Searching for a tablet: What should I get? D;

[reyumixxx]

I got an INTUOS3 4x6, and it's pwnsome!
Though...the working space is kinda limited and all, but..
it's really good! biggrin

[Change_of_Heart_13]

Vicemage

Change_of_Heart_13

I have a little Bamboo Fun. Dont pay the extra for it over the normal bamboo >_> As far as I know, all thats different is that it comes with some outdated photoshop and other image editors.

I do love misinformation... stare The software that comes with the Bamboo Fun is NOT "some outdated Photoshop," It currently lists as including Photoshop Elements 5.0, which is the second-most recent update of that program (and there's minimal difference between updates on Adobe software, you generally have to get a few editions apart before you notice anything--people who obsess on the version number probably also obsess over the labels on the a** of their jeans and wear shirts emblazoned with the name of whatever brand is currently trendy--they've just gotta have what everyone thinks is the best, whether it really is or whether it's just the newest, shiniest toy on the shelf).

Additionally, the FUN model includes a mouse (overrated) and an eraser-end on the stylus (worthwhile).

If you want to be a d**k over something like photoshop, then take it to the chatterbox. The programs it comes with suck for comic creation, no matter how current. Im not "obsessing over labels". I use GIMP for christ's sake. And id much rather use that then the junk that I payed an extra $20 for with the Fun. Its just not practical to waste the extra $20 unless you want the mouse.

[Psycho Bunny Studio]

Enki

Size - Depicts accuracy and proportions towards your monitor. Say your monitor is a square, I would get a square tablet so it can translate your stroke well. Compare to a wide-screen tablet, you would probably get some weird distortions... unless setup properly.

Wacom - reliable and durable. And "Market Tablet" Dominating. They are the best, and they can be bough cheaply ranging from $20 to $2000. Depending where you search. Craigslist usually list them for the cheapest. (Don't get the Bamboo... it sucks. The Intuous will guide you!)

Aww I like my Bamboo tablet.

[Pelvic Thrust Fairy]

Well, the bamboo's don't look fun because they seem rather small. And the computer I'll be working on it rather wide screened. . and a tiny tablet like that I don't think would work well. For me that is. ^^

[JoshuaGraii]

Just get a decent one that has what you need.. dont get anything extra if you dont need it, unless you get an excellent deal.

[Pelvic Thrust Fairy]

Fo'sho. These things aren't cheap. @.@ I like the nine x twelve.

[DarKlawStudios]

I have a 4x5 Wacom Graphire 2, and use it with a 19 inch monitor. The tablet *should* automatically match itself to the screen size, but you might have to adjust the settings..
If you tend to draw with your wrist, a small tablet should do just fine. But if you draw with your entire arm, or draw long flowing lines, a bigger one would probably be better for you.
I also think the extra software is very worthwhile, especially if you don't have any other types of art programs. I still use the Photoshop Elements that came with mine. smile
I have only had problems with my tablet once, and it turned out that it was the USB port's fault, not the tablet. razz

[Pelvic Thrust Fairy]

DarKlawStudios

If you tend to draw with your wrist, a small tablet should do just fine. But if you draw with your entire arm, or draw long flowing lines, a bigger one would probably be better for you.

Oh true, then I'll have to re-examine myself and how I draw.

[Andralexis]

Actually, the size of the tablet should depend of these factors:
1. How do you draw, wrist or arm.
2. How large is the space you're gonna work. It ain't good when you buy a large tablet and then it doesn't fit your workspace.

Wacom is the best among tablet-companies. I found the Painter Elements so good i won't even buy the full version (i work a lot in Photoshop, anyways)

As for the model, your budget decides. Be honest, and evaluate how much you're gonna use the tablet. If you pretend to study art/design or anything related, buy the best model you can afford. If you are a hobbyist, buy something less expensive. Also, i strongly suggest that you buy the second best model you can afford, that way, if you break it, it won't hurt thaaat much, and you'll get experience using the tablet (unless you already know how to use it and how to take care of it)

One final advice: The dust tends to accumulate at the inner borders of the drawing area, so, if you aren't using it, keep it in a sleeve or soemthing.