Graphic tablets

motormaniac · Feb 18th, 2008, 03:35

Hello,

I am new to the graphic design stuff. But i am getting ok at it. I've been told that having a graphics tablet would make things easier for me. Can someone tell me exactly what they do and if its worth getting one. i only use GIMP at the moment. but am looking to buy fireworks. And i really only make web graphics to use on my sites. i do like experimenting with making wallpapers though. So if someone could give me some advice.

thanks

J.S.

welshstew · Feb 18th, 2008, 09:21

hey JS,

a graphics tablet allows you to draw, just like on paper, into an application such as photoshop illustrator etc.

they are really cool

i'm lookinga t getting a new one, check this out:
http://www.refuelled.com/intuos3-a3-...use-p-678.html

unitedcraig · Feb 18th, 2008, 09:42

Motermaniac, It's probably only worth getting on if you do a lot of serious graphic work, if you are managing ok now i would maybe leave it, that is unless you have half a grand lying about, then go for it

welshstew · Feb 18th, 2008, 09:58

yeah, they are pretty expensive, but i'm putting it through work, so don't have to pay myself

unitedcraig · Feb 18th, 2008, 10:02

That's what i mean, unless your either a graphic designer or are doing a serious amount of work with graphics, it's not economical to get one really.

What do you do Stew?

welshstew · Feb 18th, 2008, 10:46

webmaster at a online bank

Ed · Feb 18th, 2008, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by motormaniac

i only use GIMP at the moment. but am looking to buy fireworks.

Just some advice. Gimp is comparable to Photoshop, the two of them each have some features that isn't in the other.

Fireworks is a step backward, whether you're coming from Photoshop or Gimp. A lot of people find this hard to understand, since there's a big price difference.

Fireworks costs: Money
Gimp costs: Nothing

Fireworks does indeed seem 'friendlier' but, if you are currently used to the Gimp, there is no reason to buy Fireworks.

In fact, because you have Gimp, you might as well tell everyone that you have Photoshop, because there is no difference in Graphic Output or Quality.

Ed.

motormaniac · Feb 18th, 2008, 17:07

thanks,

That really helped alot. Would you suggest buying photoshop then?

Jack Franklin · Feb 18th, 2008, 17:09

If you are comfortable with GIMP then not really.

Ed · Feb 18th, 2008, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by motormaniac

thanks,

That really helped alot. Would you suggest buying photoshop then?

No, that's kind of the opposite of what I was suggesting!

Gimp is as good as Photoshop. There's always things that Photoshop has that the Gimp doesn't, and things that the Gimp has, and that Photoshop doesn't.

If you are used to Gimp, there is NO reason to buy Photoshop.

Ed.

alexgeek · Feb 18th, 2008, 17:31

I got a nice little tablet from Asda for £20. It was okay for just a little bit of drawing but I had little control, the pen wasn't the right shape/size and it's broken now for some unknown reason.

If you want a good one, I think Wacom are the best.

delusion · Feb 18th, 2008, 19:21

Wacom is the way to go. I have a cheap Medion tablet though..

sekuchi · Feb 19th, 2008, 14:55

Using graphics tablet is big a help, especially if your are using Vector Graphics software like Corel, it will be easy to you to design logos, posters, etc.

Aesir · Mar 9th, 2008, 21:23

I got a pretty good wacom tablet on amazon for around £50. I wouldn't spend loads of money on one unless you are really good and require it.

If you have a spare bit of cash laying around get a cheaper one and see if it's something you want to pursue at a more professional level. You might find that something cheaper is just what you need.