Calling all Tablet Users
afterglow (571 pencils) | Fri, 2005-11-18 23:52I've been on the lookout recently for an input device to give me some relief from the onset of RSI (which I think I have in my right arm anyway) I saw that Wacom had announced a A5 Widescrren of their Intous line. I'm probably going to order it next week as my mouse arm needs an extended break.
I'm curious to know how people find using these tablets. I had bought a Graphire A6 years ago on a whim but never gave it much of a chance as it was tiny and cramped and almost worse than the mouse. What did you do to force yourself to get used to the tablet after the mouse? What are the limitations of the technology. I do a lot of work with bezier curves in Photoshop and use contextual menus extensively so I'm wandering if anyone has a tablet workflow set up that acocmodates these features. I write and draw with my left hand but my mouse hand is my right. (strongest but sorest)
It will be joined by an iMac 20" and Creative Suite 2 (my Xmas present to myself) but I don't want this new equipment to disrupt the workflow so any tips, warning or recommendations are welcome.
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After I got my tablet, I used the mouse for 2-3 months, but after that, I moved to a bigger desk and had the tablet connected full-time. At first I used it just for drawing, but then I started using the pen to control GUI elements. It's better than using the mouse, and very easy to get used to actually. However, there are some uses which are not practical for a pen, so I always keep the mouse nearby.
I'll be honest with you. I really really want to like it, but outside of certain Photoshop work, it simply isn't practical for your everyday graphic design work using InDesign, Quark and even Illustrator. For the most part they're just too sensitive. It's hard to be precise - even when you adjust the tolerance of the pressure and clicking preferences.
If you can afford them, they're great to have around for when you have a use for them. But I've found myself using the Kensington turbo mouse more often than not.
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Well, sometimes I do use the mouse, but mostly the pen. On jobs with lots of keyboard/mouse switching, using the pen is a pain, but everything else, it works good. Besides, I've never got RSI's from pens, they're a more natural hand form than mice.