Artists, a tip for me?

[Annah]

Hey!

I wanna' buy a graphic tablet, and until now, at least I've chosen a company which makes them. That would be Wacom. And the first model that comes in my mind is the Wacom Graphire ClassicXL. What I want to know, does it worth it? I don't want to spend much money on it, 'cause I want to upgrade my computer as well, so this would be an option.

Some words about it: http://www.wacom-europe.com/int/products/graphire4/index.asp?lang=en&pdx=12

Though, for a double price, I can have the Wacom Intuos 3 PTZ-630G, that it seems "is more" for free hand drawing. But this would mean not so many upgrades for the pc 'ehh.

http://www.wacom-europe.com/int/products/intuos/tablets.asp?lang=en&pdx=37

I really don't know what to do, so any tips and advices are more than welcomed.

Thanks,
Antonio.

[Peacer]

I would suggest that it could measure the preasure you put into it when you are drawing and also something with some nifty and useful features, a good size wouldn't hurt as well.

features:
more pens
a layer which you can press on but is not the actual sensor which senses where you write.

[Karyuu]

I'd say upgrade your PC first and splurge on a tablet second. The better your system is, the more you'll appreciate having a tablet at all when you're using it. Pressure sensitivity is great at high levels, but a lot of applications can help you out through the opacity and flow of brushes - so you won't feel any significant loss there. I think my ArtZ II has 512 levels of sensitivity and I'm doing fine. The Graphire4 Classic XL already has a transparent "frame" overlay, so Peacer's last suggestion is taken care of. As for more pens, I definitely second that - I'm still using the original I got years ago (Wacom stuff lasts!), but there was a scary time when it nearly fell apart and I would've died ;P

All in all, go for the first model. Wacom's only fault is their pricing, but you really do get what you pay for.

[Annah]

Thanks.

[Annah]

Excuse the double post, I have one more question. I've "watched" different comments/discussions over the internet regarding the Graphire tablet, and it seems it's not so good for drawing (or at least that's what they say), many directing you to the Intuos one...

Mehh, what do you say? Worths for drawing as well?

[Karyuu]

I've no experience with the Graphire What was the basis for many of such comments?

[Annah]

Basically the Intuo pen is better controlled, but I doubt that's such a big problem. And more, the tablet itself, its specifications I mean. But, after all, they all do the same things aye? You draw with 'em. And Graphire seems the best in its "money class".

[Karyuu]

That's rather ambiguous. If you're going to be using an app like Photoshop, brush settings will help you out tremendously with control. For me the important thing with a tablet is just being able to hold a pencil-like tool in my hands, and the control already differs a thousand-fold from a mouse. If you've never owned a tablet before, there's no need to get the bestest of the best right from the start - if you fall in love with it as time goes by, you can always start saving up for a better one. Or you might surprise yourself and think your original to be absolutely perfect for what you're doing :]

[Annah]

Okay, Graphire it is. Thanks again for your advices!

[WiseKran]

Im using an Intous 3 9x12.

Its the only tablet ive ever had. its about a year old.

and let me tell you, it is fantastic for drawing/sketching, you name it.  It beats paper any day, and Im almost relucant to use natural tools now such as real lead chalk or paint.

Im fairly certain the Intuos line is more art based, where the graphire is sort of photo editing based. but there isnt any real reason why you cant change em up.

The intuos 3 has over over 1000 pressure sensitive levels, it detects the angle you are holding the pen, for different type of strokes. it also has en araser on the back. as well as serveral different type of tips for different feels.

thats all i can tell you about intuos i guess.

[Karyuu]

It beats paper any day, and Im almost relucant to use natural tools now such as real lead chalk or paint.

Noes! Do not forget your roots! Digital art can be amazing, but there will be times when you will have to use traditional media if you're going to be working with art all your life. Who knows what jobs or assignments you will receive - even computer animators study traditional animation and end up making storyboards before taking it to the computer. Be a rounded individual and never forget to turn off the machine brain every now and then :3