graphics tablet question

I've never used a graphics tablet but I'm looking at the Intuos2 6x8 as a first try.

I was hoping that someone with a bit of experience using any such device could answer a few questions for me.

I plan to use it w/ PS7 and want to know how you select tools with the pen? Do you have to use the mouse, or is it simply the pen now tracks the screen just like the mouse. (I use keyboard shortcuts now, what combo of pen strokes and shortcuts do you use?).

Is the 6x8 size big enough, I've heard that larger screens have larger arm movments required, maybe not a good thing when drawing? Also, it seem like a good solution to use with a laptop (for travel) and a desktop.

Anything you can tell me about how I could expect to change my workflow using a tablet would wecome, good or bad. Also, aside from Photoshop, what other programs do you/can you use with the tablet?

Thanks! - P

Greetings,

I have just purchased the Intuos2 4x5 and I just love it with PS7.

You select with the pen tip just as you would with the mouse.

I have found that to also use the shortcuts in conjunction with the pen...speed the whole process up quite a bit.

I have found that the 4x5 is big enought for the work that I do editing photos. Someone on this forum stated that they got the 6x8 and also the 4x5, he now uses the 4x5 mostly. If you have the desk space to accomodate the larger unit, I can see no down side.

Haven't tried any other programs with the Intuos2, but I have thought more than a few times the pen would sure be nicer and easier to use.

Steve

pdh said:

I've never used a graphics tablet but I'm looking at the Intuos2
6x8 as a first try.

I was hoping that someone with a bit of experience using any such
device could answer a few questions for me.

I plan to use it w/ PS7 and want to know how you select tools with
the pen? Do you have to use the mouse, or is it simply the pen now
tracks the screen just like the mouse. (I use keyboard shortcuts
now, what combo of pen strokes and shortcuts do you use?).

Is the 6x8 size big enough, I've heard that larger screens have
larger arm movments required, maybe not a good thing when drawing?
Also, it seem like a good solution to use with a laptop (for
travel) and a desktop.

Anything you can tell me about how I could expect to change my
workflow using a tablet would wecome, good or bad. Also, aside
from Photoshop, what other programs do you/can you use with the
tablet?

Thanks! - P

Click to expand...

pdh said:

I've never used a graphics tablet but I'm looking at the Intuos2
6x8 as a first try.

I was hoping that someone with a bit of experience using any such
device could answer a few questions for me.

I plan to use it w/ PS7 and want to know how you select tools with
the pen? Do you have to use the mouse, or is it simply the pen now
tracks the screen just like the mouse. (I use keyboard shortcuts
now, what combo of pen strokes and shortcuts do you use?).

Is the 6x8 size big enough, I've heard that larger screens have
larger arm movments required, maybe not a good thing when drawing?
Also, it seem like a good solution to use with a laptop (for
travel) and a desktop.

Anything you can tell me about how I could expect to change my
workflow using a tablet would wecome, good or bad. Also, aside
from Photoshop, what other programs do you/can you use with the
tablet?

Click to expand...

I have the 4x5 and love it. You can adjust the pen workspace to the size you want. The most significant comments I've seen regarding size is how one works. Pam, for example, has the 6x8 but holds the tablet in her lap, so I think the larger arm/hand movements would be ok. I have mine right next to my keyboard and like the smaller movements. I think you could approximate the larger movements by slowing down your mouse acceleration. if you want to get an idea. I've also tried a larger tablet where the ratio was exactly the same as a screen - 17 in. - that was really awkward - huge arm movements - but it may be fine for someone who is used to painting or drawing on an easel. If possible you should try one out first. I'm almost sure that it works with other graphics programs, but the wacom web site probably has all the programs it works with - wacom.com

--
Kent
http://www.pbase.com/kentc

grapphire is enough for image editing, for painting and drawing in PS you should get the intuous.

graph (g3) said:

grapphire is enough for image editing, for painting and drawing in
PS you should get the intuous.

Click to expand...

I have configured my intuos2's popup menu to select my tools. Works great.

Becky, That sounds great I think, what does it mean?

How do you control the pop up menu with the pen?

What else can you tell me about the product that makes your workflow better?

