silverorange stuff

Thank you ... very helpful.
Bill

I've been using the Graphire 3 6x8 for about 8 month's now and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I like how the two position button on the sylist is set to single click or double click. Although you can tap it too. For doing precision drawing's or graphic's it can't be beat. It is well worth the money, and I would recomend it to all graphic designer's, 3D modeler's, and artist's.

Could you give me your opinion on the difference between the Intuos 2 and the Intuos 3? I have had neither and I am in the market to buy one. I do Patent Illustrations and I use mainly Illustrator and Visio (sometimes AutoCad). There is a one hundred dollar difference in the two and I was wondering if there is much of a difference in the functionality between them.

Thanks,
Laura

I just "downgraded" from an Intuos2 6x8 to a Graphire Bluetooth 6x8. I use the tablet a lot on the go with my PowerBook.

The Intuos2 is more precise. I notice it more with pen movement than pressure though. The Graphire Bluetooth does offer enough precision to work accurately on a large, high resolution monitor though. It's more than good enough for pro level work on the go.

The Graphire Bluetooth seems more durably constructed than my Intuos2, which had a couple of the tabs that lock the case together snap off, probably due to some torsion while in my bag. It's thicker and more resistant to flexing, and also has less handrest space on either side of the active area, making it a better fit in my bag too.

Range is very good, and there's no lag. I had interference once, during a heavy Mac/PC WiFi file transfer. No issues at all during heavy WiFi internet activity.

If you have a PowerBook, or x86 laptop with built in bluetooth, it's just about perfect as a portable solution, other than maybe a tablet PC. You also no longer have to worry about the Graphire's chintzy USB cord shorting out on the Bluetooth model.

This has been very helpful in deceiding which wacom tablet to get. It was good to read that the Graphire Pen comes with 512 levels of pressure sensitivity.

I'm planning on buying a graphire tablet, I'm considering either the 3x5 or 6x8...I have a question....does the size of the tablet affect the image drawn, like if youuse the smaller tablet does it leave a bigger mark?

Hi Stephen,
I have read there is not much difference at all between the Graphire and Intuos models. Do you still recommend the 6x8 size over that of the 4x5 for desktop use. I am concerned that the 4x5 might be to restrictive. I would like to use it for logo development but also experiement with it to see if it is a valuable asset for work in general. What kind of work do you use your wacom for, illustration, photograghic or design?

Iam planning on buying a cheaper graphire version but the prices are differnt in every store that I look in....

I want to know the difference between graphire 3 vs graphire 4

which one is better? and whats the additional advantages on the better one?

I was going to go for a 6X8 but after reading this and my computer table is really small so Iam just going to go for the 4X5 one....

can someone please email me muruganc@gmail.com with answers? and if u are planning on selling your old one also let me know, I might buy it :) Thnx in advance :)

MSN: dabrowndevil@hotmail.com
AIM: rmcmurugan@aol.com

DO YOU HAVE TO USE THE SUPPLIED MOUSE, OR CAN YOU USE YOUR OWN?

I have an intuos and a graphire 3 both 6x8. The intuos is by far better. The tracking is way better and the distance that you have between the pen and the tablet is farther for the intuos. For the graphire you almost always have to keep your tip .2 inches away from the tablet in order for it to track. Intuos is the way to go!!

I have been using a Graphire 3 for the past few years and I've been very happy with it. Although I've always wanted the higher end models, I use it with my 12" powerbook, so a small 4x5 intuos didn't make sense... I stuck with the cheaper Graphire... until recently.

I was eying the new 6x8 Intuos 3 and already placed an order for one... looked really cool, wasn't too expensive, had those shortcut buttons... I was sold! although it wouldn't fit my laptop bag, I was gonna delegate it to my desktop system at home, and my trusty Graphire would still go with me and my notebook.

As luck would have it, since the Intuos 3 is out... Wacom Philippines decided to go on sale with all their unsold Intuos 2 models... I got the mother 12" x 18" Intuos 2 at a steal!!!! (under $200) Although it is the older model, it has all the functions I needed. Still unopened and still with Wacom's warranty, I got it straight from their warehouse here in the Philippines. I was the lucky one who called in first. About 30 other graphic artists after me tried... but I got it first!!! Hehehehe.

I'm sure the new Intuos 3 is great!!! And had there not been a Wacom sale, I would've gotten the 6x8 model.

