Printable View
What's your preference when it comes to interacting with programs such as Xara Xtreme? Do you rely on the trusty old mouse, or do you prefer a pen and 'virtual paper' and use a graphics tablet for your work?
Do you perhaps use a mix of both?
Do you have any horror stories relating to your choices?
Discuss your experiences and preferences.
Anyone can post in this thread and vote in the poll, even if you're not registered. But registering is recommended.
I have a Trust Graphics tablet and while it is very good for drawing with I am not
skilled enough to use it I prefer the mouse.
I'd not be without it.
I find I work faster and more accurately with a pen & tablet.
Used with the freehand tool is when it really comes into its own.
To be recomended for anyone suffering RSI from constant mouse use as well.
Tablet for freehand drawing - sketches or wavy lines in a drawing. I use the mouse for editing lines - adjusting the control points, easier for clicking.
-Bob.
I normally just use the mousepad of my laptop.
Using a tablet or a mouse gives me a cramp after a short while.
So only when I have to I will get the tablet out.
Invaluable in photo editing and any situation that needs fine control.
The mouse feels like a brick after using the tablet and stylus.
I use a Wacom Intuos 3 and it is a great piece of kit.
Hmmm, I can`t choose simple because my prefered tool isn`tQuote:
Originally Posted by AntonyF
in the poll, a (thumb)trackerball.
But I use both, my dynalink freedraw tablet and my cordless
logitech trackerball.
I never liked using a mouse, a trackerball is way easier.
I'm a natural southpaw, so I find that I have the pen in my left hand and the mouse in my right. I suppose that I first picked up a mouse, 25+ years ago and never looked back, but when I started using a tablet, the pen could only be used with the left. All detail work is definitely done with the pen.
It (two-handedness) does have some workflow advantages, I've found.
For regular work I mouse, but if I draw hair or fluid lines on clothing, etc., then I use a tablet. Defining attributes and using menus, I mouse.
I use a mouse, but I wouldn't mind having a tablet too just for fun :p
I am still using a mouse.
I purchased a NISIS tablet from Morgan a couple of weeks ago but have been unable to get it working so, for now, I am stuck with the mouse. :(
DocBambs
I have a Trust A4 tablet but only use it infrequently. Mainly I am happy using the mouse when making vector graphic pics.
I have a Genius MousePen 8x6 Pen Tablet. Its realy good for doing outline shapes for fancy crops etc. However, the Boffin Boys & Girls at Xara - bless them for all the wonders they have done - have not found a way to get the driver to work with pressure sensitivity :-( When they do I'm sure I will use my tablet even more. BTW does anyone else have this tablet and have you managed to get the presure sensitivity to work? I'm using Xara Pro.
Just picked up a Wacom Graphire 4 4X6 been playing around with it . Pretty cool :cool: , looks like it will come in handy for different tasks. Was thinking uf getting a larger size but space on desk became a issue. Now that I got the 4x5 I think the size is just fine:) .
Quote:
Originally Posted by terrykb
Have you seen this?
Recently got a larger tablet, primarily because I wasn't using my small Wacom tablet because the space was so limited.
I got an Aiptek because the active area is about 6 x 8 inches but the actual footprint is larger: more like 13 x 13 inches. So I've moved my keyboard from my pullout and have the table in the drawer as I find it more comfortable to work on. The pen takes a single battery: AAA and also for the mouse. The mouse works on the tablet but not anywhere else like all tablet mice, but as the tablet is the size of a mouse pad and every area of the screen is mapped to the tablet, more useable than the Wacom combination. Never used that mouse at all.
It has 512 levels of sensitivity and it works on all the non-italic brushes for pressure sensitivity. Wow. Lot of fun. It has F key pads from F1 to F16 across the top which you can assign to launch programs or whatever you desire, or even copy and paste or use them as I prefer which is as F keys.
Xara Xtreme has a utility which allows you to create your own keyboard shortcuts if you don't like theirs, so you could remap your tools to the tablet if you would like. Ah but then I'd have to remember all those. May just do a couple a day so as not to get confusing. Or leave well enough alone. Selecting tools on the Xara interface is so natural a thing to do as I am used to it. If it ain't broke why fix it?
The tablet has great pressure sensitivity in most of what I've tried except for Corel PhotoPaint, it works, but no pressure sensitivity and Photoshop CS. Now one may think this is the fault of the tablet, I think there are some ways that certain programs avoid using standard settings for their own and those being aimed at Wacom in both cases. Both Adobe and Corel have good support in Adobe Photoshop Elements and for Corel PaintShopPro as well as the newly acquired Ulead PhotoImpact. So it isn't that they don't know how to make it compatible.
For searching for a better driver found a download from vtablet.com which may prove useful to many which is an interface which works with many tablets as a substitute driver for the one from the manufacturers. But Aiptek wasn't listed when I did the download and as I've stayed home with a migraine headache, wasn't up to my usual inquisitive self to see if any others might work.
