Wacom Tablet Users...I need your help: I purchased an Intros Pro Medium sized tablet to enable faster editing in Photoshop. I know it listed the measurements and I even looked at a...

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I purchased an Intros Pro Medium sized tablet to enable faster editing in Photoshop. I know it listed the measurements and I even looked at a ruler to imagine it's size, but I was still shocked at the size of it. I ordered the bigger size because I use a 27" monitor. Then I watched a U-tube video by PHlearn to get an idea of how best to use it and it was suggested to limit the size that you use on the tablet. I also took advantage of the 30-day trial at Lynda.com but I couldn't find any videos for the tablet.

Here are my questions:

1. If I limit the area I use on the tablet, should I return it and get a small?
2. I know it's probably personal taste, but how are the buttons programmed and with what?

I've tried using the tablet and I can see that there is a learning curve, but I find myself reaching for the mouse all the time.

3. Can the tablet replace the mouse completely?

I would be interested in users of a tablet, their experiences with it, and how they use it. Thank you, all you wonderful hoggers!!!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use a medium size tablet with a 27" monitor. I will tell you that there is a definite learning curve, most of it physical coordination.

GrandmaG,
Do a google search for

how to program wacom buttons

there are lots of tutorials and videos.

yes, you can use the tablet in place of a mouse. I'm not sure I'd want to, but it can be done.
--Bob

GrandmaG wrote:

I purchased an Intros Pro Medium sized tablet to e... (show quote)

RonM13 Loc: Ransom Canyon, Texas

I have used a Wacom for several years and find it very rewarding and easy to use. When I got the first one I didn't really use it that much because it was different and I wasn't used to it. I finally had to make myself use it and now I can't do without it. I bought the small due to lack of space. Again once you get used to using a Wacom it is hard to do without it.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

GrandmaG - You are in luck! This is a topic that has been discussed numerous times on the Forum. Go to the top of this page, select "Search", enter something like "Wacom tablet", then select "Advanced Options" and select "Show only recent topics". Make some tea or coffee and settle down to read the entries. Lot's of info there should be very useful. Best wishes. /Ralph

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

rmalarz wrote:

I use a medium size tablet with a 27" monitor. I will tell you that there is a definite learning curve, most of it physical coordination.

GrandmaG,
Do a google search for

how to program wacom buttons

there are lots of tutorials and videos.

yes, you can use the tablet in place of a mouse. I'm not sure I'd want to, but it can be done.
--Bob

I will do that search. You would think that it would com with those instructions. Are you happy with that size and do you use the entire surface?

I was thinking that I would primarily use the tablet for Photoshop edits.

Thank you for your response!

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

RonM13 wrote:

I have used a Wacom for several years and find it very rewarding and easy to use. When I got the first one I didn't really use it that much because it was different and I wasn't used to it. I finally had to make myself use it and now I can't do without it. I bought the small due to lack of space. Again once you get used to using a Wacom it is hard to do without it.

I, too, will have to force myself to use it all the time in order to decide for myself if it will completely replace the mouse. Like you, I'm not using it much because it is so different than what I am used to.

You have the small one. Do you limit the space that you use on it? If you had the space, do you wish you had a larger one? Do you ever take it with you along with your laptop? If so, the small one WOULD be better. That is part of my dilemma. Do I have the size that is right for me. I questioned the size because of the first video I watched.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

rjaywallace wrote:

GrandmaG - You are in luck! This is a topic that has been discussed numerous times on the Forum. Go to the top of this page, select "Search", enter something like "Wacom tablet", then select "Advanced Options" and select "Show only recent topics". Make some tea or coffee and settle down to read the entries. Lot's of info there should be very useful. Best wishes. /Ralph

I frequently use the search function to find topics of interest on the forum, but I didn't know there was a way to only get recent posts. Thanks for enlightening me!

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

GrandmaG.
It really is a matter of personal taste. I've had the small, medium, and the large tablets. I started with a cheap Bamboo tablet.

I actually prefer, and use the small one on a 27" monitor, and have even mapped it a little smaller. The real estate that the actual tablet takes, is important to me, because I have a fairly small computer desk, and it's a pain to try to move my stuff around to suit my tablet.

The smaller you make the space, the faster it is. Running my hand all the way from one side of the table to another actually gets to be "work" when you are trying to edit a wedding. it sounds silly, but after doing it a while, you will understand.

It is your choice, and I won't tell you what to do, but both my daughter, and my business partner both started with the medium, and hated them, and both quickly returned them for the smaller tablets, and they like them much better.

I hope it helps. (at least a little)

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I personally use the Intuous small and I have it mapped to about a quarter of the pad surface. I can span two 24" monitors with just a wrist movement.

jcboy3

I have a smaller Wacom tablet, and still use a reduced area for drawing. That way I can rest my hand on the tablet if I need to. However, I only use it if I need the pressure sensitive control. Most of my editing does not require it, and I prefer using a trackball or track pad along with the keyboard (with sticky keys so I don't have to hold down modifier keys).

I haven't used a mouse for 20 years. Can't stand them.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Here's a little more info on using a Wacom tablet and what size I recommend and why.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-348567-1.html

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I use 2 sizes, and why, Medium for a 17" laptop and a Large for a 27" monitor and a 3 monitor setup. Because I draw, I have them mapped as close as possible as if I were drawing on actual paper (size)... Yes more arm movement but when I draw there is or can be a lot more arm movement in drawing free forms or arcs...feels more natural for me... a smaller tablet doesn't allow me to freely form curves as well with just my hand/wrist movement as does with my arm, using my elbow as a pivoting point so to speak. When in PS. I prefer the smaller over the large.

ClaudiaA Loc: Venice, FL

I would not be able to give up the 2 buttons to go down to the small. I'm left handed and use the air pen in my left hand and touch motions and buttons with my right hand. I do limit the size so I can reach both monitors easily with the pen. I didn't realize that my hands were sharing the tablet, they figured it or on there own. I don't think they would like it if I got a small.

CA_CanonUser Loc: Friendswood, TX

While on Lynda dot com, did you do a search on Wacom? I did, and 4 courses showed up, including one titled Wacom Essential Training.

sailor2545 Loc: Victoria, BC

size of monitor doesn't matter...i use the intous small, takes up less room, then adjust the work area to small box on top left corner of tablet so i don't have to move my hand..just move the pen and it covers the whole screen...easy to adjust with software that comes with it...i use it all the time........