Wacom rocks!!!! :)

Hello! Very good review, it was very helpful. My friend recently bought a tablet online and I'm kinda into art myself so I'm looking for a small one. I measured out 4x5 and it's really small and the 6x8 is a much better size for me, but it seems from all the reviews I've gotten it's not a great size for travel. I'm torn between the Graphire, the Intuos, and an Adesso I found on Amazon.com. There are too many tablets to choose from! But I guess a big selection is better. But thatnks for the review, it's helped me a lot!

I recently upgraded from an original intuos 6x8(purchased for an amazing price on ebay), to an intuos 3 6x11 Wide Format tablet. I use it with my apple g5 and a 20" Widescreen display. I am a professional Graphic designer and I can no longer use a mouse! These tablets, once you get really familiar with them, are much more efficient and accurate than any mouse I've found. This is my personal set up at home, but at work we have 4x5 Graphire tablets. They are still better than a mouse, but not as good as my intuos.
The intuos 3 has vastly improved over their original Intuos model. The pen is more comfortable, the new scroll wheels are a great feature for paging up and down in Indesign, illustrator and other programs. Even surfing the web.
If you have the desk space for a wide format tablet, you will not regret it. The 4x5 that I use at work is too restrictive for fluid hand movements across it. And as mentioned before the Graphire is more jumpy and less accurate. The other tablet that I've been dying to try is the 6x8 Bluetooth Graphire. I love the wireless feature. Not only would it free up a USB port. It would be great for travel, and lets face it, who likes the look of a mess of cords on your desk!

I am a graphic designer and I bought my Intuos3 a few months ago. Ever since then I can't stop wondering how I have been able to design anything before that. The price was a little high for me but it was worth every penny. I am really happy with it.
Some people say that the shortcut buttons are almost useless but I personally use them a lot. I am used to using shortcuts a lot and it would have been unhandy if I had to reach for my keyboard every time I needed a shortcut.
The pen is really comfortable and it has become a part of my hand.
I have to admit though that I don't use the mouse from the package. I use my own Logitech mouse since I find the Wacom mouse really uncomfortable (not the best shape for my hand).
Anyway, I would recommend Wacom Intuos 3 to anyone who asks for my opinion.

Hi,

I want to buy a Wacom tablet. I just dont know if I should buy the Graphire4 classic XL or the Intuos A5.
The Graphire is much cheaper but I dont know if it is as good or good enough for me.
The only difference I can see between the two is that the Intuos has more pressure levels and more buttons on the tablet itself, but aren't 512 pressure levels enough ?
I would be thankful for any advice !

Thanks alot

I was wondering whether or not my husband's Christmas gift was going to be useful to him. I bought the intuous2 6x8 tablet and now I am almost certain that I chose well. Thanks for all of the reviews!

Is anyone using Manga Studio EX? Someone said it works with intuos 2 and a few others but did not mention intuos3.

Has any one got any thoughts about the Intuos3 A5 wide - what are the benefits over the Intuos3 A5?

I'm interested in upgrading my Graphire4 to an Intuos, because the biggest problem I have is the surface. I'm like most of the other users here, and I LOVE my Graphire, but I have to carry a small bottle of baby powder (!) to sprinkle on it periodically. The plastic cover causes my sweaty hands to stick as I'm drawing a stroke across the surface. It's really annoying when trying to work in Photoshop/Sketchbook! I think I've been able to pick out that the Intuos has a better drawing surface. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Hi there,

I am torn between the Graphire 4 and Intuos 3...Any suggestions?

What I will be using it for is drawing. I have been using Microsoft Paint to draw/illustrate for cards, but that's using my mouse! LOL

I am sure that by purchasing a WACOM product, my drawings will improve and my wrist won't hurt as much!

Can someone please tell me if the Graphire model is good enough for drawing/paint?

Please and thanks...

J.

Hi guys, so far for a few years now i have been painting fantasy art in photoshop with my mouse and am busy saving for a tablet, The price difference is a lot between the two but the advantages are also getting to me...
One question i have: You guys said that the tablet relates to your screens resolution.
I am currently running a 21" monitor, but i am condering to get the 4x5 tablet for painting and quite fine, detailed work. do you think this is a good idea or do you think i should opt for the larger graphire model, instead of the smaller intuos model.

Reply asap and thanks for this thread, it has been a great help :D
Thanks, Sasha.

you can specify a certain area with the new wacoms but 21" with a 4*5 is quite small but better than the grapphire i guess, so you could use your 4*5 with fine detail

I'm looking into buying the intuos 6x8 tablet because the foodprint enables me to haul it around in a bag with my laptop. Question does the tablet auto-scale to the canvas size selected? by that I mean since I'll be working in Photoshop CS2 mainly with a canvas size of 11 x 17 CMYK mode at 300dpi, does this have any bearing on which size tablet I should select?

