Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I'll start by saying that I am a programmer/web designer/graphic artist/student. I have been designing graphics and web applications for years... with a MOUSE. Frustrated with the innacuracy of a mouse (even optical ones have a tendancy to jump around), I finally decided to give the tablet a try when someone reccomended the Wacom products to me.
I will NEVER go back! Let me explain why:
1) Being a USB device I can install the drivers on any machine I use and just plug it in and use it when I need it (which allows me to use it on the machines at school). Also, being a USB device it does not interfere with use of a PS2 mouse, so I can go between the tablet pen and mouse and my usual mouse without issue.
2) Much more accurate when drawing, pointing, ... anything! I had thought about getting a larger tablet, or a less expensive one, but I feel that this is the perfect match. With over 5000 lpi, it's extremely accurate despite the size.
3) Tons of programmable buttons and settings. There are two different "mapping modes": mouse and pen. Pen makes every area on the tablet correspond to an area on the screen so that you use the whole tablet. Mouse is as we are used to using for standard mice. You can set the pen and mouse to different settings, and even different settings for different applications. There's also a whole bunch of other options to program the buttons, sensitivity, etc. I can't think of anything else they could've added. They also made the menus very intuitive and easy to understand. I was able to figure them out and set everything I needed without even resorting to the tutorials they included on the CD.
4) Decent software bundle. While I admit I haven't used it much (I have Photoshop CS and other software I prefer.), for the price of the tablet I think that the bundle is a VERY nice deal.
5) Perfect size! While a larger surface area obviously offers more lines resulting in greater accuracy, I don't feel it's necessary for graphics applications. I could see the use of a larger one for CAD applications, though this could still work if you set the settings properly.
This size makes the tablet very portable. It's total size (including inactive areas) is barely larger than the size of a standard mouse pad, so it'll fit into your workspace perfectly. If you still aren't sure how large of tablet you want, cosider how much space you are using right now.
While a standard mouse pad is certainly larger than 4"x5", odds are you aren't using the entire thing. Of course how much you use is mostly determined by your current mouse sensitivity and you can easily figure it out.
Put your cursor at the very top right corner of you screen. Now take note of where the mouse is located (mark it if you wish), and move the cursor to the very bottom left corner of your screen and notice the area displaced by the mouse. Take note of how large (or small, rather) of an area you really need!
Now take a standard 8 1/2" X 11" sheet of paper that's near your desk (you know you have a few...), and fold it into fourths. The active area of this tablet is roughly that size. Compare it to the area you are actually using with your current mouse.
Notice something?!
Unless you're using CAD programs or have any other legitimate reason that requires a larger pad, I'd certainly reccomend at least trying the 4"x5" size. Odds are you'll find it's just right and be glad you saved your money.
With the outstanding resolution of over 5000lpi you get with this tablet there's no longer any real reason to get anything bigger.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Wacom Intuos3 4x5 Pen Tablet, PTZ430
The Intuos3 tablet is perfect for photographers, designers, artists, illustrators, digital camera owners, high school and higher-education students. The patented, pressure-sensitive pen and hassle-free ambidextrous mouse (with no ball or optical parts) are both cordless and battery-free. The included, valuable software bundle (worth about $200) makes Intuos3 an exceptional value.
Click here for more information about Wacom Intuos3 4x5 Pen Tablet, PTZ430
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