The Wacom

I'm jumping price brackets from my last March of the Tools post. But, whatever the expense, here's a tool I absolutely couldn't do without:  the Wacom tablet.

This tool allows you to forego your computer mouse for a stylus (penlike tool below).  Some artists will use the stylus & pad to draw or paint images right into the computer and for such an approach the Wacom is invaluable.  I, however, do all of my initial artwork outside of the computer, so the Wacom's obvious benefit of more authentic art isn't my main reason for affection here.  In fact, it is really my right hand that's in love with the Wacom.  Intense work on the computer with a mouse can make your hand cramp & throb after endless hours of clicking & dragging & clicking & dragging.  Working with a stylus is just a lot more comfortable. A lot more!

And there are some pretty cool secondary features too.  The graphics tablet is pressure sensitive. So, if you have an art program that's compatible with this feature, you'll find that with some paint brush tools a stylus will create a varied stroke in response to the pressure you apply.  This is the case with Painter, Illustrator, etc.  No settings to change.  A normal computer mouse will just produce an even line. 

The buttons in the corners can be programmed to do whatever functions you regularly use.  And the longer rectangle (see top photo) allows you to zoom or scroll if you stroke your finger across it.  I have my buttons disabled as I'm all about key commands.  But I still think they're cool.

So that's the Wacom.  I have one huge tablet, as wide as my keyboard, and a smaller one to take with my laptop.  As I said before, I couldn't do without it, so I had to have a second one for travel.

Comments

[Claire]

I LOVE my wacom! My life/art literally changed overnight when I first started using one about 12 years ago.

[Andrea Q at Quirky Bags]

Thank you SO much for sharing this...and thanks to Tory for the extra information (two comments above mine). I would love to get one of these for my very artistic daughter, but haven't known where to start looking.

[Tina H.]

The NEW Bamboo & Bamboo Fun are perfect for the person who is looking for a replacement for the mouse, but you aren't interested in the more advanced features of the big tablet. It also comes bundled with Photoshop Elements for free (a $100.00 value) and the Bamboo starts at $79.00

I have the big tablet and couldn't be on the computer all day like I am with out it.

[Tracy]

Love your blog! My husband and I share a similar Wacom tablet and we love it...we both tinker with graphics, art and drawing, so it's become a tremendously useful and fun tool for us. Happy Days :o)

[Sarah]

maybe i'm not looking hard enough, but i'm not finding an option for US dealers. Sounds intriguing!

[Celeste]

I have one and love it! It is wonderful for illustrations!

[dana Bowers]

I agree!!!! I have been using a Wacom tablet for years and I can't go without. I needed to upgrade my tablet but I am on a budget so I went with the smaller Bamboo model and it is fantastic and the small one is only $99! I was happily surprised because my old Wacom was the larger Intuos. I'm sure when budget allows I will purchase a larger Intuos tablet but for now the Bamboo is working out great. And it travels with me which is essential!

[RB]

I went and bought the Wacom Bamboo Fun tablet for $79 after I read your post. I love love love it. I teach online courses and use it for grading papers and emailing them back to students.
Thanks for sharing the info!

[Amy]

I want one of those things SOO BAD. But, I have like no money right now. :-(

[star]

oh my hubby can't live without his wacom either! he's a graphic designer. LOVES it! i've tried. it takes some getting used to so i'm still working on that. oh, and you have the same laptop bag as me! i love how soft it is on the inside!