I want to buy my daughter an Intuos3 tablet as she is heavily into drawing manga. I am having a problem deciding on what size to get. I'm leaning towards a 6x8, but I really don't know much about these things. She is using a 19" moniter, if that makes any difference. Can anyone help? Thanks.

I just ordered an intuos 4x5 for $109. (don't be too happy about the price). The thing is it's refurbished. Please read the following:

Wacom Intuos3 4x5 Drawing Tablet
- Convention Special!!!
- Save Over 50%!!
- Wacom Factory Refurbished
- Wacom Full One Year Warranty
- FREE S&H

Part#: PTZ430WAC-refurb
Manufacturer Part#: PTZ430WAC-refurb
(Qty: 1 x $109.99)

The reason why I order a refurbished one is I never tried graphics tablets before, and I'm in college, major in graphic design. Thought I might need one, but I'm so broke at this point, so daddy promised will buy me one. I want a intuos 3, but dad just saw the deal online and purchased it >.<

Do you think that was a bad idea??? Oh god, is it too late to cancel it???

One more thing, I just read on Wacom's official website, a refurbished intuo3 4x5 is Price: $179.95. Why are selling so much more than mine ($109) and it's at their official site???

if the deal is legit, you'll love it. And it's under warranty so i'd say don't sweat it.

I've looking to buy a tablet, I started using an intuos3 6x11 that we have at work.
Amazing how good the pressure sensitive feature works, it really provides the feel of a regular brush.
Before purchasing mine (I still haven't) a friend of mine allowed me to use his 4x5 Graphire 2, these are the differences I've found so far.

Size:
It really makes a difference if you want to do detailed work, like precise lines, cartoon type of shadowing. Also if you are drawing long lines, it feels weird with the graphire because a small movement of the hand translates into a very long line in your monitor, the bigger the monitor the larger the line will be.
The 4x6 is a completely portable tablet though, does not take a lot of space and you can take it everyware in a regular backpack.

Pressure Sensitivity:
Although it took me a while to finally find the pressure sensitive brushes in Photoshop elements 2 for the Graphire, also the Graphire does not work with the finest detail you will get with the Intuos. Comparatively you will need to put a lot more effort into the Graphire, the Intuos is amazingly soft, it feels at some point like you are really drawing/painting/inking with a brush.

Surface smoothness:
The Graphire feels bumpy, I'm not sure if this is because my friend is an engineer and used it in the workplace (read: next to dusty machines), or if it is because of the plastic surface in the Graphire, the Intuos3 just feels like gliding.

All in all, as many have said, I think I would still use the Graphire for photo editing, and travel, although I guess I would have to re-touch my cartoons (meaning almost redoing) with the Intous for better quality and detail.

Hope that helps.

About Graphires surface smoothness:

I have never used a tablet but am keen to try one. Cant you just slide a piece of paper between the pen and tablet to stop the affects of sweaty hands and bumpy/grippy surfaces on the tablet?

Hey I was going to buy the wide screen intus 3 (6x11) and Im kinda affraid to buy it cuz when im researching about it, i keep seeing Photo editing,
I want to be able to draw fine,detailed, drawings on the computer, but thats impossible with mouse, so my question is, can i do that with wacom without having to buy a Cintiq?

I know a couple of folks who have taken to taping a piece of paper over the surface of their Graphire to improve the tactile feel of the pen ... the Graphire surface can be quite slick. I tried it and it works. The input from the pen will not be affected by the paper.

Try it - you will like it.

There is no difference is the sensitiviy between the Cintiq and the Intuos 3 line of tablets.

the pressure sensitivity is the same as is the resolution and both products use the same pen.

The Cintiq is really designed for those people who spend 8 - 10 - 12 hours slaving over Photoshop or Painter every day.

The answer to your question is that you do not need the Cintiq to do fine detail work. The Intuos 3 6X11 will do what you want and it is a fabulous product!

I am thinking about buying the Intuos3 A5 (Wide). However, I'm conscious that this range has now been out for almost 3 years. Has anyone heard any rumours regarding any imminent updates to this range (I have a habit of buying technology that almost immediately has a new version released!!)

