Tablet Talk

For those who are wondering what I use to digitally draw, I am currently using the Wacom Bamboo Fun 6×8 (silver), purchased in December 2008.  I have model CTE-650, the one that originally came in the green box.  Here is an excellent comprehensive review of the model I use; Wacom is now selling a more modern version of the Bamboo Fun (orange box) on their website.

This is actually my second tablet; my first was a small blue Wacom with a drawing space of 4×6 inches (compared to the 6×8 I currently have).  It was the Wacom Graphire4, in blue, and I actually still have it and use it as my backup tablet.  It’s perfectly functional four years after I bought it, which is an indicator of its long-term quality. I highly recommend starting out with a smaller tablet; then after a year or two upgrading in size if you want.  Graphire4 tablets are long gone, but Wacom is offering a new small tablet called the Bamboo Craft which looks intriguing.

I recommend Wacom as a tablet manufacturer for interested casual fanartists because they are very affordable, and to be honest most fanart does not require the precision of the higher-priced Intuos models or similar brands.  Maybe in five years you might feel the need for more pressure levels or similar flashy stats, but when just beginning in the world of tablets that really isn’t necessary–it will be enough of a wow factor to be able to draw on your computer the way you would on a piece of paper!  If you’re less of a hobbyist and more of a serious art student, I would ask your professors what they would recommend, since I’m coming from a purely hobby perspective.

I also suggest waiting for the holiday season, if you can…I got my Bamboo fun for about 1/2 price ($110 when it normally retailed $199).  I think Best Buy carries the latest Bamboos in-store if you just can’t wait, though. ;)  And maybe you can’t – tablets are just so much FUN!