Graphics Tablets

Why Graphics Tablets Are Such Handy Tools

Are you tired of trying to draw freehand with your graphic program's awkward "draw freehand" tool and your computer mouse or trackball? Do you do, or would you like to do, digital scrapbooking with handwritten journaling?

Would you like to be able to trace a logo or line drawing rather than scan it? Would you like to jot quick notes by hand and save the notes in your computer for future reference?

Is using a computer mouse uncomfortable for you because of the small repetitive movements required?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may want to add a graphics tablet to your computer set-up.

What is a Graphics Tablet and How Does It Work?

A graphics tablet is a computer peripheral tool. Using the stylus or pen which comes with the tablet, you point and select, write, draw or trace on it and whatever you do appears on the screen. Graphics tablets can be used for photo editing and digital art, as well as to replace your computer mouse if you so desire.

A graphics tablet makes it easier to perform precise enhancements to images, for example when using the brush tools or cloning parts of an image. Anything you can do with a pen or pencil or a computer mouse, you can now do directly (well actually, indirectly) onto your computer screen and save with the file you are working on. The tablet is pressure sensitive and converts your strokes into digital images.

How To Choose the Right Graphics Tablet

Let's get the technical stuff out of the way first.

All newer computers support USB interface. The interface is the way a device interfaces, or connects, to the computer. If you have an older model computer which does not support USB, make sure you have a serial port available to plug into and also an electrical outlet that will accommodate a medium size transformer.

If your computer supports USB, all you need to do is plug the tablet's cable into the computer tower and start drawing. That also means it's quick and easy to disconnect the tablet, either to get it off the desktop or to use it with another computer.

Since most graphics tablets provide a smaller drawing surface than the screen of your computer monitor, a stroke made on the smaller tablet is translated to a longer stroke onscreen. If the resolution of the graphics tablet is not high enough, a curved line drawn on the tablet would convert to something that looked like a connect-the-dots puzzle.

Unfortunately the manufacturers use different measures in their resolution specs (dpi or lpi) and you cannot directly compare all models. Just select as high a resolution as you can afford.

The only other technical decision you need to make is the amount of pressure sensitivity you want. The higher the pressure-sensitivity, the more natural your tablet will feel and the more control you will have when drawing. This is a cost-benefit trade off for most people since higher pressure-sensitivity comes at a higher price. Get the highest pressure sensitivity you can afford. The current max is 1,024 levels of sensitivity.

Most graphics tablets are available for Macintosh and Windows, so your operating system should not limit your choices much. Just be sure you specify the correct one when you order!

Now to the fun choices ..,

Most home users choose a 4 by 5 or 6 by 8-inch tablet. The space available on your desktop is one factor to consider. Be aware that the dimensions given refer to the writing surface. The actual footprint may be up to 5 inches larger.

You might think, the larger the writing surface the better, but that's not necessarily so. A larger tablet surface means you will have to draw in larger sweeping strokes unless the tablet's software allows you to change the active working area at will.

As with pressure sensitivity, the price increases with size.

Next you get to choose your pen or stylus. You want one that will feel comfortable in your hand. Some require batteries, which makes them more unwieldy. Some pens have built-in programmable buttons (e.g. for right click or delete) and even an erasing head.

Some styluses plug into the tablet.

If you're a leftie, make sure the stylus can be plugged into the left side. Also consider that if the stylus is un-tethered, it may easily go astray.

Then there are accessories to choose from. Some graphics tablet models offer a transparent overlay for tracing. If yours doesn't, you can use any transparent sheet of plastic such as an overhead projector transparency or a plastic sleeve for three-ring binder pages.

Any overlay sheet will need to be replaced occasionally. Some models offer a cordless mouse that works on the tablet surface just as the stylus does. That would allow you to eliminate a mouse pad and save a little desk space.

Finally, most come bundled with some graphics software like Photoshop Elements or Painter Essentials - a nice bonus if you don't already have a whole suite of graphics programs or would like to try something new. The interfaces are so user-friendly today, that there's hardly any learning curve.

Graphics Tablets to Consider

Wacom. probably the top tablet manufacturer, has come out with the Bamboo line - aimed at the consumer market. I purchased the regular Bamboo, although there is a "Bamboo Craft" tablet. The only difference that I could see is that the craft version has a project DVD included.

It is a very versatile tool, which works fine. It comes pre-bundled with some uselful programs, such as Photoshop Elements.

That being said, when I first wrote this article, I reviewed several different lines of graphics tablets. As with everything having to do with computers, those tablets have been updated and model numbers have changed.

It is really beyond the scope of this site to try to keep up with the constant march of progress in the computer field. There are many sites that are dedicated to computers and can do a much better job.

Instead here is a link to over 500 of the best graphics tablets on the market right now.

For more articles on computers and crafting, please visit Computer Crafting.