[zzrbit]

Hey

I'm a complete newbie and need to acquire a pen thatll let me draw on my puter.

I'm not even sure what the general term for these things are, i take it the digitizer is the pen, and wacom is one of the dominant brands. Anyway thats what i could figure out after some quick googling.

My question is: i need an entry level pen as im unable to judge whether this is something ill be using for a longer period or not, so what would be the best pen to purchase with a budget of about 150-170$

I'd prefer paying as little as possible if some of the budget products are great, but if there is a great difference in some 20-30-40$ or whatever id take something that i wont get frustrated with right away.

Also, the only program i have is photoshop, and im using winxp.

So! What would be a good choice and will i be sure that itll work with photoshop? Also while we're at it, feel free to mention what products i should avoid

Hope someone can help, i mainly came here cus i stumbled upon the site some years ago and kept popping in to check out the nice art once in a while. Figured it was worth a try to register and ask here!

ps: I tried looking for reviews but theyre not exactly very precise.

[balistic]

A Wacom Graphire is probably what you'll want. Wacom is the best brand, and the Graphire is their small entry-level tablet. You can expect to pay between $80-100 (us) for one. It will work with any paint program, including Photoshop, and will probably come with a slightly-limited light version of Corel Painter.
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brian.prince|light.comp.paint

[zzrbit]

Alright thanks! I noticed there was an even cheaper version, Volito or something like that, but it didnt look too sturdy and seemed to have gotten shitty reviews. I'll definatly go with the graphire then.

Also if you wouldnt mind, what (in broad terms) is the difference between painter and photoshop?

From the names i can imagine one is made for editing photos, and the other created to produce digital art. Are there any differences that will make a ... difference to a beginner?

thanks again

[balistic]

You can paint in both programs, but Painter goes to greater lengths to simulate the look of natural media (oils, watercolor, et cetera), while having fewer photo-manipulation tools than Photoshop.

If you have much traditional art experience, you may find Painter more friendly than Photoshop, but both can be used to create art from scratch.
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brian.prince|light.comp.paint

[zzrbit]

all i needed to know, thank you

[Jin]

Hi,

Check Wacom's refurbished tablets at:

http://wacomdirect.wacom.com/wacomdirect/reftablet.asp?

They're less expensive, completely rebuilt, come with a one year warranty, and also come bundled with all the software Wacom bundles with their new and more expensive tablets.

Avoid any tablet and pen that is not made by Wacom. Wacom is a great company and makes great products. Their tech support is free and they're friendly and helpful.

Be sure to get a USB tablet if your computer has a USB port as USB is more up to date, or so I understand.

Watch that list of refurbished tablets as it changes frequently.

Good luck,


Jinny Brown
TutorAlley Forums - again open for new registrations
Tutorials and Painter Info at PixelAlley