Advantages: Improve accuracy with pen stylus, large mapping area/work space Disadvantages: Mouse not as robust as could be
After using an optical mouse for many years, I felt I needed a new tool to use with my design work which would give me greater accuracy and control over my work. So, after begging the boss for a 'new toy', we got the WacomIntuos3 A4 tablet at work.
It was very easy to install. It simply plugged into a USB socket on my iMac and once the installation disc had run, it was ready to go. Even though Macs come with drivers for most printers and other external accessories, I still ran the instal disc as it adds a new preference panel in the System Preference section. From here you can change the specifications for all the buttons on the tablet itself as well as on the mouse and styluspen, along with the standard double-click speed, etc.
The tablet has a work area of approximately 297 mm W x 210 mm H (A4) and has a 1:1 mapping ratio ...
Advantages: feels and looks good, customisable buttons Disadvantages: scratchy for some, buttons easy to click by mistake
The Wacom Bamboo One Pen is the stylus for Wacom Bamboo Graphics tablets, and unlike many graphic tablet pens, has hosts of extra features and functionality.
LOOK & FEEL
The stylus is a sleek, polished looking thing that sits comfortably in the hand and is a very similar size to a fountain pen. It sits well for use, but the buttons on the pen (see photo above) are a little too easy to click unintentionally, so make sure the pen stays at the same angle in the hand. The stylus is silver, with a gloss top half and matt bottom half, and the buttons lie a couple of centimetres from the nib itself.
The nib is white and a good size, small enough to lend accuracy but large enough not to be scratchy, and the stylus curves gently into the nib, which is a seperate piece of plastic. There is no clip on the stylus.
FEATURES
The pen ...
Advantages: Precision. Natural drawing flow. Shortcut keys. Quick setup. Disadvantages: Can get confused with 'Netscape' and the like; zooming, rather than panning up and down the page.
I've owned my wacom for a few years now to help me at university. So far I've had no problems and it's helped me no-end.
Before using the tablet I struggled editing in Photoshop with my laptop touch pad and optical mouse. Having a pen, helps create a natural flow as if drawing on paper. Obviously though, the enhancement of the quality of your digital media will depend on your initial drawing ability. - So don't expect to become Da Vinci overnight.
However, the tablet is also a tremendous help for editing photographs. Whether, airbrushing photos or cutting pieces in/out; having the to-the-millimetre precision is a brilliant help that a mouse cannot deliver. In this case drawing capability isn't too essential; more a steady hand.
When looking online at tablets I did at first have my reserves about drawing on my desk ...
Product Information for "Wacom Intuos3 Classic Pen - stylus" »
General
MPN
ZP-300E
Device Type
Stylus
Form Factor
External
Width
15.1 cm
Depth
1.2 cm
Weight
13 g
Input device
Connectivity Technology
Wireless
Pressure Levels
1024
Features
Pressure sensitive pen, programmable side button, eraser, tilt sensitive
Miscellaneous
Certified for Windows Vista
Certified for Windows Vista software and devices have undergone compatibility tests for ease-of-use, better performance and enhanced security.
Manufacturer's product description
The Intuos3 Classic Pen has the same feature set as the standard Intuos2 Grip Pen but with a slimmer profile. With its optimum weight and balance it fits perfectly in your hand. Intuos3 input devices cannot be used with Intuos1 or Intuos2 tablets.
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