every other digi artist I meet just swears by these things. I am just wanting to get as much input as I can to help me decide whether or not I should get one myself. So my question is: What can it do that you like it for?

[Frost]

Pressure sensitivity and better hand movement tracking... priceless. However, since you've become so adept with the mouse, you will find it difficult to adapt to how the pen works, IF you get one. I went through this myself at first... took me weeks if not months to get the hang of it.

[BlackPool]

Those are definately benifets. Thanks Frost. Anyone else have anything to add?

[Sa'ge]

I dunno. All those years you've been using PhotoShop, perhaps you've also continued drawing with a pencil, or writing with a pen. It's not like you don't have the ability to use a pen.
I would say, try and find someone you know with a tablet, and see if you can try it out. It might be easier than you think. Everyone is different.

I think the hard part is orientating your hand and eyes to be doing the same thing in 2 different spots on 2 different planes, even though the only tool you've ever done it with is a mouse. But since you have so much experience using a mouse, you might be able to transfer those skills to a pen tool.

[black_fish]

If you draw on paper with a pen, you know why you need a tablet. If you never used a pen, don't bother and stay with the mouse.

[Gimbal8]

I got a 9x12 tablet (or something near that anyway) so its nearly a 1:1 ratio to the screen. I didn't take long at all before I was able to draw with the tablet just like I do on paper. I don't know if it is any different to get used to a smaller sized tablet or not.

As far as what it can do (that I like it for) is that I can't move the mouse with anything near the accuracy that I can get from my tablet. It's absolutely no different to me then using a pencil on paper except that you see the results on the screen and not the tablet. And the pressure sensitivity rules. The tablet basically gives you the ability to closely simulate using traditional art techniques on the computer.

The stronger your traditional art skills, the more benefit you will get from using the tablet when doing digital work.

[NukleoN]

This is not a debate really..the Wacom beats the mouse, hands down. I drew video games for years with a mouse, and never liked doing it that way...but when I got a tablet, it took, oh I dunno, about 3 nanoseconds to see the clear, awesome arse kicking benefits.

1. Pressure sensitivity. A *MUST* if you want to reach a high quality level or, if you want to simulate traditional tools.

2. Line weight..related to #1. Without pressure, all your lines are belong to us...no wait, all your lines will be one thickness unless you do that manually..which I do, but you get line weighting with a Wacom.

3. Control..the mouse sucks arse for drawing because it works in relative mode, that is, the movement is relative to the last pointer location. The tablet\stylus is like a pencil, where you put it down on the tablet is where it goes on the monitor...instantly!

The mouse is also harder on the hands..the Wacom Intuous Stylus is SWEET coz it is thick, and there is less hand strain (I used the old Wacom style tablet for years).

Also, absolute mode with the Wacom is handy for playing Diablo HAhaha.

4. Last but not least..you need Painter or Photoshop. I only draw in Painter, which I think throttles Photoshop when it comes to stroke quality, speed, interface (you get 32 undos with CNTRL Z, Photoshop makes you go to a history menu, which is retarded). That kind of stuff. I do use Photoshop and love it, but not for drawing\painting.

Anyhoo...run, don't walk and get a tablet, even if it is a small, 4x5 Graphire, which incidentally, comes with Painter Classic. Heck, I have extra versions of Painter Classic I don't use coz I own two Wacom tablets now.

My tablet recommendation? Wacom 6x8, USB, Special Edition with Painter 5.03 or 5.5. Onvia.com is where I'd buy it (if you live in the U.S.



[ May 13, 2001: Message edited by: NukleoN ]

[shahar2k]

uhm, actually photoshop 6, you can set unlimited undo's, just go to the preferences, and set your "redo" key to Ctrl-Y... heh just putting in my 2 cents, and yes, wacom has made a HUGE diffrence, though I wasn't really drawing in photoshop before it...

[BlackPool]

That is a lot of great input and advice. I am pretty much sold on the idea of getting one now.

Thank you all so much!

[Impaler]

You know, Wacom really ought to start paying us Commission fees for all the sales pitching we do.

:p~~~~~~~

[Bibbe]

ROFL ..
After reading this me too is about to buy a wacoom. I'm really glad someone said that even graphire is really good. Because it's all i an afford. I been hesitating before about it since i tried that autocad shit. But now i won't hesitate, i am ordering one right away... thanks for all the great input.
- bibbe

[NukleoN]

I don't have Photoshop 6 yet, which is why I didn't know about the CNTRL Z undos...still, why did they take 6 versions to figure that out? Painter rules...and yes, the Graphire tablet is great! I bought one for my girlfriend and it works fine, still HEAPS better than a mouse for drawing. Ergos are better too with the fat Intuos or Graphire stylus.