Thanks! - P

BeckyC said:

graph (g3) said:

grapphire is enough for image editing, for painting and drawing in
PS you should get the intuous.

Click to expand...

I have configured my intuos2's popup menu to select my tools.
Works great.

Click to expand...

One of the functions of the pen switch is "Pop Up Menu". If you set it to the switch a pop up menu comes up and you can map your key strokes for you specific functons. For example you could have ZOOM on your popup menu and when you select it, it returns a 'z'.

Personally, I keep the switch to Right Click and Double Left Click, I find I use those more often and I use the keyboard short cuts for my tools. I place the pad in my lap and the keyboard sits on the desk in front of the pad, so I can reach over quickly and hit tool keys. (the cord on the pad gets in the way if you don't do it correctly).

As for buying which one, I suggest you get the more expensive one if you can afford it. If not, get the cheaper one. The expensive one is better, some say much better, but if you can't afford it, don't.

pdh said:

How do you control the pop up menu with the pen?

What else can you tell me about the product that makes your
workflow better?

Thanks! - P

BeckyC said:

graph (g3) said:

grapphire is enough for image editing, for painting and drawing in
PS you should get the intuous.

Click to expand...

I have configured my intuos2's popup menu to select my tools.
Works great.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

I just bought a Intuos 6x8 and so far like it a lot. I've tried cheaper models (Genious for example) but they don't compare in terms of usablity, accuracy, ability, etc.

The pen works quite similarly to a mouse in non-graphics programs but is not quite as convenient mostly because it doesn't just sit there in position like a mouse, meaning you have to pick it up every time you use it. Putting the tablet on my lap works fine, but then the pen is on the desk when not used, which takes considerable hand movement and takes your eyes from the screen.

Using the tablet in the mode where the tablet surface mimics the computer screen size requires you to move your hand a lot to reach different screen positions and also requires some hand/eye practice.

As for the issue of whether or not a Graphire is adequate, I considered both but the Intuos pen is more sensitive. Graphire is 512 levels compared to the Intuos 1024 levels of sensitivity. The Intuos tablet resolution is also higher.

Finally, the graphics tablet is very good for photo retouching and especially for graphics painting.

Any other comments from other people would be great. It would help us learn the real value and usability of a tablet.

petervh said:

Any other comments from other people would be great. It would help
us learn the real value and usability of a tablet.

Click to expand...

I recently got an Intuos 6x8, mostly for help in making complex masks, and it's been wonderful for that. It also makes a couple of tools that I almost never used with a mouse my new best friends. For example, I almost never used the blur brush, prefering to do some combination of making a mask and gaussian blur. WIth the tablet the blur tool has become a really great tool for smoothing out just the right areas. It has also made my cloning much more accurate.

I find I often use the stylus in many other applications instead of a mouse. It is more comfortable in my hand. There is a time hit picking up the stylus and putting it down, but that gats pretty small.

The Intuos2 is one of my best recent equipment buys, I got it from TheNerds.net for $246. I wish I had gotten in sooner.

--
http://www.xfade.com

I wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to respond to my questions.

I am interested in using a tablet for retouching photos (in Photoshop) and drawing vector shapes in Illustrator.

It sounds like a tablet will:

Provide for better control of the brush tools

Provide some improved ergonomics (with some practice).

Make routine chores, like drawing masks easier.

I guess I'm sold! Thanks again everyone.

-p

Chris Muir said:

petervh said:

Any other comments from other people would be great. It would help
us learn the real value and usability of a tablet.

Click to expand...

I recently got an Intuos 6x8, mostly for help in making complex
masks, and it's been wonderful for that. It also makes a couple of
tools that I almost never used with a mouse my new best friends.
For example, I almost never used the blur brush, prefering to do
some combination of making a mask and gaussian blur. WIth the
tablet the blur tool has become a really great tool for smoothing
out just the right areas. It has also made my cloning much more
accurate.

I find I often use the stylus in many other applications instead of
a mouse. It is more comfortable in my hand. There is a time hit
picking up the stylus and putting it down, but that gats pretty
small.

The Intuos2 is one of my best recent equipment buys, I got it from
TheNerds.net for $246. I wish I had gotten in sooner.

--
http://www.xfade.com

Click to expand...