Wacom tablet - what's the ideal size?

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MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#97660 19-Feb-2012 13:25

Hi,

I work on a 27-inch iMac and need to get a wacom tablet to go with it. Is it absolutely necessary to get the larger, more expensive 8" x 13" tablet to go with my big screen, or could I use a smaller 6" x 8"? Is there any reason a smaller tablet wouldn't work so well with a large screen?

At home I use a 6" x 8" tablet, but that's with a 13" Macbook, so it's practically the same size as the screen. It's important to me that I don't have to stretch my arm too much or have to make lots of big movements when I'm working, so that's my main consideration.

Would love to hear your suggestions,

cheers

macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#583425 19-Feb-2012 14:09

Really up to you, the bigger Wacom tablets are the more premium and have more buttons and more sensitive pen space. Larger is good as you get closer to 1:1 control of the display, but you also have to move your arms further which could be tiring.

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#583429 19-Feb-2012 14:25

Bigger is always better. Also you can make the area yuou are working on the tablet smaller if you need to through the software, which effectively makes the tablet smaller. I've got one of the widescreen ones, as I have dual monitors.

MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#583783 20-Feb-2012 11:31

Thanks for that, yes I agree that bigger is often better :) Just to make sure I'm not spending more than necessary though, has anyone tried a 6x8 with a very large computer screen and had any problems? In other words, I'm sure that bigger is better, but is smaller going to be ok too? I'm happy to spend the extra money if it's going to save a whole world of hassle, however if I can get just as much joy out of using a smaller 6x8 I'd rather that.

Thanks for all your help :)

k1w33d

138 posts

Master Geek

#583822 20-Feb-2012 12:18

Hi, I have never used a tablet so I can't offer any insights but could you not try your 6 X 8 tablet you use at home on your work computer or are they licensed to a single computer? Only saying because I want to get myself a tablet at some stage but would probably want to use it on my laptop and desktop.

MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#583851 20-Feb-2012 12:59

Yes, that's a good solution, however in order to get my driver software installed at work (to calibrate the screen to the tablet) I have to jump through 32 hoops of fire in the IT department :)

However, I have just heard from PB Technology in Auckland that the smaller size would work just as well as you match it to the dimensions of your screen. So it's just a question of how much I want to spend.

DravidDavid

1907 posts

Uber Geek

#584833 21-Feb-2012 21:39

I bought my large Intuos 4 two years ago.

...I wouldn't trade it for the world.

mattwnz

20141 posts

Uber Geek

#584876 21-Feb-2012 22:44

MacGraphics: Thanks for that, yes I agree that bigger is often better :) Just to make sure I'm not spending more than necessary though, has anyone tried a 6x8 with a very large computer screen and had any problems? In other words, I'm sure that bigger is better, but is smaller going to be ok too? I'm happy to spend the extra money if it's going to save a whole world of hassle, however if I can get just as much joy out of using a smaller 6x8 I'd rather that.

Thanks for all your help :)?

Are you just using it on a single screen, or on dual screens? I think trying one out somehow could answer your question. Perhaps find a store with them in stock to test. I mean these things are very expensive, so you want to make sure that they are selling you the right one. I have a int 3, and find it good, but I could have done with a bigger one now that I have got it, because I am now using dual screens. Luckily I got one of the wide ones.

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MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#585015 22-Feb-2012 10:22

Just a single screen. But yes that is a good idea to try one in-store. Thanks :)