[jonathanjong]

Will the Bamboo or Bamboo Fun do for simple drawing and image editing? Nothing commercial or anything.

 

[Edwood]

I'd recommend getting a used Intuos 3 or even the older Intuos 2 from eBay rather than a brand new Bamboo.

Bigger, the better, or course, limited by your budget.

-Ed

 

[jonathanjong]

Hmm, the Intuos 3 is NZD450 and the the Bamboo is NZD150 amd the Fun is NZD199. So....the Intuos 3 is a pretty big step up? What are the relevant differences? I can get the Fun at 6X9 (bigger than the 3).

 

[Edwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathanjong /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hmm, the Intuos 3 is NZD450 and the the Bamboo is NZD150 amd the Fun is NZD199. So....the Intuos 3 is a pretty big step up? What are the relevant differences? I can get the Fun at 6X9 (bigger than the 3).

More levels of pressure sensitivity and higher resolution digitizer. It will be more precise and responsive. I personally like more solid feel of the Intuos tablet as well. I haven't played with the Bamboo series much, but if it's anything like the Grapphire series, the tablet was not nearly as soild as the build quality of the Intuos.

It's a personal preference thing, it's really best to try it yourself. I think some Apple stores might have some on display that you could play with.

Otherwise, it's difficult to find anywhere where you can try before you buy.

-Ed

 

[Fumoffuru]

Try asking universities if they have surplus or older models. I purchased both my Wacoms (older models) from a digital arts professor for about $20 each.

Buy the Intuos if you need the extra precision and sensitivity, but the Bamboo is much cheaper and isn't lacking in performance in any way. If it's for non-commercial use, I definitely would suggest the Bamboo.

 

[Braver]

I don't believe they make Graphires anymore, but I've got one and use it a lot for drawing, photo editing etc. Intuos is only reasonable if you want to get ultra serious with drawing, I think the price premium is just too huge. Get a reasonable size compared with your monitor though. You don't want to be stuck with a tiny A6 Bamboo on a 20". The resolution of the tablet will be fine but it just gets very close to precision surgery to hit buttons and such. A5 is so much more comfortable.

 

[Akabeth]

I'm a recreational drawer (no commissions, etc) so here's my take:

If I were you, I'd jump for Intuos 3. I had the 9x12" model and I loved it for starters. Also imo it's a lot better if you have a dedicated space for the tablet (not on your lap) because they are rather sensitive to pen tilts and pressure imo.

Though now I'm using the Cintiq 20WSX. It's a lot easier to use and works great too :3