What to Look For
- high pressure sensitivity levels (512, 1024, 204 cool
- larger active area aka working area
- system compatibility (drivers that work with your OS!)
Which One to Buy
Choosing a tablet depends on what you want to spend. You will get what you pay for.
Budget Under $100
This tablet runs about $50
active area: 8x6
pressure levels: 1024
operating systems: Windows 2003/XP/Me/2000/98 (drivers for most systems are available here)
.... I had an wacom Intuos2 as my first tablet. It was MUCH more expensive, for the same levels of pressure sensitivity (1024) & a smaller drawing space (4x5). This tablet has amazing bang for your buck.
That said, if you want the "cutting edge," wacom is the brand most use. Bamboo & Graphire tablets have LOW levels of pressure sensitivity and Bamboo is also small. I wouldn't waste my money on them. Off brands would be better if you're going cheap. Intuos4 is pretty steep and I'll only recommend it if you're serious. Cintiqs are the bees knees but will cost you an arm, a leg, and your virginity. I like my 21ux, but would have gotten the 12 if it was available at the time I purchased mine. HOWEVER, I'm glad I got the big one now that I have the desk arm. It was too hot & 20 lbs... so it was horrible drawing with it on your lap. The stand it comes with has s**t for adjustments & didn't go 90 degrees... so pretty much the egrotron fixed my 21ux complaints.
If you want to shop around for more end off brands, I recommend more drawing area over more pressure sensitivity. I feel like 1024 was enough with my old tablet.
