#Best Digitizer for 3DS?
6 messages in this thread
>> Could someone please give me some advice on which digitizer to buy? I'm
looking at the 12×18 CalComp DrawingBoard III with a cordless stylus, but would
pay more if persuaded that a bigger or different tablet were worth it. I will
use it almost exclusively for 3DS, possibly with PhotoShop on occasion. What
features should I concern myself with? <<
I see you already have many replies, but I'll throw mine at you just for good
measure!
I truly believe that CalComp is a 'front' for Satan Himself !!!!
They are evil and should be exorcised immediately. I have had one for about 4
years (Drawing Board II) and it was a b*tch to set up and to this day I can't
even open up it's configuration program without it turning my system to toast!
I unwittingly told a friend to get a CalComp, and he had all the same problems
I have, I'm surprised he still talks to me! . . . and just today I was on the
phone yelling at them about their lack of support for WindowsNT.
I used to head up the art dept. for a video game company and ordered CalComp's
lastest tablet for one of my artists. Only to spend as much money on the phone
with their technical support as the cost of the tablet! YIKES!! We must have
shipped 3 tablets back and forth, and still it didn't work. We had to end up
using electrical tape to block off areas of the tablet that would crash our
systems! And this is their NEWEST lines! After that debacle, I then purchased a
polite little Wacom (with a cordless & batteryless) pen that almost installed
itsself. . . . you can almost see a HALO on it!
As soon as I can save some pennies, I'm throwing this evil spawn-of-Satan
laying next to me as I type, and get one of those Wacom ArtZ tablets and live a
life of peace, tranquility, and goodness! I wish you the best in your purchase.
Sean (was I too strong in this post?)
Sean,
This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Any opinion on how
the size of the board affects your work?
Steve
>> Any opinion on how the size of the board affects your work? <<
Steve,
When I first got this evil 12×12 CalComp, it was to work in Fractal Painter, so
I wanted something that had an active area at least as big as the 8.5×11" paper
I'm used to sketching on.
But many years later, and having a little experience using Wacom's ArtZ 6×8"
tablet, I think I could get by with the smaller one. None of the strokes or
lines I make in Fractal would ever exceed the 6×8" limit. The only time I might
need something larger is if I was tracing a large drawing into Fractal. But
since I have a scanner, I don't even need that!
Also, a batteryless pen is really nice. The local drug stores apparently don't
carry the type of battery I need for this CalComp anymore, so I'm up the
proverbial creek without a pen! Plus, they're much lighter weight.
Good luck in your search!
Sean
>> Sean (was I too strong in this post?)
In my personal opinion, not at all. In the pre-Windows days (when 12×12
digitizers cost over $1000,) the Calcomp boards were the absolute best.
Accurate, easy to configure, responsive, and excellent buttons. IMO, the
Drawingboard line is toylike in comparison. Awful drivers and odd-feeling
buttons.
Meanwhile, Summa has greatly improved their product. Their "pucks" used to
have very temperamental buttons, but I now swear by their product for CAD work.
I haven't had an opportunity to try their pressure sensitive line yet.
I agree that Wacom tablets are awesome for use with Painter and Photoshop. I
don't own one yet, so I can't report on their performance under AniStudio or
3DS.
– Dave
David et all,
PMJI I have a SummaSketch FX tablet with pressure stylus & Puck as well, the
stylus does work reasonably well, unfortunatly the "GENIUSES" at Summagraphics
decided to make the stylus triangular in X-Section this is ok for up to an hour
or so of continuous any more than that and you get sore fingers. At least its
eay to set up, also the batteries dont seem to last very long, but they also
supply a cable to attach it to the tablet which doesnt get in the way, so I
guess thats ok.
If I were looking for a new tablet, I would probably have a look at the Waccom
range as I have only heard nice things about them but If youre budget conscious
the Summa unit probably comes a close second.
Hope this helps everyone out there
David
Howdy…
"Calcomp — Satan?" Well, I don't know about all that.
Calcomp boards have seen a massive decrease in quality (in my opinion) since
the old days. But I can't say that Summagraphics have really gotten better.
As we become a disposable world, digitizers become cheaper and cheaper.
I like the pressure-sensitive WACOMs; real easy to use, but anytime I don't
have to use a digitizer, I don't. I still like the mouse because the buttons
are real easy to hit. And digitizers don't do do a thing in 3D Studio.
And don't even consider a Kurta…if you think your hands hurt now, put them on
the good old 1" by 2" Kurta pucks — OUCH!
Brad