Wacom
- Thread starter Deezey
- Start date
I am running windows 8.1 and you get a free software download of Elements 11 with my version of the Wacom. (which I downloaded) Everything runs great.
No problems whatsoever.
Sent from my RM-860_nam_usa_100 using Tapatalk
Thanks up to now i have clicked remind me later for 8.1 as i wasn't sure what it did
rwdflynavy
Senior Member
Thanks for the good discussion. Staples is having a sale on one of the Wacom tablets, so I decided to order one. Wacom Bamboo Create Pen and Touch Tablet | Staples®
I am still in love with mine. The speed and ease of use is just amazing. Please post an update when you get it!
Horoscope Fish is right in that the smaller area to work on is actually easier. I put this down to the fact you're moving your entire arm/hand less and this gives you more control. Certainly as a lefty as I rest my entire hand on the tablet itself (not sure if right handers do this?). But there is an option in the software to make the area smaller. So even though the tablet surface is something like 10inchx4inch, my working area is set to about 40% of that measurement.
This isn't 100% correct, what Dave_W is describing here is the default setting in the software. There should be an option in your preferences to make it work exactly like a mouse does, so if you are scrolling left to right, and run out of space on your tablet, you can lift the pen and move to the start at the left, and continue where you left off. But this does require you changing the settings in preference.
Personally I would recommend leaving it as default, it becomes more natural after a few days of usage, and if you do often find yourself running out space, turn up the sensitivity. I recommend doing this ever so slightly each day so it doesn't become a massive change all in one go where you'll just get frustrated as the mouse on screen rushes about.
So very true. I've actually now bound a button on my tablet (pro version) to switching on/off touch so if I alt+tab to another window like my browser I can quickly turn on touch and scroll easily. Useful considering I normally throw the mouse to one side and have the keyboard under my right hand while using the pen in my left hand (great for photoshop for using the hotkeys like spacebar)
I don't think there is a major difference between the pro and non-pro version, I'm sure they use the exact same drivers/software to run as well. On the pro version you get some buttons on the side which are nice to have, but not required considering they are normally just mappings to keyboard hotkeys for your major software. I think the pro version might have more pressure sensitivities/layers, so it's something like non-pro = 1024 levels of pressure is supported, pro version has double that maybe. 1024 is already more than most of us will ever use. oh and pro has wireless out of the box, again it's a nice to have but not required.
So, Don't forget to visit the mapping option on the grip pen in the drivers, and set the tablet area to 'Portion'. While there switch 'Mode' to either Mouse or leave it as default Pen (if you are lefty, set the orientation here of your express keys to right). Also go to the Pen tab and customise your 'Tip Fill'. I'd also recommend changing the pen nib to one that feels better on the tablet surface. I use the white end nib myself as it has a sort of softness to it that I like, rather than a scratching feeling.
If you really want to get into having some fun in photoshop for example. check out Phlearn.com (when they fix the database). Aaron who runs the company does all his work using a wacom tablet. I've seen some graphic designers at my wifes work who don't even bother to pick up a mouse anymore, they just do everything with the pen now.
I'm interesting in getting a wacom and I'm interested in why you favour the Intuos over the Bamboo? Also have you had experience of cheaper non wacom tablets and are they significantly worse? Thanks
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
Both the photography and graphics arts programs have extensive experience with both Wacom and other-than-Wacom tablets. I've managed this department for just over fifteen years and in that time I've seen plenty of tablets come and go. We now use, and recommend to our students, nothing but Wacom Intuos tablets. They last longer, have fewer issues and, in our experience, Wacom offers excellent customer support.
More specifically, we prefer the Intuos over the Bamboo because the Intuos is, simply put, better built. The Bamboo is what I guess I would call "consumer grade" while the Intuos has a sturdier, more professional build quality that extends to everything; the stylus the tablet, the buttons ON the tablet... Everything.
Hope that helps!
....
That certainly helps!
The Intuos and Bamboo I was looking at are very closely matched in price on Amazon. This is the one I will most likely get Wacom Intuos Pen Graphics Tablet: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
Jon Rowlison
Senior Member
I have an Intuos2 (12"x12", bluish-color) that I haven't used for several years just because I've had to switch to a much smaller desk. It has both the pen and mouse in the set. Have there been significant changes over the years from the Intuos2 through the current version?
On a related note, does anyone want to buy a USB Intuos2 12"x12" pad?
My next one will be smaller, I think (and wireless.)