Tablet Questions

[Lelenia]

So I know a lot of the people that post epic awesome artwork here use computer tablets over papers and scanners for quality, versatility, ect.

My niece has been wanting one for awhile, especially since her artwork done by hand is phenomenal but she doesn't have access to a scanner that she can use to upload them at a decent quality...so we're looking at tablets.

Wanting to keep under the $100 mark, but still want one that won't crap out in four months and has decent accuracy in the marks. Any input/warnings would be deeply appreciated!

~Lel

[Broxigan]

Check on Newegg. I got me a Genius 6x10 or so tablet for 89 bucks a year or so ago and it will works wonderfully.

[Alphaeus]

Older models of smaller Wacoms, such as Graphire 2, 3, probably 4, are where a lot of artists get their start. Though I personally reccomend 6x8 as a good size, the step down (4x6? something like that...) will likely be in your price range.
http://www.wacom.com/index.html For options.

Something to be aware of is that training yourself to draw on the tablet can take a while, depending on the person, and the level of hand-eye coordination and dedication. It can be a little disheartening at first, so make sure she's aware that tablets have a learning curve. It's taken me several years, and I'm only just getting the swing of drawing entirely digitally. I have a feeling that the upgrade from smallest-size to 6x8 is partially responsible for my finally being able to sketch with my tablet: smaller tablets carry the risk of hand cramps.

[RavenReverend]

Honestly, Lele, if you're looking for a decent tablet to get her started on Graphire is a good line to go through. Also, Wacom is great with Refurbished tablets. They've even got the new Bamboo for less than eighty dollars. <.< They're refurbished which means they aren't BRAND SPANKING NEW but they come with the same box, a warranty and they've been serviced back to works like new condition. I'd certainly recommend it if you're not able to fork over the two hundred some dollars for a new one.

My favorite tablet thus far is my Intuos 3. I made sure Santa got some huuuuge fuckin' cookies that year (they had crack in them), but it's probably been the most used and well loved presents I've ever recieved.

https://direct.wacom.com/stores/5/Refurbished_Tablets_C71.cfm

[Villayna]

I just got a new Bamboo for $70. I was really trying to save up to get a 9x6 or larger, but this one works just fine. Plus it fits in my purse so I can keep it with me for when I have time at work to do other stuff without having to haul around a behemoth that I'll probably put down and forget and lose somewhere.

Edit: $59 +S/H at bestbuy http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8601845&type=product&id=1192232279888

if you want to get some software with it, it's another $20 or so that might be worth it if you don't have anything already:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8545032&st=bamboo&type=product&id=1188559986556

[Broxigan]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823102014

This is the tablet I got. It is nice and big, near about the same size as a sheet of paper. I had one before that was around a 4x6 or smaller and my god, I felt cramped inside that spot. The Bamboos are nice, very nice and well made, but too small. >.<

I highly recommend the genius. As I said, ti works well, I have had no problems with it besides the pen being a little cheaply made, but other than that, not a single problem for over a year.

Edit: Also, replacement pens are 25 bucks. I only had to replace mine originally because I sort of misplaced my first one. :x

[Jeedup]

I love my intuos3.

[Yatokth]

I love my intuos3.

Intuos3 owns. I do my ink work traditionally, but I color in Photoshop with an Intuos3.

[teutelquessir]

I bought a Wacom Bamboo for $99 ($108 after taxes) and it's great!

As some people have previously stated, there is a learning curve involved. I still don't have the coordination needed to draw comfortably using only the tablet and I tend to do my sketches by hand then digitally color. Don't let your niece be discouraged if she doesn't produce amazing art the first time she jumps in with the tablet. It just takes a bit of practice. :)

[Redemptio]

I love my intuos3.


Yeah they rule! i have one too and a Genius.

Go for a refurbished there awesome cheap and there guaranteed to work, And if they don't they still come with a warranty .

If you still can't find a refurbished one you like go with a Genius, its not as great as a Wacom (all hail wacom) but there still good little beginner tablets. My only problem with mine was it didn't feel as smooth as my wacom and it was a little on the thin side (i.e. put a book under it.) :D