Entry Level Pen Tablets: Making the Artist's PC-Life Easier
by Laura Wilson on December 6, 2003 9:01 AM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
Wacom's Graphire3
One might call Wacom a heavyweight in the field of computer drawing/writing tablets. They offer an extensive array of tablet choices to fit the needs of their consumers, from the entry level Graphire3 to the mid-range Intuos2 and the heavy duty Cintiq. For the purposes of this article, however, the humble Graphire3 suffices to show Wacom's capabilities as tablet makers.The Graphire3 comes with a pen, a mouse, a tablet, and software, including the driver CD and a software bundle CD (which includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 1.0, procreate Painter Classic by Corel, and penPalette LE by nik multimedia). This software lineup is well-suited for artistic endeavors, although professionals will want to have their own copies of Photoshop or Illustrator to truly let the tablet shine. The tablet itself is 8 in. x 8 in., but the working space only covers 4 in. x 5 in.
The mouse has no ball, rather the tablet tracks the motion of the mouse the same way it tracks the pen. Like many standard mice, this mouse comes with two buttons and a wheel. The pen looks and feels like a regular pen might, except for the button near the tip on the side. Neither the mouse nor the pen requires batteries (a major plus). The pen or mouse functions by receiving an electrostatic signal from the tablet. This power signal charges a small capacitor inside the pen or mouse. Once charged, it activates a transmitter that sends out a signal to indicate pen pressure level and/or button use from the pen or mouse. Very shortly after sending the power signal, the tablet changes to receiving mode. The tablet then acts as a receiver for the output supplied by the pen or mouse. It uses the data sent to verify pressure and/or button position and determines location by pin-pointing what part of the tablet is getting the strongest signal. Thus, no batteries required. For this bit of hardware, the damage is about $100. A larger Graphire3 tablet that has an 8 in. x 6 in. working space runs about $200.
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AMD4ME2 - Sunday, December 7, 2003 - link
cool.. I've wanted one for a long time... continue to explore this avenue.. I would like to see just how good the top of the line tablets all.... Oh and .. what kind of drugs were taken during the testing of these tablets.. cause that creature is "Jacked-Up Like a Soup Sandwich"Adul - Sunday, December 7, 2003 - link
You are close Virge ;) well it is soon-to-beclevere1 - Sunday, December 7, 2003 - link
You can also use tablets as a mouse replacement. I use the Intuos (I think it's the older brother of the Intuos2) for everything I do on the computer, except for 3D games like Quake and such.ivwshane - Sunday, December 7, 2003 - link
I do really hope for a mid level tablet review. I'm considering getting a tablet for casual use and to expand my artistic skills. After talking to an artist friend I got impression that any tablet will do but after this article it appears not to be the case. I would really like to have an accurate drawing tool but I don't know if it's worth the price difference to go with the intuos2 over the graphire3.Tablets have been around for a while and it's about time someone did a round up:D
Redviffer - Saturday, December 6, 2003 - link
Wow, I didn't know Anand knew all those cool people. :)I think that at the prices (sub-$150), they are still a little pricey "just to have", that is unless you can really put this to good use. I know I'd actually like to get one, as I can see my kids really having a blast with drawings. I'll keep an eye out, as with all things, the prices will drop. Thanks for the article.
AgaBooga - Saturday, December 6, 2003 - link
Same as #4ViRGE - Saturday, December 6, 2003 - link
Sorry to go off-topic, but I noticed the new author(Laura Wilson). I take it she's Derek's wife?Doop - Saturday, December 6, 2003 - link
I just bought a Wacom Intuos 2 (model up from graphire) as a Chrismas present for my graphic designing girlfriend, who currently draws then scans in line drawing then touches them up with a mouse in photoshop.I was a little worried that the pen wouldn't be accurate or sensitive enough for her to use comfortably, basically that it wouldn't live up to the hype.
If the Graphire is that good (thanks for the review) then the Intuos 2 I bought should be totally sweet. She'll be so happy there'll be no picky remarks about my heavy drinking over the yule tide period. Nice.
AgaBooga - Saturday, December 6, 2003 - link
Gaming isn't something tablets are designed for. I have one at home and they're really light, easy to draw on, and are very portable with long battery life. Those are the main selling points of a tablet IMO on top of the ability to write on themShalmanese - Saturday, December 6, 2003 - link
Did you try gaming with the tablet?I don't know about 3d games but I imagine games like C&C might benifit enourmously from tablet use.