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 WacomIntuos3A4 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 stylus pen, 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: 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 ...
Advantages: Speeds up your use of most things on Disadvantages: Extra pen tips are easily lost, pice.
This is not just for drawing, I only dabble now and again in drawing/colouring on the computer, but I do to many other things with it, I got this for my 18th birthday and since then it has all but replaced my standard mouse. It didn't take too much time to get accustomed to the pen and now I very rarely use the mouse that come with it, only when I misplace the pen. Also you can change the settings for individual programs like sensitivity and the 4 buttons (duplicated on the other side)
The Wacom website has a downloads that are compatible with the tablet such as handwriting recognition, drawing programs etc. some are shareware and some trials.
If you don't want to spend the money on this you can do many of the "non-arty" things on a cheaper one.
Programs a Wacom can help with.
Games
I know not the most ...
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows XP, Apple MacOS X 10.2.6 or later
Peripheral / Interface Devices
CD-ROM
Manufacturer's product description
The innovative Intuos3 A3 Wide Pen Tablet is now available in the new 16:10 format. That makes it ideal for optimizing use of the entire working area in widescreen and dual-monitor environments. It's also ideal for HDTV video editing. Designed for high-end workstation use, the A3 Wide represents the ultimate in a large high-performance graphics tablet. The ergonomic Grip Pen, in combination with the freely programmable ExpressKeys and Touch Strip, optimizes workflow, efficiency and productivity in creative applications.
Related tags for Wacom Intuos3 A3 Wide DTP - digitizer, stylus »
