Before you commit … read it

Before you commit to any drawing tablet

Many people get caught in the trap that all pen tablets* are created equal. Based on that assumption, they grab the best value for their money, or so they think. OR, they purchase the most expensive pen tablet on the market, thinking it will solve all of their computer workflow issues.

Unfortunately, these people end up being disappointed and disenchanted about their pen tablets and vow never to touch one again.

It does not have to be that way at all. Buying a graphic tablet is almost like buying a car: you weigh the features of every potential drawing tablet, and you choose the one which will best suit you, your needs and your wallet. Yes, admittedly, the financial situation plays a big factor these days, but a cheaper pen tablet might not be able to fulfill all of your graphic aspirations, nor meet your requirements for precision and quality.

Wacom Bamboo Graphic Tablet

Some drawing tablet scenarios:

A) My wrist and hand hurt and I just want something to replace the mouse.

Then, you will NOT need a pen tablet that is fully loaded with features and software geared for graphic artists. All that is required is a basic pen tablet, which gives you the freedom to interact comfortably with your computer.

But be careful. A battery-powered digitizer pen has been known to be too heavy for the people suffering from RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) or arthritis, while a wired digitizing pen does not give the person the freedom of movement or the ability to hold the pen in a position most comfortable for the user.

Easy to learn and simple to use, Bamboo (standard) is the most basic of the Wacom graphic tablets and does a great job in replacing a mouse, and more. (All Wacom pen tablets come with a matching battery-free and cordless digitizer pen.**).

Using a pen tablet will help relieve wrist and hand stress (commonly known as the Mouse Syndrome), and people with arthritis report having an easier time holding a pen than grabbing a mouse.

B) My child wants to learn to draw with a computer.

Then you need a drawing tablet bundled with some art-based software but basic enough for the child to easily learn the features. The Bamboo Fun Wacom drawing tablets, with 512 pressure sensitivity levels, are perfect for beginners and budding artists. There are two sizes as well as four different colors to choose from.

But if your child works with advanced graphic projects that require more precision, more accuracy and more control, then an Intuos4 Small or Medium is an excellent investment. It will last a long time, well into senior academic years, while giving pixel-perfect results. Your child will also be able to choose which free downloadable software (a total of 4) would benefit him or her the most.

C) I am a professional designer using large technical schemes.

Then pen tablets with larger drawing areas like the Intuos4 Large or Extra Large, or the Cintiq 21UX, are preferable. While the Intuos4 offers the highest levels of pressure sensitivity (2048) and many new shortcut features that speed-up workflow, the Cintiq (1024 pressure sensitivity levels) allows you to draw directly on the monitor screen for unsurpassed hand-eye coordination.

D) I suffer from back problems and cannot sit at a desk for long periods of time.

Then a wireless Wacom pen tablet, the Graphire Bluetooth, will be perfect for the task, as it allows you to sit in your favourite chair or most comfortable position as far as 30 feet from your computer. If you desire 4 times more accuracy and precision, the Intuos4 , while not wireless, does have an 8 foot USB cord (which allows you to sit further away from the computer desk) and also offers more keyboard shortcuts.

Intuos4 Pen Tablet

Pen Tablets should enhance, not hinder

It cannot be stressed enough that a drawing tablet reflects YOUR needs and the way YOU desire to work with a computer. Someone might really enjoy a Bamboo Fun but that same pen tablet might prove to be too small, or not have the right software, or not be sensitive enough for the person who toils with minute details.

The contrary is also true, where an advanced drawing tablet will be perfect for the professional graphic artist but prove to be too much for basic office use. Furthermore, the more “gadgets” or features a pen tablet offers, the longer it will take to learn how to master them all. This might be too much for someone who just wants the basics.

Remember, when comparing pen tablets ****

• always keep their features, their longevity, and the manufacturer’s support in mind,

• address questions about Mac and PC compatibility and whether or not the drawing tablet works well with any and all applications and with multiple monitors,***

• at the spur of the moment, it might not matter if a digitizer pen accompanying the graphic tablet is both cordless and battery-free. But in the long run, the cost and the inconvenience of replacing batteries do add up,

• a pen tablet’s performance might not be essential, initially, but the frustrations of an unresponsive graphic tablet may ruin many working days,

• durability is often overlooked and sacrificed for immediate affordability, which can be an expensive venture when the low-priced pen tablet has to be replaced within a few years or so,

• a manufacturer’s support goes a long way in helping you take full advantage of your graphic tablet and reaping the benefits.

A lot of information and tips can be found on DrawitTablet and the DrawitTablet Weblog about Wacom pen tablets: from articles and info pages, to FAQ. Take the time to read up on the tablet of your choice – and choose a pen tablet that will help you create your finest digital work and bring out the best in you, be it navigating, hand-writing, photo-retouching, drawing or designing.

Intuos4 pen tip

So, before you commit to buying a drawing tablet, read about it first. Then purchase a pen tablet that you will be able to fully enjoy, and which will serve you well, for a long time.

* Pen tablets are also known as graphic tablets or drawing tablets.

** To date, only Wacom drawing tablets come with battery-free and wireless digitizer pens.

*** Wacom won many awards for pen tablet design, durability, functionality, quality and compatibility.

**** Other graphic tablets available on the market in alphabetical order: AIPTEK,  DigiPro / UC Logic, Genius, LaPazz, PenPower,  SolidTek, VisTablet.  All of them use battery-powered digitizer pens.

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