Wacom Tablets: I'm hoping some of the experienced Wacom users here can help me out with advice. My oldest son is going to school for Graphic Arts in advertising or web design. I'm...

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I'm hoping some of the experienced Wacom users here can help me out with advice. My oldest son is going to school for Graphic Arts in advertising or web design. I'm considering getting him a Wacom Tablet for Christmas. As I looked them up today I found I have had some misconceptions about these devices. I thought all of them were like a touch-screen display or monitor that plugged into the computer. It appears, in fact, as if most of the tablets (with the exception of the Cintiq series) are more like a very fancy non-display touch-pad.

So my question is: Are these really a very useful design and editing tool or are they more along the lines of a cool toy? My son has a limited experience with them and says they're pretty nice, I just hate to get him something that looks good in the box but that turns out not to be as useful as we all hope. I would really appreciate hearing both good and bad from any of you who have experience with these devices.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Picdude wrote:

I'm hoping some of the experienced Wacom users her... (show quote)

I'd love to learn more, too. I was googling them the other day and wasn't really impressed with what I read but probably didn't explore far enough and it wasn't hugely important at the time. That said, I will be listening here to see what you learn from these very helpful and knowlegeable hedgehoggers!

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I would bet that 99.568% of graphic designers use a Wacom tablet. They are no toy, but a HUGE improvement over the clumsy mouse.

There is no bad. Some people say they could not get used to it, but since it is far more intuitive that the mouse, I have NO idea what their problem is. Took me 30 seconds to get used to it.

Try drawing with mouse vs. a pen & tablet - no comparison.

He will love it.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

CaptainC wrote:

I would bet that 99.568% of graphic designers use a Wacom tablet. They are no toy, but a HUGE improvement over the clumsy mouse.

There is no bad. Some people say they could not get used to it, but since it is far more intuitive that the mouse, I have NO idea what their problem is. Took me 30 seconds to get used to it.

Try drawing with mouse vs. a pen & tablet - no comparison.

He will love it.

And Capt C. should know. (-: Thanks.

PaulG Loc: Western Australia

CaptainC wrote:

I would bet that 99.568% of graphic designers use ... (show quote)

PaulG Loc: Western Australia

CaptainC wrote:

I would bet that 99.568% of graphic designers use a Wacom tablet. They are no toy, but a HUGE improvement over the clumsy mouse.

There is no bad. Some people say they could not get used to it, but since it is far more intuitive that the mouse, I have NO idea what their problem is. Took me 30 seconds to get used to it.

Try drawing with mouse vs. a pen & tablet - no comparison.

He will love it.

don't know what happened above. Capt C and me seem to have got "tangled"

Absolutely agree. He'll never look back. And if he's doing graphic art it is indispensable! A tablet is, in effect, a digital canvas, the stylus a digital pen. A good one will be responsive to pressure (from the stylus). Bamboo tablets are entry level and nowhere near as accurate or responsive. The usual rule applies - you get what you pay for.

seroposi

I bought a Wacom Bamboo Fun Touch Pen Tablet a couple of years ago and would'nt be able to edit properly without it. Takes a bit of getting used to but once you've got the hang of it well, as CaptainC said, try editing with a mouse.

I did however try using it also as a touch pad but could'nt get to grips with it. Ok for normal surfing etc etc but if I moved files around they'd probably end up in the wrong location simply due to my clumsy large fingers so reverted back to a mouse for that sort of stuff.

By no means a toy and what a cool present for your son.

CHuckle's Loc: Lockhart, Texas

I have used one now for 7+ yrs now and I absolutely love it for editing! As stated before, it is NOT a toy! :)

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Thank you everyone for your quick responses, sounds like something I definitely want to look into. One more follow-up question, if I may.

I read where some of the packages come with a copy of Photoshop Elements and NIK Color Efex. Both him and I use either Photoshop CS5 or CS6, he also uses Illustrator and InDesign from CS5. Can I presume this will work equally well with those packages also?

CHuckle's Loc: Lockhart, Texas

Picdude wrote:

Thank you everyone for your quick responses, sounds like something I definitely want to look into. One more follow-up question, if I may.

I read where some of the packages come with a copy of Photoshop Elements and NIK Color Efex. Both him and I use either Photoshop CS5 or CS6, he also uses Illustrator and InDesign from CS5. Can I presume this will work equally well with those packages also?

Yes! I also use CS5. He will love it! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Nikon_Bill Loc: South Florida

I use Waycom Antous 4 and it has the unique ability to be touch sensitive. I have worked in fine art, graphic art, and photography for over 50 years. This thing is a wonder. Check out it's use with Paintshop pro for artists on YouTube, as well as it's use with CAD programs. I use it with Photoshop CC also. The ability to change a line's width, and or darkness mid stroke is the closest thing to holding a pencil, brush, pen, or stylus. Digital art allows one to zoom in and produce amazing detail that an art board, canvas, or drawing paper never would. A mouse can't touch it's performance.

damdannyboy Loc: Rhode Island

I love mine! You should order two, one for your son and one for you. :thumbup:

damdannyboy

Nikon_Bill Loc: South Florida

These two images may illustrate two different techniques that were used to produce work that would have been very difficult if not possible for me to do with a mouse. Years of experience with the real media and then switching to digital tools to work with is trying to say the least. At 70 years now, the stylus by Wacom feels natural, is more accurate, and is faster to use.

Entry rendering - Pastel
Entry rendering - Pastel...

Girl at the couputer - Oils

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Plan and simply, I wouldn't know how to get by without mine. A truly marvelous tool

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Definitely not a toy. Precise control that is not possible with a mouse.

2 of them may be in your future.