What's a Wacom Tablet?

Question

Okay, I know I'm gonna get absolutely pelted with paintbrushes by all the experts, but I've read a bit about them, and I think I need a clear, to the point explanation on what they are and how much the average, or even basic version costs. I feel like an idiot, but everyone finds out one way or another, right?

So... anyone feel like helping me out?

Thank you.

x

Answer 1

Wacom is the best line of graphics tablets. Graphics tablets look like glorified mousepads with an attached pen. You use the pen to write on the tablet and the tablet converts the strokes to your computer. As for price, Wacoms are the most expensive, getting pricier as the tablets get bigger. However, if you don't mind the loss of brand-name prestige, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives out there that work the same.

Answer 2

Ok, basically, a Wacom Tablet is a brand of graphics tablet. Made by Wacom.

A graphics tablet is a little flat surface you draw on, that is hooked up to your computer. It has a special pen and sensors so that when you make a line on the tablet, the line will appear on your computer screen.

That way, you can draw really well with your hand, and it will all go on your computer as you draw.

Here's a pic of one:

http://z.about.com/d/graphicssoft/1/0/b/...

Answer 3

VERY cheap, but fully functional digital tablets can be found all over the web.  If you want to shop around, do a search for "digital tablet" but leave out the name, "Wacom."  That way, you'll get to see alternative brands.

Most of the people who recommend Wacom only do so because they don't know of any other brands, and someone ELSE recommended Wacom.

Last year, I bought of couple of DigiPro tablets for my grandkid's computer.  These work just as well as the Wacom Pen Partner that I have been using for over four years.  They are compatible with my Photoshop, Illustrator and Corel applications, including pressure sensitivity.  Try the Computer Geeks site. ( http://geeks.com )  You will find the tablets in the "Mouse" category.  Some are as little as $29 with many under $50.

I just checked out their site.  They are almost out of them, but, they have a four by three inch tablet on sale for $19.99.

I will also advise that the larger tablets are not necessarily better.  The real difference in ease of use is in the size of your computer monitor.