Cheers,

Roger

To answer Scott and Max about the surface problem when having sweaty hands:

Yes, I use to have the friction problem too. My sweaty hand use to stick to the plastic cover as I was drawing across the surface and the plastic would resist my hand movement. Since Wacom can't make the plastic more slippery, (because the pen would start to slide all over the place) I started using a new product called SmudgeGuard. I'm left-handed and I actually bought it to avoid getting smudges when writing or drawing, but decided to try it on my Wacom tablet as well and it's been excellent! Now, I use it everytime I use my Wacom tablet. No more friction. When wearing this nylon partial glove, my hand slides easily on the surface and the pen continues to keep it's grip on the tablet. So Scott, you can stop pouring the baby powder and Max, you can stop using the paper. Paper would only cover up half your work making hard for you to see what you're actually drawing. So if interested, check this product out at www.SmudgeGuard.com. I hope this tip helps!

Frez - I think the reason you see a lot about photo retouching in your research is because I've found that a lot of people use graphics tablets for reasons I wouldn't normally think of. Some people use tablets because using a mouse hurts their wrist, arm, etc. Also, I have a feeling that a surprisingly large number of people only use tablets for photo editing - tables tend to aid greats when it come to freestyle selecting parts of an image and such.

I don't think there's any need to fear the Intuos3 6x11. That's the one I'm looking into buying. It seems that those of us interested in using tablets for illustration are not as large a percentage of the tablet users and I would have thought.

My best friend's younger sister [Emily] recently bought an Intuos (I believe it's a 6x8). She's a drawer and she does a lot of sketching on it. I got to test it out and it was quite amazing. The sensitivity feature was phenomenal but a little touchy. Although I must admit, I only got to play with it for about half an hour and Emily was MUCH better than I. They take a little practice.

Overall I have been very impressed with the product and seeing as I'll be majoring in Communication Design when i go off to college next fall, I'm interesting in getting a head start on one of these to further enhance my illustration skills. It's a competitive business so keep up with the latest tools!

Hi Stephen,

I am a dinosaur who is so desppperate to be resurrected and re-invented! I used to do a lot of storyboards and illustrations way back in my days working in advertising. I had to say goodbye to my career to follow my husband's. That was more than a decade ago. Now, we're settled and I'm exploring the possibilities of making a comeback.

I've always been a "traditional" artist, meaning I've used actual paints and brushes that make your hands dirty, so can you just imagine how deeply stuck I am in the dark ages. Your reviews have been very helpful to help me understand all these new technologies.

My intention is to offer to do storyboards and illustrations working from my home. Are markers, pencils on papers really things of the past?. Should I go digital all the way? I'm no expert at all but from what I can gather it seems like Intuos3 is the best option for me, mainly because of the ink pen. Would 9 x 12 be the ideal size for what I want to do or the 6 x 8 will do just as good? It will be quite pricey and I have a very limited budget to re-tool my drawing board, so I have to think hard. Is included software bundle enough or I still have to get more? Is Intuos 3 Special Edition a better buy? What are your thoughts on buying used tablets? I read somewhere it can be risky. I would greatly appreciate if you can offer me some advice.

Many, many thanks,

Koni

Hi, thanks for the review. I have a question that is not quite related to this review. Could you please answer it? It would save me alot of research time. I want to learn digital art and want to buy a tablet pc and a professional level painting/drawing tablet program. I am very particular (I use a .005 size ink pen to sometimes).

I am assuming it is better for control to use a tablet pc than it is to use a digitizer tablet? Also, do you have suggestions on software I should check out?

Thank you so much!

I found these reviews while searching for an Intuos 2 or 3. As many others here, I was having a hard time making up my mind on the size of table. Very helpful review. I have Photoshop CS, and since I need to learn how to use it, stumbled upon a cool site called lynda.com. The videos on that site, for learning Photoshop CS, are authored by a gal named Tanya...and she uses a Intuos 2 tablet for some of the lessons. She showed comparisons between trying to draw something with her mouse, and then her tablet. What a difference! This has made me want (or think I need) a tablet. After reading all the reviews, and questions and comments, I just had to mention Lynda.com because I've been so pleased with their approach to teaching. FYI...

Hope that helps someone who wants to learn Photoshop, or Illustrator, etc.

Hi everyone

I just cant make up my mind, I am a mural artisit and want a tablet to help with sketching. I will be using my laptop so need something portable. so which do i choose price is not the problem I just want something that does what i need.

The more i read the more confused i get. help

Hi everyone

I just cant make up my mind, I am a mural artisit and want a tablet to help with sketching. I will be using my laptop so need something portable. so which do i choose price is not the problem I just want something that does what i need.

The more i read the more confused i get. help