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Wacom Tablet

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Posted 09 October 2002 - 08:41 AM

I looking at getting a Wacom 6x8 graphics tablet UD0608A + iMate USB will this work on emac running 10.2
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Posted 10 October 2002 - 05:53 PM

I'm using my Wacom Graphire tablet. Works well! images/icons/smile.gif

Make sure you have the OS X drivers (if you're in OS X) loaded and just plug it in. If you are in OS X.2 then go to the System Prefs panel and look for the "Ink" control panel. Turn on Ink from there.

Now, any time you want to input data to the computer... anywhere you would normally type the info... you can write it instead and the computer will recognize your handwriting and insert the results where the cursor is.

It does take some time getting used to it but once you do, it's COOL! images/icons/cool.gif

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Posted 10 October 2002 - 06:15 PM

The only hitch is if that tablet you mentioned is not USB. If it's serial or ADB, you could have major problems finding a way for it to work in Mac OS X because Apple doesn't really support serial or ADB in Mac OS X.

If it's USB, then you're OK but you have to download the latest OS X driver from wacom.

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#4 User is offline   Craig_McD Icon

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Posted 10 October 2002 - 08:13 PM

I have been using a $99 Wacom Graphire USB tablet for several years and it is enough for nearly anything you will want. The cordless mouse is nice, the writing / painting tool is pressure sensitive.

It might be a touch small, but it also fits comfortably next to the keyboard or even in your lap. Years ago I had a much larger tablet and it was always in the way.

The INK feature sounds way cool.

CM

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Posted 11 October 2002 - 12:36 PM

I have always been content to use the smaller tablets for whatever brief graphics work I wanna mess with. The Graphire is a very nice one, to boot.

And Inkwell is a hoot. I haven't done more than tinker with it, but it really is a cool thing to have around.

I wish Apple would develop some more practical applications for it, though. Otherwise, it's just a passing distraction.

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Posted 11 October 2002 - 12:56 PM

Thanks,
I think i'll go with Graphire2. i was hopeing to get something big and cheap but... and Aiptek very Email me back abut update drivers so Wacom it is. images/icons/grin.gif
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Posted 13 October 2002 - 02:45 PM

do any one know when the newest wacom tablets were announced or when they will unveild new ones.
I am interested in buying one but i think they may be able to create a new cool one with an uptated style or colors
I really can wait until macworld in january
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Posted 14 October 2002 - 07:28 AM

Can anyone tell me how the Graphire compares with the Intuos? I do a lot of design but really dont use a tablet all that often. I had one of their large tablets and found myself only using a small corner of it anyway. I just want accuracy when I do use it.null
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Posted 14 October 2002 - 07:57 AM

Be aware that the current OS X drivers are beta versions and suck big time. I repeatedly had to restart because the driver would not work after waking up the computer. They seriously need to get their act together ASAP.
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Posted 14 October 2002 - 08:06 AM

It takes a certain amount of "unlearning" to reap the full benefits from a tablet. When you get your tablet, put the mouse AWAY for two weeks. Disconnect it and stick it in a drawer. More than likely, you'll have no desire to use a mouse ever again at the end of the two weeks. I've had a Wacom for the last seven years and while I used it in Photoshop or Painter, I could never tolerate it when doing general computing. That has changed. Finally, after years of hearing the advice to disconnect the mouse for a while, I now understand. The mouse sucks.

IMO, the Graphire is too small. The Intuos is a much better fit for me. Only you can answer which works best for you.

Cindy74 - To get complete accuracy when painting or drawing, make sure to use the tablet in "Pen" mode. If you paint in Mouse mode, strokes won't follow your hand because of mouse acceleration. For everything else, use MM.

Phil

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Posted 14 October 2002 - 08:14 AM

"Be aware that the current OS X drivers are beta versions and suck big time."

It's worse than that - they're ALPHA resleases! I've attributed several issues to these versions. And the last '"final" OSX release isn't fully featured in Jag. Right now, I'm trying the latest build for the third time and so far so good, but .... c'mon Wacom!

Phil

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Posted 15 October 2002 - 01:15 PM

The only problem I have with the pen is holding onto it while I type - it flies everywhere. The tablet comes with a nice holder, but that does not work for me because it is in the way when I slide the keyboard drawer under the desk.

For increased accuracy with a smaller tablet you can zoom in on your art work before doing critical edges and such. You can also vary the pressure and opacity using all the different settings in Photoshop.

The pressure sensitivity of the Graphire is plenty - you will never notice any more than 256 levels (and I think the Graphire is twice that.) The eraser works nicely too.

The pen is really nice in Illustrator when using the pen tool. Great control.

I wish they were better prepared for X.2, it seems like Wacom has had plenty of time to develope drivers. That is definately a consideration.

CM

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