Digital Tablets

[Terry_Lasater]

Do you use one? What model? What are the advantages/disadvantages of the one(s) you use?

Wacom seems to be the most popular. Not sure I fully understand the differences between the Intuos and Bamboo models.

[Pookie]

Terry Terry Terry.....

Go with the Intuos over the Bamboo.
Much better in levels of sensitivity, better control, better pen, better built. The Bamboo is the "for everybody" tablet, does a good job for routine things, paint programs, the arty stuff. The Intuos is a professional tablet, I'm using an Intuos 4, 8x12 inch model (had an Intuos 2 for years), couldn't imagine working without it. Must say I also use a mouse as well, there are just some things a mouse does better for general use, but for PS or editing, the tablet can't be beat.

Hope this helps little buddy.

[Terry_Lasater]

Thanks, Pookie!

[nwstudios]

If you are a traditional artist used to working with brushes they are a nice addition.
People without a lot of art experience have a hard time adapting.

[J Davis]

Get both, seriously. Pookie is right about the intuos, I use mine constantly as I have one at home. You can crop the mapping so only a portion of the tablet maps to your screen, I had to do this as I was getting cramps in my back/shoulder from constantly moving my arm over a larger surface area. But on gigs - I take the Bamboo, its only ~$100 and light and portable - I freelance as an editor for ad agencies and I use this tablet when I edit, its fast.

[Michael Carter]

If you do much Photoshop at all - you simply can't live without a decent tablet. Get a 6x9. Wacoms last forever. Hell, I'm using a Graphire.

Beyond the obvious pressure-sensitive brush uses - you will not believe how quickly you can draw vector shapes - how fast you can make a vector mask around a very complex object. They really will rock your Illustrator world as well. And are handy in After Effects. No brainer.

The other killer hardware? A big Kensington track ball. I have no idea on earth why people still use a mouse when the big Kensington balls are out there. So precise, and you're flicking your fingertip vs. using your whole forearm. Your desk can be messy as hell. No mouse pad. One flick and you cross two huge screens... or use your fingertip to move a pixel at a time. Absolute dynamite. They take a day or so to adjust to - and then you will never, ever go back.

[Renee]

I have my hotkeys on my intuos for editing, and the wheel to scrub. Mighty sweet.
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[Terry_Lasater]

Thanks for all the replies.

Are the tablets capable of functioning like the trackpad on my MacBook Pro?

[Renee]

The Wacom Bamboo touch does- but not the Intuos line.