Mouse vs. tablet

[RPMiller]

Ok, so I found out today that I am getting a sizable bonus from work. I think it is time to get myself a Christmas present. Let's just say that money is not really an object, but I don't want to get something I'll only use a couple features of.

So, what do all you experienced tablet users recommend model wise? I'm getting a Wacom so we don't need to worry about brand, but I need to know which model and also what dimension to get.

Basic usage guidelines:

• There is a good chance I'll be mobile with the tablet, but I don't want to set that as a restriction yet.
• I'll be using it with PhotoShop, Poser, Bryce, Carrera, MapTool and hopefully other standard applications.
• I'll be using it for hand drawing stuff as well as using vector based programs.

[The Cartographist]

I've had a WACOM for about seven months. My only suggestion would be to get as big as you are comfortable putting on your desk (or lap for that matter). I typically only pull it out when I'm drawing, and I typically re-arrange the desk slightly (by pushing the keyboard further away so that typing on it almost becomes irritating) in order to have the tablet right in front of me.

One comment: It takes some getting used to (hand-eye issues), but once that is resolved, you will never go back.

[RPMiller]

I'm not too concerned about the hand-eye issues. I was a CAD draftsman for many years and used a puck for many of those so I'm expecting those old muscles to reactivate.

[RobA]

Well if prive is really not an option...

http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/21UX.cfm

at $2500USD MSRP.

-Rob A>

[The Cartographist]

Well, right on, with that:

http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/21UX.cfm

at $2500USD MSRP.


...Now all I have to do is find one at 1/10th the cost.

[RPMiller]

Well if prive is really not an option...

http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/21UX.cfm

at $2500USD MSRP.

-Rob A>

Well, right on, with that:

http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/21UX.cfm

at $2500USD MSRP.


...Now all I have to do is find one at 1/10th the cost.

While I could buy that, I don't think I will. As I mentioned, I don't want to go overboard and get something that I won't use all the features of. Even the next model down would be overkill I think not to mention I wouldn't want to lug that and a laptop around.

What I'm looking more for are recommendations of features and use. For example, if you have one, are you satisfied with it or do you wish you got a different model and why?

[RPMiller]

After researching and reading for about the last hour and a half I think I'm going to go with this one:
http://direct.wacom.com/stores/5/Int...n_P1222C83.cfm

That way I can also get the new version of PhotoShop and still pay off my Christmas present debt.

Does anyone have an Intous3 and what do they think of it? Is it worth getting over the Graphire?