[Tychom]

Yeah I know this may seem a little silly but really, are these little critters worth the money? I haven't a whole lot of money yet I am wanting to get going as soon as possible. Now I could buy the larger 6x8 size but I do like to eat food (and drink various things) and this particular Wacom may prohibit me from doing b) and possibly a).

Is it possible to do larger strokes with the smaller tablets or are you proportionatly limited to miniscule 'doodles' with the smaller tablets?

thanks in advance.

(go first post!)

[[Shizo]]

I think dhabih used small graphire or that type of tablet. Although if you plan on sketching on the computer a lot get 6x8

[Termite]

I'd suggest that unless you will go into a career that require the use of a tablet to stick with a 4x5 graphire or intuos.

[Socar MYLES]

Yes, a 4X5 works just fine. I use one all the time.

[Jabberwocky]

If it's the one about the size of a mouse pad they're great. I have one. It's nice it's small cause I take to and from school and home.

[Indian_Prophet]

Yea, I had a Summasketch III 12x12 and the pen had a cord and the tip had to pressed in to work. I didn' like it much because of the tip but I had plenty of space. SOOO, I decided to buy a used Wacom 6X8 ArtzII pad on ebay, I ended up paying less than what the new graphire 2 costs. I can't see any real reason to have anything above 256 levels of pressure sensitivity, but maybe someone does. But the 6X8 area is suffice and would image the 4x5 area is too. No you don't have to make small strokes but you are limited to one solid stroke across the art. But Im sure judging by what some have said here, this is not a problem due to the screen to tablet ratio...

[Waldo]

I have a 6x8 at home and a 9x12 at work and they both serve their purposes well. Work can not be that fun and/or creative, but having that larger work space (pad wise) has its advantages, but keep in mind that available desk space is important, too. At home with limited work room and the 6x8 in my lap, I can fling it around, scratch my back, discipline the dog and knock out some quick pieces with one snap of the wrist.
Fun!
With the larger tablet, doing the same would require a trip to the chiropractor followed by a long nap...
I have not worked with a 4x5 before so no help from me in that arena, but if you're starting out and you can work it into your budget, IMO a 6x8 would be a good start. No knock on the 4x5 folks because those that have recommended it have a proven history here. And yes, you can pull off big strokes with any of them. Getting to know your tools is just the beginning of the fun...

Good luck and enjoy!

[BNault]

Oh yes I have been using the same 4x5 tablet for the past 5 years, and it still works great. All of the work on my website was done with it.

There is no question that if you are hurting in the money department, the 4x5 is the best way to go.

*****'s in my book.
-Good Luck

[LinaBo]

well, I would HOPE so , the Intuos2 4x5 I ordered is sitting down at the dealer's, waiting for me to finish payment (juuuuust a couple more weeks and I'm there)

[daz199]

of course its usable
i couldn't imagine usin anything bigger

[Drawnblud]

A 4X5 will work just fine. That is what I have (check out my webpage to see how well it works!). I would like to have a larger one, but a 4X5 is cheap and unless you are doing illustrations for a living and can afford a larger pad, I would go with a 4X5.
Also, I have spilled soda, food, my 2 year old daughter has drawn on my pad with crayons and pencil and the darn thing just keeps on working. I wouldn't worry about eating or drinking around your Art pad.
Hope this helps!DrawnBlud Studios

[Tiger Eaten]

Quite a few posts touch on this. The wacom pad last FOREVER so what you buy today you will most likely have in 5 years time, take the total price and divide by 5 and your will see that its a pretty good deal. Get the bigger size if you have a chance that you will get more serious.

[Malachi Maloney]

Well, I've never even seen a tablet that small, let alone used one. (I use a 9x12 Wacom Intuos myself.) But, I've heard the smaller tablets work great. I know of a few pros that swear by the 6x8 tablets. If a 4x5 is what's in your budget, than go for it. Any size tablet is better than no tablet at all. Just, what ever tablet you get...make sure it's a Wacom.

Malachi

[Bg]

I have the 4x5 and it's great IMO. If you like to move your hand a lot when you're drawing then buy a bigger one.

[Dr. Bang]

it depends actually, if you are doing alot of details work and such, 4x5 is perfect.

If you do car sketches drawing or such, that require long, uniform line, i suggest you get a biggar one.

[Xeo]

I use a 9x12 intous 2...I kinda regret buying it sometimes because the area is so huge, but I love it