I would second the recommendations for a Wacom. Depending on how much you want to spend and how much room you have on your desk, you can go for either the A4 or A5 size. A4 (I have one) is preferable if you want to make long single strokes, but I don't think it adds much to mapping. In retrospect I could have bought an A5 and not really have lost much in doing so.
I don't have any comparison experience but I would never buy a tablet that isn't from Wacom. They have a long time in the market niche and I don't think its a big enough market for other companies to devote a lot of engineering to.
When I chose my first one (the smallest Graphire) artists on Concept Art and other web sites said wacom. I rejected any designs that needed batteries in the mouse or wheel first. Who wants one more thing to need batteries for? I think I was looking at an "adesso" and the wacom. I've been very very pleased with Wacom then and since.
Sigurd
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
My motivation was one part being able to have more control over freehand line drawing and another part more versatility with PS smart brushes. For example (i'm not sure what the exact term is) but using the pen pressure to change the direction of a brush stroke on the fly. There is an example on the boards I couldn't find with footprints following a line.
So if i were to get a tablet, I think Wacom is the way to go. Graphite also seems like a good idea. Anything else I'm missing?
I'd like to pipe in one more positiv comment on wacom tablets. I've been using a intuos 2 6x9 for more than five years now and i can't find anything bad to say aout it. I'll be upgrading to a cintiq12mx in the near furur but that is just for the fun of owning one and not because my actual tablet is malfunctionning.
Pat
The truth detective
www.patoumonde.com
The cheaper ones seem to have fewer pen dynamics built in, so there is no tilt sensitivity on the Graphire for example. However I have still found it to be more than worth the £80 it cost.
Another proud owner of a Wacom here, Graphire 3, A6 sized, in my case. Totally worth the €100 I paid for it a couple of years ago.
(I don't use it that much anymore, I have no patience for digital art.. :/ )
A6 is large enough for most users, though if I'm going to buy a new one (some day...) I will buy an A5 to have a little bit more space. But if you're just starting out, a simple tablet, either A6 or A5 will be perfect for your purposes.
I have a Wacom Cintiq 20WSX and its the greatest thing EVAR!
Its also 1900+ dollars.
All Hail FlappyMap! Long Live MapFeed!
Robbie Powell - Site Admin
Originally Posted by Arcana
I hope you brought enough to share with the rest of the class .....
Sigurd
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