I am ready to get my first wacom tablet.. but any ideas on what kind to get? I have Windows XP with 512 of RAM and an 80 gig hard drive with a USB port.... Looking for advice on what kind to get...Please? Karen

depends on what you will be needing it for. Meaning, how do you plan to work with it? If you have the money nothing beats the intuos2 line of tablets. yeah, they cost a pretty penny but they are worth it =). Also, think about how you would do your strokes etc. That will help to determine the size you will need. Personally, I like to do a lot of post working of hair and clothes. I have a 6x8 and it is the perfect size for how I work. I am by no means an expert in this field, I am sure some of the other fine people in here can give you more details than you cna shake a stick at. I know what my vote would be for =) ... good luck with it

Ok, first off, good choice on Wacom...you really can't go wrong there. The main issue is really going to be what your wallet can withstand. While the Graphire2 (which I own) is an easy to use, inexpensive (around $100 USD) choice, the working area isn't that big (about 4 inches by 6 inches). It does however have 512 levels of sensitivity, which is great in Photoshop and other programs which support pressure sensitive tools. If you go into the Intuos2 line, you have a choice of tablet sizes, and greater features, but you'll pay more for them...$199 to $749 depending on size. Intuos2 tablets are considered the 'professional' entry point, but that's marketing hooey at work. Then there's the Cintiq line. These are the ones to drool over. Not only are they full-featured tablets, but also LCD flat panels, meaning you can literally work directly on your work...a major plus in and of itself. Unfortunately, they start at $1900 and go up to a whopping $3500...so they're out of the price range of most of us. My recommendation would be to look over the various sizes of the Intuos2, and work down from there. Decide what features you want, what you can afford to spend, and try to hit a balance point between. I paid a total of $40 for my Graphire2 (special deal through Dell), and haven't regretted a nickel. Would have paid the full $99 retail if I had to. However, if I had a bit more coin to spend, I would be getting an Intuos2, probably the 9x12 size... Hope this info helps...good luck! ChromeTiger

Consider desk size in your decision. I bought a glorious 9 by 12 back in the dim dawn of history, never had enough room for it. I have two tablets now a 6 by 8 and a 4 by 5, I use the 4 by 5 most because my desk is terribly tight and who wants to clean house just in order to post work. You do get used to the size eventually. What I was never able to get used to was the graphire jumpiness after using an Intuous. IF it had been the other way around, I probably wouldn't have noticed. Emily

Attached Link: http://www.corel.com/promotions/hp_superhero_us.htm

karen,I just checked,and it looks like Corell still has a special bundel deal going on(see link). For $149.00 you can buy the Grapher2 and Painter7 togeather(I paid $350.0 for Painter7 alone). This question was asked a few weeks ago here,and the general consensus was the same....Wacom is the only way to go.The only question is size.I fell in love with my friends 9x12,but when it came time for me to buy,I could only afford the $99.00 for the 4x5.As it turns out,I like that size better,as I don't have to move my hand as much(and I have large hands). SWAMP

Don't forget that you can set the Intuos to use only part of its surface area for things where you are just clicking on icons, and the full extent for Painter or PS when you want to make big gestures (if you do), so hand movement alone shouldn't determine your choice if you want, can afford and can accomodate a larger tablet for drawing.

I have a dinky little dirt cheap Violta and love it ;o)...Steve

I just got a Intuos 9x12 last week and to be honest its the best $ Ive spent on my art in the last 10 years.

You mean that isn't what's meant to happen?

Giggling! Well, Looks like I have my hands full. I want the tablet so i can stop painting hair and postwork with the mouse. That is a chore in itself. Actually, I had no idea that tablets came in different sizes. Do the retail places sell them or is it just online? I had to laugh at Emily! You have no idea how close you hit home! My desktop, and I mean my desktop.. the thing my computer sits on, is in a constant state is MESS! Between the computer, the bills stacking up, the cats who think it is there lounging area, there isnt enough room for the morning coffee! Thank you all! Happy Easter!.. Karen

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

You can get the Graphire2 series at most major computer-related retailers (CompUSA comes to mind immediately), but the Intuos line is a bit harder to come by. You can find purchase info for all the Wacom models on their website, linked above. Enjoy!

try checking pricewatch.com for better pricing. Sometimes you'll find it cheaper.