Graphics Tablets.. what do I choose?

[SilverStrike]

Long story short, I'm looking to get into digital artsy stuff and I'd really like to get a graphics tablet. But there are so many, and some suck, and some don't. And some are stupidly small, and some aren't. I'm not looking to spend ridiculous money, this is a casual thing. But I want something a bit better than basic basic bogstandard cheapy cheap.

So, Escapist, I choose you! Halp.

 

[Legion]

I recently bought one, and I chose a Wacom (As it seems universally agreed they are the best) and more specifically the "Wacom Bamboo Fun Small Graphics Tablet".

The reason was rather simple. It's fairly basic, but has some decent features and a decent level of sensitivity. It is also very well priced considering it's only slightly more expensive than the ones below it, while having a fair few more features. It's also a reasonable size, It says "small", but it seems to be the standard sort of size for tablets that aren't doubled as screens.

As for how well it works? Well I am very much a beginner, so I can't really give a proper review like somebody with experience with multiple tablets can. My only issue is that the pen comes with a button that acts like a right click, and I really wish it didn't, as I keep accidentally pressing it due to how I hold a pen. I'd be much happier without the button and using the mouse when I need it.

You say you want one for casual use and don't want to spend too much. This is a pretty good choice considering it's fairly standard, a reasonable price and is made by what is considered the best company for them.

I also haven't used mine anywhere near as much as I promised myself I would when I bought it... *sighs*

 

[Frezzato]

Wacom is the leader with tablets from their smallest ones to the larger stylus-sensitive monitors. I remember seeing a photo of Tasha Harris' [http://www.tashasquestlog.com/] office when she was at Pixar (I think it was after she left Double Fine, not before) and I was so jealous. She had a huge Wacom Cintiq box just sitting there, waiting for her office to get set up. Also, a friend of mine inherited a larger Wacom tablet and it's served her well for just about six years now believe it or not. The cord is getting a bit frayed, but that's all.

Incidentally, I didn't realize how the name was pronounced until recently (I always assumed it was pronounced 'way-com'). I heard in a commercial that it was pronounced 'wok-um'. It was actually disappointed.

 

[aba1]

I have 2 tablets myself and I have been using tablets for a long time. My newest tablet is really large and fairly new it is a intuos 4 24x36

I enjoy it and I love that you can change out the head and such. My first tablet was a graphire 6x8 and I use it for one the fly at this point but the thing is 6 years or more old and still works great which amazes me cause of how beat up it is at this point but over all I have had good luck with Wacom's though I don't see much point in small ones cause you can't get the precision you want.