For those who haven't found a driver to work with their tablet, it might be worthwhile checking it out. Many are listed, just not mine. BTW, have to download it to get the names of which ones it supports. The sad news is that if the download works the shareware is temporary. And so if you want to keep it, be expecting to pay $60.00 American or $40.00 to upgrade if you already own it. So there mostly goes the savings if you were avoiding biting that expensive bullet called "Wacom".
To get a Wacom the size of this one would have cost be three times the price. It works very well in Xara so I am happy. As far as Photoshop, I am good with mousing too, the tablet works just not with pressure sensitivity. However I often use PhotoImpact instead as I like the results I get and it works with that one.
BTW, you may need the Camtasia Player to be able to watch the .avi file Raymond posted as the video will not play in other players mostly. You can download that here:
http://www.techsmith.com/download/ac...ult.asp#player
Hi,
Thanks for the info about the avi movie file but that was one of the first things I watched when i first got my tablet. It made me even more frustrated to know what I was missing!!
I haven't had a chance to check out Sally's driver sourse but it sounds a bit of a pricey option :-(
Maybe I will explore getting a Aiptec tablet in my region (Malaysia)
Thanks to all who contribute to give even more value to Xara's wonderful product. I bought it when it was first launched in the UK and have never had a graphical dull moment since :-) Now with Xtreme Pro I feel I really have true graphic power at my fingertips - would be nice to have pressure power at my pen tip too!
I use my Wacom Intuos for everything and have for about 10 years. I can't imagine using a clumsy mouse. I agree with the statement that it feels like drawing with a block of wood.
The driver which is supplied by Aiptek works great in Xara, no complaints at all. I like to use to reverse the order of right and left click so it is more mouse-like and the software lets me configure it like that. It maps your entire monitor to the tablet so you can reach everywhere easily. And it looks sleek.
Since I play rather exclusively in Xara which is what I bought it to use it with, I am happy. Also happy with the fact that it didn't cost me nearly so much. Pressure sensitivity in Xara is great, laughed out loud when I used it in delight. I was truly blown away.
512 levels of sensitivity may be enough for the vector program.
You, like me, are a Left-Hander in a Right-Handed World... BUT, I am sure that you know the old saw: We are the Ones in Our Right-Minds ;-^) ;) :DQuote:
Originally Posted by SCync
I use a Wacom Intuos 3 6x8. I could have bought a cheaper brand for general navigation, but I bought it mainly for figure and portrait drawing/painting and anything other than a Wacom was out of the question for me for this purpose. The 4x6 was too small for my techniques, the 6x8 fits me perfectly.
Half my line-work is done on paper with pen and ink, but when I need to use a tablet I agree that 8x6 inches is a good size - mine is a wacom graphire - I find anything smaller is too constraining on the arm movement although maybe thats just the pen&ink traditionalist in me . As for drawing with a mouse, if its a wireless mouse and responsive and you've the desk space, you can get some fine background effects on sky and the like, but draw lineart with it...? prefer not.
Mice have always been my choice in graphic art. With wireless mice, you can set them in their own little recharger when finished. I suppose if you like a lot of arm motion if you learned to draw that way it is appropriate to use a tablet.
Personally, a mouse is second nature to me now and drawing with a tablet on a screen would seem alien.
You're incorrect. Tablet users don't buy a tablet just to have "a lot of arm motion" like you call it, they buy a tablet because in most cases they want more control.Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
Not only does a tablet allow you to draw more accurately, it also allows you several levels of pen pressure and in the case of the Intuos it also allows you to make use of tilt.
I can understand that none of this might not be important to you (everybody is different), however for traditional artists who switch to digital art things like increased accuracy, tilt and pressure sensitivity really do make a huge difference.
The other thing that shouldn’t be ignored is the fact that using a mouse for art increases the risk of developing RSI, a risk that’s much lower when you use a tablet instead. Now this might not important to a lot of people, but I know a lot of graphic designers who do this work 40-60 hours a week developed RSI (or the symptoms) over time.
You say “seem”, which tells me that you never really tried. For everyone using a mouse on a regular basis becomes second nature, you’re no exception. As for the tablet feeling alien; people feel the same when they use a mouse for the very first time in their life. For me personally the tablet feels less alien over time than the mouse and I don’t even use it every week.Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
RSI = Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueFlare
The tablet discussion has come up a few times. As I mentioned before in the forum, I got one because I was in pain... Even clicking a mouse button hurt (not kidding). Real-life work by the computer for hours on end, and then firing up Xara X when I got home, to relax - it was really bad for a while.
The tablet saved my hand, I have no doubt. You also don't need to "draw" with a tablet if you don't want to - simply use it the same way, as you would use a mouse.
Don't have pain issues any more (very happy about that)... But I still use them 50/50 time-wise. But a tablet always 100% of the time when creating something that looks better without "perfect..." lines.
For super quick drawing as per my: http://www.ristoklint.com/picture-ga...gallery-1D.htm it's so much fun, and quick with a tablet. Granted, it's not "great art" but it would be time consuming with a mouse (considering the simple end result).
