lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

pressure sensitivity pens work in Photoshop (you have to set it up with the pressure sensitive selections on the tool menu. They say it works in lightroom at least with the local brush however, I've not found that to be the case... as least it is not very sensitive... The benefit of selecting a small tablet is that it requires less arm movement... movements are restrictured to the wrist and hand which is nice.. If you are using multiple monitors you might want a medium. I had a small and upgraded to the medium intous pro for the extra progammable buttons and to cover 2 27 inch monitors. The key to getting used to the tablet is that it is mapped proportionally to your video screen so you can't scoot it like a mouse you must go to the spot on the tablet that maps to the spot on the video screen.. ie. to go to the top left corner of your video you put the pen on the top left corner of the tablet device... it does take a little getting used to but once you do it is second nature.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

a troublesome subject..

I have a nice large Wacom tablet and it mostly takes up space and sits often unused. Somehow, the keyboard and the mouse is what the hand usually goes for first. But when doing something focused in Photoshop, the tablet is fun and easy to use.

Here is the thing though... my two monitor desktop doesn't get nearly the use it did even a year ago. Why? Because I am going tap-tap on an android tablet. Why? Because it is truly portable and I'm not stuck on my desk using it.

Trouble with Wacom is that we are trained to use keyboard and mouse and ALL the time, you just have to reach across it to the keyboard - so it feels "in the way".

I'd love a LARGE android style tablet with Wacom level of sensitivity on the stylus - working DIRECTLY on the image on your lap, In your Easy chair, or Kitchen table - with the Super-Computer elsewhere.

I fear that a proper/complete/easy/powerful/affordable user interface has yet to be invented.

Try a tablet, but be prepared to not like it..

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Pen pressure works automatically with PS CC and LR, it is a under 'flow option' when you use a mouse. You are mistaken here. The mouse flow needs to be changed all the time when the pen adapts automatically. THAT alone justifies using a tablet. To discount is a 'side effect not really needed means you do not need a tablet in the first place.

As to experience using one. I use a Wacom at times. Professionals designers and retouching artists use tablets all the time and even ditch their mouse as the tablet does it all.

The tablet size is the most important feature for ergonomics. Large tablets are not necessary for most users as one can modify the magnifying factor when editing.

Pen pressure is an issue so must be considered but while it is important you will find that 'calibrating your hand' is an interesting experience.

Resolution (lines per inch) is another thing to consider. As one pointed out, above a certain level it is like the pen pressure: the more magnified the more sensitive (in appearance).

So?

1) Ergonomic - Size
2) Ergonomic - Left handed option?
3) Pen pressure? check
4) Resolution? check
5) (but not least) Price?

WOOF Loc: Minneapolis, MN

When I need accuracy, I increase the magnification of the image I am working on, Sometimes to the point where I can see individual pixels. It doesn't make any difference what mouse I use.

Woof

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

As I said when I started this topic I am not the brightest person on the planet when it comes to all of this digital technology. I really appreciate all of the informative responses here. From what I'v read here I was just about to purchase a Wacom tablet when I started thinking that I already have an Lenovo laptop with ta touchscreen so I was wondering if I just about stylus for it could I do the same things with that that I could do with the Wacom tablet with the stylus. I'd love hearing anyone's thoughts along that line before I buy anything.

Thanks in advance.

donolea Loc: Nashville, TN

Well, duh-uh ... you are dead on! I'm a photographer, graphic designer and digital painter and when I need to be accurate, I usually work between 650-900 percent. I work with a $28 Macally mouse. 😜

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I love my Apple Mouse.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Even the cheap ($69) Wacom has incredible resolution though, a couple thousand lines per inch. I am thinking that the Wacom would be much more sensitive than a stylus on a screen -- but it sure is nice being able to SEE where the stylus is (vs FEEL where it is by experience).

Hope I am making sense.. What I would do in your situation, figure out what you can do with your touch screen, it sounds cool, read and find out how sensitive a stylus would be. AND BUY a cheap Wacom and try it.

It will either satisfy you, or you will want a more expensive one (in which case you can gift the cheap one to a poor artist kid somewhere)