Feedback on my Wacom decision, please: Folks, I think I am going to go with the Intuos Photo Small Wacom tablet. The decision I had to make was between the small and the medium sizes.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Folks, I think I am going to go with the Intuos Photo Small Wacom tablet. The decision I had to make was between the small and the medium sizes. I'm thinking small because of some feedback in a previous post (thanks again!), and frankly because it is half the price of the medium. Also, one of the computers I use for editing is a 13" MacBook Pro, so the small is definitely right for that machine.

The only doubt in my mind is there because I also edit on a 21.5" desktop iMac. Wacom points out that a small stroke on a small tablet becomes a much bigger stroke on a larger screen, so it is less precise. Still, I would think it has to be better than a mouse. So again, many suggest a small tablet in general, I do use a 13" screen sometimes, and it's $99 instead of $199. But before I pull the trigger on it, I just want to ask if anyone wants to make a case for going with the medium tablet.

Thanks so much!

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I have had a Wacom small and a medium... I have 2 27 in monitors and both are incorporated into the medium... I bought the medium because I wanted the extra programmable buttons the small has 6 and medium and large 8.. I actually preferred the small tablet as you could reach any part of the screen by just moving your wrist instead of having to pick up your entire arm... I say stick with the small....

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

lloydl2 wrote:

I have had a Wacom small and a medium... I have 2 27 in monitors and both are incorporated into the medium... I bought the medium because I wanted the extra programmable buttons the small has 6 and medium and large 8.. I actually preferred the small tablet as you could reach any part of the screen by just moving your wrist instead of having to pick up your entire arm... I say stick with the small....

Thanks, Lloyd.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

Get overall dimensions of each (not just drawing space) and layout those dimensions on your work surface.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

dannac wrote:

Get overall dimensions of each (not just drawing space) and layout those dimensions on your work surface.

Dannac, if I understand you correctly you are saying I should be checking how the tablet will fit on the table that has my computer, correct? I'm really more concerned with using the small tablet with the 21.5" screen.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I have the medium and like it because I can spread the whole thing over two screens. One of the beauties of the medium is you can make the active working as big or small as you want in the software so if you ever do need the extra space it will be there for you.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

This past week I attended a camera club presentation by a professional fine art photographer who does beautiful work. Her talk was software related and she mentioned that everyone should consider a Wacom for their processing. She said that she has both a small and a medium. After the meeting I spoke with her because I am close to getting a Wacom and I wanted to know which size would work best for me. I use a 27" desktop monitor and a 15" notebook. She said that the small would be fine for either. It convinced me and I hope it is helpful to you.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Wayne and CWilson, thank you both for the helpful advice.

dannac Loc: 60 miles SW of New Orleans

Rab-Eye wrote:

Dannac, if I understand you correctly you are saying I should be checking how the tablet will fit on the table that has my computer, correct? I'm really more concerned with using the small tablet with the 21.5" screen.

Yes, that is what I meant ... how it will fit in your work area.

My Wacom small is 12.5 left to right and 8.25 top to bottom. (medium 15 x 10)
Drawing area approx. 8 left to right and 6 top to bottom. (medium 11 x 8)

Within the Wacom software, I set up an area approx. 1/3 the size of the drawing area.

My arm rest on counter surface and only need to move my wrist/hand to reach all corners of my 22" monitor.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

dannac wrote:

Yes, that is what I meant ... how it will fit in your work area.

My Wacom small is 12.5 left to right and 8.25 top to bottom. (medium 15 x 10)
Drawing area approx. 8 left to right and 6 top to bottom. (medium 11 x 8)

Within the Wacom software, I set up an area approx. 1/3 the size of the drawing area.

My arm rest on counter surface and only need to move my wrist/hand to reach all corners of my 22" monitor.

Wow, Dannac, you went to a lot of trouble making that diagram! Thank you.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Rab-Eye wrote:

Folks, I think I am going to go with the Intuos Ph... (show quote)

I bought the medium returned it and reordered the small. Never regretted my choice.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Thanks, Mary Kate.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

lloydl2 wrote:

I have had a Wacom small and a medium... I have 2 27 in monitors and both are incorporated into the medium... I bought the medium because I wanted the extra programmable buttons the small has 6 and medium and large 8.. I actually preferred the small tablet as you could reach any part of the screen by just moving your wrist instead of having to pick up your entire arm... I say stick with the small....

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Thank you, Jeep D!

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I have the small one and I', using two 22 inch monitors, and being small is not a problem.

If you haven't used one before, take your mouse, put it away for a week and use nothing but the tablet. You'll hate it at first and by the end of a week, you will not miss the mouse one bit.