I'm sure this can be done with a mouse, but with a tablet, it took mere minutes:
wow next time I will pay attention this is not an opinion poll. Didn't know I was going to get chastise for what little I said.
There are times all of us just open our mouths to change feet. It is well-worth knowing that there are other means of doing artwork than a mouse. It may not bother you for while, but if you hand start hurting, it is much easier to learn to use a tablet than to undergo surgery then have to get one anyway.
I use both, it depends upon the task, I find setting the color change points on a gradient fill easier with a mouse, and right clicking and dragging I can copy with a mouse but with a tablet, right click clone, then drag, not much difference when you are use to it.
All of us do in time get older. Mouse today, use a tablet when you need to. Just do it soon enough for your health.
No, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is just one of the many kinds of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).Quote:
Originally Posted by Risto Klint
No one at TG has ever been chastised for what they draw, or what they use to make their imagery... Whatever makes you happy... :confused: This poll is not to determine the "right or wrong" of anything. It's simply a question asked to get a snapshot of how people work. And for us to share and discuss things.Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
Me personally, I pitched in because I thought that "BlueFlare" mentioned something (RSI) that I could relate to. And my reply was put out to perhaps help someone to find an option for the same, or something similar as what I have gone through.
Having pain from clicking a mouse button might sound completely stupid, I'm sure... I do hope that you never get there, but rest assured, it wasn't silly or stupid at the time - it was excruciating! And no, I'm not a whiner - I have torn my knee apart and broken bones... Clicking a mouse can, as silly as it may sound, hurt like crazy.
Risto
I have a Wacom Intuous 3 and a wireless logitech mouse and I use both. It's a matter of preference for myself and what I feel like using at the time. For others like Risto it's a necessity to have an alternative to a mouse. I have several friends in the same situation as Risto. One friend in particular can't even pick up her daughter because the pain is so intense!
When I'm doing layout or web work, I'm using my mouse and keyboard, when I'm illustrating or photo retouching, I like to use my tablet.
I do believe though that the TG user which shall now be called Unregistered was chastised, but not for what they draw. I think BlueFlare response was a chastisement, to put it nicely, for what the person now called Unregistered expressed . . . an opinion. :( That's the way I see it.
I say use what works for you, but that's just my opinion. :D
Yep whatever works 4u.
I draw with a 'real' pen [gillot] and scan, I draw with a tablet, I draw with a mouse, it all depends what I want to achieve.
Its true you don't need to to draw from the shoulder with a tablet - I just do [when its appropriate] cos I've been drawing that way with pencil and wet ink for so long - again it depends what you want to achieve.
Glad your wrist problems have sorted themselves out Risto
Not the same thing I know, but drawing on a flat table surface is a pain in the back, yet still I do it day in and day out... sigh... it must be love....
Steve
I grew up in one of the most liberal countries in the world and we call it freedom of speech, we're actually allowed to disagree. Sorry to hear that you see it as chastise. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
It's not really what I would call an indispensable tool. I've used a half-broken mouse, and my artworks still looks fine. Though, I had to use improvised techniques to cope with it.
Thing is, I've used a tablet once (probably around 7 years ago...) and it wasn't something fancy, so I use a mouse instead. Truth be told, it might be the wrong gadget at the time, I might set out to buy one eventually. The reason is simple: I can produce a 'certain' style with a mouse, but if I would like to create something grandiose, the accuracy of a mouse wouldn't just cut it and chances are I'll have to blow up the screen 800% and still get no where.
Any good suggestion of a tablet? (Besides the 'direct-screen' one?)
I've just noticed that there are another unregistered user...Post #33 and this are not from the same unregistered user. Just for the sake of distinguishing, call me Brainsurge.
I say use whatever ya likes... it ain't the device used which creates the art... and while sure there is some merit for each device mentioned within this thread, that doesn't say it's the only way...
apps are pretty much same same... I mean I can see the merits of each app, and thus have prefs for each type of task required, but that's not to say that the same model/scene couldn't be built with any of the more redundant like apps ;) :D
The fact that something gets done or not, is way more important imho... :)
This said, sooner or later some things just become obvious .... ;) :D
Nice Joker Risto :)
Just thought I'd let anyone who's looking for Nisis drivers know:
You can get drivers for the old Nisis Graphics tablets from Aiptek - I've just installed their latest driver for the 12 x 9 inch tablet and it's working perfectly with my Nisis A4 tablet. Aiptek seem to have taken over the Nisis tablet range - although Trust seem to have similar models as well - they are all generic tablets I think - with the same drivers!
Cheers, Duncan
www.insightillustration.co.uk
Having not got enough spare cash to justify buying a tablet, I use the trusty mouse. However if money wasn't a factor I'd get a tablet in a heartbeat
On a slightly related topic, I have a KURTA ISONE digitiser (that was originally used with AutoCad R10) is there any way that it can be used with todays computers (OK yesterdays computers ........)