anybody use a tablet?

[Fantasy Dreamer]

Does anybody here use a tablet for drawing? If so, what kind would you recommend? I'm looking to buy my first tablet, and I kind of need some suggestions if y'all can give them. I want to get the best I can afford.

Can anybody help?

[Etoh*the*Greato]

First thing I can say is, don't go any smaller than 6x8. You may think you're saving $$$ but you're also creating a huge pain. I use a Graphire 4 by Wacom of the above size. I'm sure having a bigger one would be awesome, but it's also expensive and once you learn to use it you'll find it's really just as big as you need it to be.

Also, this doesn't pertain to buying, but it is an important note for first time tablites: Don't give up. The first few weeks you'll draw like a two year old, but one day you'll sit down, and it'll all just suddenly come to you like you never had a problem at all. At least that's how it was for me. ^-^

[dying2live4Him]

I have a Toshiba Satellite Tablet PC I love it and would recommend it

[Radical Dreamer]

I do! I use a 6x8 Wacom Intuos2 tablet, and I highly recommend it. I bought it about two years ago, and it still works like a charm today. It's a pretty big investment, though, so I'd suggest going with a smaller size. Hope you find something that fits your needs!

Also, this doesn't pertain to buying, but it is an important note for first time tablites: Don't give up. The first few weeks you'll draw like a two year old, but one day you'll sit down, and it'll all just suddenly come to you like you never had a problem at all. At least that's how it was for me. ^-^

This is SO true. XD Using the tablet is a little awkward at first, but once you get used to it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it (I know I do. XD).

[Maledicte]

First thing I can say is, don't go any smaller than 6x8. You may think you're saving $$$ but you're also creating a huge pain. I use a Graphire 4 by Wacom of the above size. I'm sure having a bigger one would be awesome, but it's also expensive and once you learn to use it you'll find it's really just as big as you need it to be.

Wish I'd followed that advice. ^^; I have a 4x5, and it's not even in proportion to my screen.

Graphires by Wacom are cheaper, but if you intend on doing techniques like digital painting, an Intuos might be worth your while. Having the eraser at the end of the stylus is just a wonderful thing.

[ChristianKitsune]

I use a Graphire 6x8 *but for some reason I can draw on the entire tablet?* And I looove it! I don't have an intuos but Graphire is just a neat! ^_^ I even have the eraser on my stylist too.

I didn't have a hard time adjusting to the tablet at all? :/ So I dunno what they mean by its awkward? To me it was JUST like drawing...just on a screen? *shrugs*

Definately go with Wacom. The only thing I don't like about tablets is SOMETimes the Driver likes to tell me it doesn't want to work...-_- but I hear this is common.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

For your first tablet I would get a Wacom Grapheire 6x8 or something similar. You want room to move your stylus around comfortably.

CK, I don't know about others, but the difficulty for me was the process of drawing something on the graphics tablet while looking at the screen, didn't come naturally.

[Mave]

My first and only tablet is Wacom Intuous 9x12. Yeah it wasn't cheap but I I kinda figured that I would feel more comfortable working with something bigger.

CK, I don't know about others, but the difficulty for me was the process of drawing something on the graphics tablet while looking at the screen, didn't come naturally.

You're not the only one. I had difficulty drawing something on the tablet while looking at the screen too. It would have been easier using a tablet PC where one would draw directly onto the screen.

Therefore, I do not digitally draw lineart. I only use it for digital color and screentone. I'd rather stick to traditional pens and pencils when it comes to linearts because I have better control of the strokes and pen pressure.

[Etoh*the*Greato]

[quote="SirThinks2Much"]Wish I'd followed that advice. ^^]
The Graphire 4 actually has the eraser on the end.

[Puguni]

First thing I can say is, don't go any smaller than 6x8. You may think you're saving $$$ but you're also creating a huge pain. I use a Graphire 4 by Wacom of the above size. I'm sure having a bigger one would be awesome, but it's also expensive and once you learn to use it you'll find it's really just as big as you need it to be.

I have a 4x5 and still manage to create masterpieces. No, seriously, I've worked with it for five years, and I don't think it's that big of a deal that everyone else is making out to be. *pets her tablet*

But yeah, I have a Wacom, just like everyone else.

[chibiphonebooth]

I also have a wacom tablet, my stylus has an eraser on the end too.

I love it. It's a beautiful thing. It's my best friend. D:

i recommend a wacom. <3

[ICE-rocks]

I'm thinking of picking up Manga studio and a pen tablet. does anyone know if a different brand of tablet will work with it? and are tablets really worth the money?

[ChristianKitsune]

Tablets are definately worth the money, not only because it's easier to work with but for healt reasons too. If you use the mouse long enough, you could develop carpel tunnel. Your wrists will definately thank you for getting a tablet. The Wacom Graphire is only about 200 dollars anyways.

[Radical Dreamer]

I'm thinking of picking up Manga studio and a pen tablet. does anyone know if a different brand of tablet will work with it? and are tablets really worth the money?

Tablets are absolutely worth the money if you plan to use them very often or professionally. If you wanted to buy one to doodle, then I'd suggest something cheaper, but if you're in for the long haul and you're serious about it, then the more expensive tablets are excellent and are really an investment.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Mave says: It would have been easier using a tablet PC where one would draw directly onto the screen.

Actually they have those but they cost $10,000 or more (not exactly affordable). Very nice though.

[dyzzispell]

I have a 4x5 Wacom tablet and I didn't feel like I needed the 6x8 size. And mine was only $100 with 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, and the eraser on the end.
Then I got a Toshiba tablet PC just like dying2live4him's. (We actually got them at the same time in the same CompUSA that was closing 2 days later.) So I got it for about $700 and I don't know how I ever lived without it. Being able to draw right on the screen makes all the difference in the world, in my opinion.
This model was regularly $1400 but I wasn't going to get one unless I could get a good deal. Not that I could really afford to spend the $700 either, but I needed a new computer anyway, and better a tablet than another desktop, since I had the option, so now I can take my work everywhere with me. Definitely a decision I do not regret. XD
(And I use Deleter Comicworks - it's about $100 as opposed to the $300 or something for Manga Studio, and I find it works great for me.)

[Aka-chan]

I've got the 4x5 Wacom too, and I actually really like that. I want stuff for on-the-go, so anything bigger would feel unwieldy. It's also been quite durable, and I haven't had any trouble with it. I got mine used from a good friend for $70 (included a mouse, a stylus stand, and two extra nibs), so check around the art community, too.

[Fantasy Dreamer]

Thanks guys, so much! That's really helpful. I've picked out my tablet! The smaller ones are cheaper... I guess I'll get the 6X8 screen then. You're all so helpful. Thanks again!

[SolidÃ…rmor]

I have a Wacom Graphire 4 6x8, and I'm still getting used to it. I agree that the learning curve is a on the steep side when using one for the first time, but it just takes practice like anything else really.

As for the cost of a tablet, it basically comes down to dependability and quality. Wacoms are more on the higher end of tablets, but well worth the money and then you have your cheaper tablets, but unless you go to a forum where a few people have used one of them that's the only way of knowing if thy're worth it. Reviews on tablets before buying can be a big help as well.