Need advice with buying Graphic tablet

[maple]

Hi All

I am starting to learn photo restoration and coloring, at least I am trying to learn it.  I find that my mouse is much too clumsy and was wondering if I should buy a Graphic Tablet.

The one that I am thinking of buying is the Wacom Bamboo Fun.  Have any of you any experience with this particular product.  I would also like to know if I should buy the small one or the medium one.  I really don't have a great deal of space on my desk.   I would also like to know that if I get the graphic tablet, do I have to disconnect my current mouse.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Maple

[jim1]

Hello Maple
Must admit I'd never heard of this but looking at it now it doesn't appear to be of any help in restoration/colouring.It's a freehand graphics tab for creating hand drawn images directly onto your pc.It also looks very expensive.
A good photo editing programme is the best place to spend your money,the 2 most popular are Paintshop Pro & Photoshop (CS2) also a good cordless optical mouse,you can alter the mouse settings so that you get finer control as sometimes they can be set to fly across the screen at the slightest movement.After that it's patience, practice & maybe some help from here or online tutorials.
hope this helps
jim

[Gadget]

Wacom is the only way to go.

I have a Wacom Intuos , Polldoll has a Wacom Intuos and there are some others as well. Rachel and Pels have them  but don't use them.

I'm left handed so use the tablet/pen with my left hand to do the delicate stuff and my mouse in my right hand to do the ordinary everyday stuff.

Saying that, I also use my laptop with a touch pad but that's a bit like a very small graphics tablet anyway 


Gadget

PS - A5 or larger

PPS - you don't have to disconnect your mouse.

[Rachels]

Hi Maple
I have a Bamboo Fun (small) ... bought it before Christmas, thinking that I'd progress to something more sophisticated (Intuos 3) at a later date, but I find using the pen impossible.

It's not the fault of the product.
People on another website I belong to also have this one for photo restoring and absolutely love theirs.

I use a small mouse (with a cord) which I borrowed from my OH's laptop over a year ago !

It's 2 inches wide, made by Swann and very comfortable and no I don't need to disconnect it to do battle with the tablet   


Rachel (remaining distraught that I can't use the Wacom)   

[Gadget]

Also, see this thread:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,271658.0.html



Gadget 

[Rachels]

Also, see this thread:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,271658.0.html



Gadget 

Gosh  revisiting that thread brought back some memories ~  I STILL haven't got to grips with the technical stuff and other tools !

The Magnetic wotsit sticks to everything and makes me want to scream     

[Gadget]

 




Had to come upstairs to my tablet for this one 

[Pels.]

I could have done that .. ! 

As someone who hasn't been doing it as long as the others, I'd have to say go with Jim's advice and invest your money in a good programme Maple, although for all we know you might already have one ?

I've only tried the Wacom twice, so haven't given it much of a chance, for some reason it makes me nervous because it doesn't feel at all comfortable .. but I will persevere .. !!

My feeble excuse .. I keep saying when I get a bit more experience, but at the moment the mouse feels better .. !!  

[jc26red]

I have the same as Gadget, a Wacom Intuos, but like Rachel I find it easier to restore with a mouse, probably because I don't have much room on my desk! 

Agree with Jim and Pels
Good software first, get some lots and losts then some more  practice. Then think about a graphics tablet when you've mastered restoring and the software!