My boss just gave me the OK to order a Wacom tablet. I can't decide between the Intuos 6x8 or the Intuos 9x12. "Bigger is better" works for hard drives and memory. Does that also carry over for tablets? I'd appreciate any suggestions. The tablet won't be used for Bryce too much, mostly Corel Draw, PhotoPaint, and Painter. Thanks! Peggy

Unless you do large sweeping motions when you draw or have a large screen for a large image I would stick to the 6x8 size. I asked the same question several months back and almost everybody recommended the 6x8. I just got mine 5 days ago and I'm thrilled with it. Cie

Oh, speaking of tablets. Does anyone have the Graphire2? I've been wanting one for ages and finally I saved some money, but only for a graphire2 (the intuos cost much more). If you have a graphire2, would you tell me how happy (or unhappy) you are with it, or its faults and virtues? Thanks a lot!!!!!

I have the intuos-2 (4x5) It's fine for most work, but if you have the chance for the 6x8 Get It! I couldn't imagine anything bigger on my desk. Keyboard is off center (left) to the monitor, tablet is where most people keep a mouse pad. My desk is "L" shaped and the mouse is closer to me in front of the tablet. Placement works great.

What are these tablets?

I have the Graphire2, and I like it a lot. It isn't as good as an Intuos, but it is more than capable.

Attached Link: http://www.wacom.com/productinfo/index.cfm

Emberghost: It's a pressure sensitive pad which allows you to use a special pen for drawing and painting. You can also use it like a mouse. Check out the web Link.

I've had my Intuos-2 6x8 for quite some time now and I'm very happy with it and the freedom and control it offers. The size feels just right.

I have the Intuos 9x12 and now wish I had gone with the 6x8 as I do have a medium sweep but not a long enough one to warrant the 9x12. Unless you do Images that mimic Oil painting or such i.e. brush strokes, I recommend the 6x8. I do graphics in PS and really don't use the tablet all that much because it's mostly choose this drop down and move this layer here... yadda yadda yadda. My 2 worth, Regards JimG

I have the Intuos2, in the 9x12, with the pen and 4D cordless mouse, and I have to say it's much nicer than the 6x8, it's just like having a big sketch book on my desk, mine also has a grid system on the overlay for modeling work. Tablets are the only way to go...drawing and painting with a mouse is like using a bar of soap...the pen is just like a brush only better...:)

How do you like the mouse? Since I don't have a large desk, the tablet will also be my mouse pad. Is the 6x8 a big enough surface to mouse on? That was my main gripe against the Graphire (I have an older one at home). Too small a surface to mouse on. Thanks! Peggy

I have a ArtPadZ by Wacom (it preceeded the Intuous) and it is at 6 x 8, comes with pen and mouse. Anything larger would take up too much desk space IMO. Anything smaller would not be enough to really work with. The pen is awesome for anything involving image manipulation (i.e. PhotoPaint/Painter) but not as good for use with Bryce (it's mouse works fine here though). Personal opinion. Richard

Peggy- My g/f preferes to use my Logitech mouse over the Wacom's and she finds it works fine on the 6x8 tablet.

As for using it as mouse pad, depends on how big a mouse pad you like...my entire desk is a mouse pad :)

Peggy, I have the 6x8 surface area set as my entire screen size on my tablet. With a little practice you can get around fine, but I must say that I personally find the eye - screen (21") to mouse - tablet (6x8) coordination is a little ackward. Realize that you can use your regular mouse and the tablet without having to switch anything else other than the device of choice at any given moment. No special key sequences or on/off onscreen buttons to worry about. Just pickup your regular mouse or the tablet's pen tool and go with it. They work in tandem with each other.

Thanks everyone! I ordered the 6x8. Hope it gets here soon! Peggy

Ok I'm interested in Wacom tablets. But I don't have a lot of money. What is an inexpensive one and is it worth getting if you only have Corel Photopaint 8?

Oh yeah...always worth it:)

Hi Aldaron, The Wacom Graphire2 tablets are inexpensive - less than $100. They are only availabe in the 4x5 size. It is very nice for paint programs.

But is the 4 X 5 any good? Also I assume photoshop has more features to use with a tablet than photopaint does?

Attached Link: http://www.wacom.com

That was my main concern in getting another tablet - would the 6x8 be big enough to use while not hogging too much of my messy desk. The Graphire is OK, but I felt it was too small. The Intous has better resolution and more pressure sensitivity, plus other features. The Intous 6x8 is $349. I felt is was hard to justify that price for home use - work is different since I will be using it about 50% of my time. I am also having problems with carpel tunnel. Being able to switch from mouse to tablet hopefully will help. Please visit Wacom's site. They have a nice "what type/size tablet" questionair to go through. They also explain what programs support the different tools. Peggy

Thanks, I had visited the site before but still wasn't sure about some things so I thought I'd ask people who have actual used them.

Attached Link: http://www.provantage.com/scripts/go.dll/pgrab/fp_62382

I go my Wacom 6x8 for $309 including shipping. Follow the link and check it out. Cheapest I found on the web. Cie

Yipee!! It finally arrived! I am really glad I got the 6x8. As it is, my desk is about 2 inches too small... I need to scoot my keyboard over just a bit more to feel really comfortable. The tablet works great! Off to play! Peggy

ENJOY!!!

Have fun and best wishes with it Peggy. Now go create a few masterpieces with it! Enjoy! P.S. Go right off to their web site and make sure you've got the latest drives for it.