I like to fool around with 2D and 3D graphics on my computer. I decided to buy a Wacom Intuos 6x8 serial tablet to allow me more creative flexibility.

I really believe in this product. If nothing else, Adobe itself (pretty much the standard in computer graphics) recommends it by name to use with PhotoShop and its other programs.

The tablet is easy to install. It walks you through everything, and if there is a problem (like a COM port turned off, etc. -- man I wish NT supported USB) their customer service is great, and only a remarkably small hold-time away.

Couple the tablet with PhotoShop and you are good to go. There is little to no learning curve, and having the button toolbar and the switch on the pen right there is really convenient. The switch on the pen is small enough that it doesn't get in your way, which is a nice change from other digitizing hardware I've used.

One of the best features, I think is the flexibility and adaptability shown by the supporting software. Being able to set a general preference for every feature of the system is great. Being then able to change these for specific applications, for specific pens, etc. is amazing, and the interface to do this is intuitive and easy to use. I also like that there is ONE preference file, so you can copy it and take it with you to use at someone else's tablet or if you get a new computer.

I would recommend leaving our normal mouse plugged in, however. I also got the mouse from Wacom, and use it mostly as a button box, or when maximal accuracy and stability are needed. But most people are used to having their mouse work without a border and I could not get the settings of the Wacom mouse to make me feel 100% comfortable. Also if something crashes and you have to Control-Alt-Delete to kill it, the driver is temporarily turned off and you'll have to navigate around with the keyboard, unless you have a normal mouse. Also, lack of a "normal" mouse makes it hard for others who are not familiar with the Wacom tablet to use your computer (or maybe this is a good thing... :)

Lastly, the company itself is great. I dropped a brick on my pen (don't ask) and broke the button on it. I called them asking if I needed a new pen, and they dropped 3 replacement buttons in FedEx to me immediately, free of charge.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 200