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Digital Drawing Pen

TOOL460002

TOOL460002

Nov 4, 2004
3,680
9,235
Santa Cruz
#1
Hello! I've been using the same Wacom pad for at least 20yrs, but it's time to move on. All the threads I found were like 7yrs old so I figure I should ask again.

Wacom has been good to me but I see lots of brands on Amazon. I dont need a draw on screen type tablet. Just the pad type. I know size depends on individual comfort and preference.

My question is should I go Wacom again or is there someone newer and better? It's for photoshop obviously. If it's good the budget doesnt matter.

Thanks for any help or insight you can provide.
 
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#4
MJ5150 said:
I'm not clear on what you're looking to buy. Would you clarify please? Perhaps more details on what you have now?

-Mike
Click to expand...

Something like this would be on the upper end of my budget range, although I dont need that much:

https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Digita...ords=wacom&dpPl=1&dpID=41SmoYkLAdL&ref=plSrch

They have smaller ones and other companies make similar stuff. Basically a pen that has lots of pressure ranges to replace a mouse by drawing on a pad.

The super expensive ones are basically fancy screens you draw directly on. I just need a pad and pen style. I'm used to splitting hand and eyes so no need to waste 500 bucks.

Just curious if any new companies are good. Every time I've checked Wacom had all the good stuff. Now I want one but there are way more options and companies I dont know and cant vouch for ya know?
 
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#5
Ah, gotcha. Thanks for the additional info.
The reason the thread caught my eye was I went shopping for a new Surface pen recently and looked for a Wacom device since I know the name and the good reputation.
As far as pens go, I found several good alternatives to Wacom, but the Bamboo model they make was the best in many others opinions.
In the end, my comments are useless for what you're looking for. I'm sorry for the derail.

-Mike
 
#8
Yes, some do track better.
I haven't used a pad like we're talking about here, but my Surface with the Surface pen has an amazing response and tracking feel.
I use it for writing notes. It feels like I am writing with a traditional pen/pencil/marker on paper.
For fun now and then, I draw with it. Super cool response there as well.

-Mike
 
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#9
When I worked in IT in the game software development business, Wacom was a tool of choice for digital art production. In a development environment, you can’t have digital artists wasting their time and talent trying to create content using 2nd-rate tools. I can’t recall a single Wacom hardware failure, ever.

Wacom.
 
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#11
Alkali Ike said:
When I worked in IT in the game software development business, Wacom was a tool of choice for digital art production. In a development environment, you can’t have digital artists wasting their time and talent trying to create content using 2nd-rate tools. I can’t recall a single Wacom hardware failure, ever.

Wacom.
Click to expand...

My 20yo Wacom didn't even fail! It just uses an old, obscure connection (com port). Also survived a fire. Glad they're still tanks.

Well. Looks like the consensus is Wacom. Good to know they are still a quality company. You never know.

Thank you all very much. Now to go model shopping!
 
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#13
I remember the concept when I first heard of it in the 90's. I had a graphics instructor who swore by the stylus pad and said that in the future, nobody would use mice anymore. I tried drawing with them, but it was on a pad, and as an artist, divorcing myself from the hand/eye relationship was somewhat difficult. I would be very interested to know what they like now, though.
 
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#14
PWRL said:
I remember the concept when I first heard of it in the 90's. I had a graphics instructor who swore by the stylus pad and said that in the future, nobody would use mice anymore. I tried drawing with them, but it was on a pad, and as an artist, divorcing myself from the hand/eye relationship was somewhat difficult. I would be very interested to know what they like now, though.
Click to expand...
The pad styles take some getting used to, for sure. But there's also a lot that you can draw directly on as well if the pad style ones are a bit much to overcome
 
#15
PWRL said:
I remember the concept when I first heard of it in the 90's. I had a graphics instructor who swore by the stylus pad and said that in the future, nobody would use mice anymore. I tried drawing with them, but it was on a pad, and as an artist, divorcing myself from the hand/eye relationship was somewhat difficult. I would be very interested to know what they like now, though.
Click to expand...

Well I've been using a wacom pad for over 20 years. It did take me probably a year or so to get used to it. Splitting your focus between drawing outside of your vision and seeing it on the screen is awkward for a while. I almost quit at first. It is frustrating at first.

When I got used to it I was amazed. You need one. Photoshop is not the same without one. I picked mine up and will be using it once my keyboard and mouse come.

Go Wacom. They aren't all expensive. You'll be pleased. Just remember it takes time just like anything else. Itll change how you use graphics.
 

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