Wacom Comparison - Graphire3 vs Intuos

Hi,

I've read several topics here about whether someone should or shouldn’t add a tablet to their PS/ILL/Painter arsenal. I've made the decision to add a 4x5 Wacom tablet, but I’m wondering if I just got the right one.

My current decision is between the new original Intuos (PC serial connection) I got, or if I should possibly get a new Graphire3 with USB. I don’t know if I want to spend the money on a 6x8 because I don’t know how much I’ll use it yet. Price is the same for both and I’m not wild about the serial connection, but I can live with it or possibly get a converter (though this drives up the price). The intuos doesn't have a mouse, just a pen, but it does have more pressure levels and higher resolution (I think) which I thought might be more important.

If anyone can tell me why I should or should not get one over the other I’d appreciate it. The Wacom site doesn’t have much in the way of comparison information.

Thanks for whatever help you can provide.

Jim

Jim,
I tried the Wacom G3 (USB). The install was a snap and it worked just fine. I just didn't like the size as it was the same as my old serial Aiptek. I think Wacom offers larger refurbished tablets online as does Aiptek. You may want to check these if your looking for a larger tablet and on a budget.

Dave

I use a Graphire USB and am very happy with it. However, I was born without any painterly genes so my use is just for retouching and other ham-fisted pursuits. Actual artists seem to go toward the Intuos.

Gary

Thanks for the reply Dave.

I'm trying hard not to spend too much money right now ($ for a 6x8). The budget is tight and I just purchased Painter as well as PS/Ill CS upgrades :).

I'm really trying to figure out if the old Intuos I got (haven't opened it yet, but paid $70 shipped) is a better deal than the Graphire 3 with pen and mouse. The graphire3 is actually around $80 but it does come with a mouse.

Any opinions on comparing these 2 tablets, the 4x5 Graphire3 and the 4x5 PC serial Intuos?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

I personally think USB is a better choice than serial with today's systems and with the future in mind, straight off.

That said, there are 3 issues here: A. Do you really need another mouse - a USB tablet will not interfere with a serial or USB mouse already connected to a system, possibly giving the Graphire a benefit there? B. Though you've invested in your old Intuos you may be better off comparing models against the Intuos 2. C. The choice between Intuos 1 and Graphire in functionality may not make that much difference at the 4x5 size.

Usually there is a rule of thumb that says if it's not too much of a sacrifice, pay up now and make the better investment rather than having regrets later. You may be better off therefore focusing your debate at the 6x8+ level and looking at the added functionality of the Intuos 2. Funnily enough, that's what I just did not an hour ago before reading your thread and I was happy to see it ;-) It's a small world.

Adam.

Painter is heap cheap if you buy an Intuos 2.

<http://www.wacom.com/intuosprivileges/index.cfm>

Thanks to all for the information!

Jim