I am considering getting a Wacom tablet. At my local PC World, they have the Bamboo, Bamboo One, and Bamboo Play. Your opinions on any, or indeed suggestions of alternatives.

Bearing in mind I tend to use PSP7 or Adobe Photoshop 6, and I haven't tried this before.... :)

I use an Intuos3 6x8 and I LOVE it. The pen really does increase my control when drawing or related, and the pressure sensitive tip allows you to create more realistic brush strokes. I don't know much about the Bamboo versions, but I wouldn't suggest getting one without the wireless mouse - you will need to switch back and forth frequently.

Final point - unless you're using it for tracing work, don't get one over 6x8 - I used to have a 9x12 and had to switch because I was developing carpal tunnel from the repetitive wide range of motion. Since switching it's mostly cleared up. 8•)

(I think I started using the tablet when I was on PS7, but don't quote me on it)

I use the 9x12 Cat referred to but on a dual monitor set up so I tweaked the tablet mapping settings to overcome the wide range problems she refers to. for fine art work/airbrushing etc, you wont find a smoother more intuitive input device around. they take a few days to acclimatise to (learning not to keep lifting the mouse or pen like you would conventionally etc) but once you get into the swing of it you wont be able to imagine how you managed without it. the nearest thing that comes anywhere close to a tablet in the mouse world is the Logitech MX Revolution mouse which is also very good if you don't like using pens or airbrushes.

WACOM . Bamboo, Intuos and CintiQ!!

Like animaniactoo said save your money and get 6x8 or smaller.I have a large one and dont use the whole area.If it was me I would get the 4X6 Intuos3 before I would get a bamboo or bamboo fun,youll be alot happier with the Intuos3 in the long run.

Andrew - A Waycom Intuos 4X5 has lowered by cholesterol and reduced gas accumulation while editing my graphic creations. Everyone in my household is happy, and I am happy. On my first attempt to use this tool, I discovered I had control over my environment, and in a few days I wondered how I ever got work done without it. Everything said about the device is true, and I feel it is money well spent. Unless you are a body builder or have really large arms, you will not need to believe that bigger is better. I find that my 4X5 is extreamly comfortable, and there is room on the desk not only for my graphics pad, but also necessary stuff. . .like snacks and sodas.

I've been looking for one of these too.. but a lot are not compatible with Vista which unfortunately I have..

Is there a difference between Bamboo and Waycom?

Bamboo is a Wacom product. its the entry level line below the Intuos & Cintiq series products. All the wacom devices have Vista drivers as well as XP, 2000 and Mac OSX compatibility.

Thanks

so...realistically I am looking at one from the Intuos line. Many thanks all.

correct me if I'm wrong .. doesn't Etch-a-Sketch do the same thing?

;)

not as such, no :-)

the Bamboo Medium tablet is about £120 - the equivalent Intuos is £70 more. You'll have to do a spec comparison and see if it's worth the difference to you :-)

http://www.gvetchedintime.com/#
the above listed site confirms Keifers statement.

wow.. thats amazing etch-a-sketching.. makes my animals and houses look a bit pathetic.. lol

I've got an Wacom Intuos one, and it's wonderful. I've been told by numerous artists that the Wacom are the best, the cheaper ones break down fast.