Drawing tablet help?

[Koschei]

✖ Hey c:
So, I'm thinking of getting a drawing tablet, but I don't really know anything about them.
Just that it's similar to drawing on paper, but digitally. And I'm a lot better at drawing offline than online, so it kind of appeals to me.

But I have a few questions.
- How do you use it?
Do you have to have a drawing program (like the oekaki) open, and have it hooked up to the computer to use it?
Or do you just use it as it is, drawing but changing the layers with your fingers?
- What are some of the best ones?
I've seen quite a few named 'wacom', but the prices have varied from £800 - £17 in that brand. Which is confusing.
- What is considered a good price?
Whilst the £17 ones are cheap, I'm not sure if they'd be very good, with the vast price range I've seen.

But yeah, any help would be greatly appreciated c:

[Koschei]

Bump~

[Jadefeathers]

I'm not any kind of expert on tablets, but the one I have is a Wacom Intuos Pro, medium size. It works well for me so far! It also comes with a simple version of adobe photoshop elements 11 for free, which is nice for drawing but not as great for painting.

[Jadefeathers]

Oh yeah, and for controls: All you have to do is have it plugged into the computer and it will respond, whether you have a drawing program open or not. You can use it sorta like a mouse for browsing the web, but it's a lot more precise and responsive. I think that Wacom tablets are moderately priced, but again I don't know a whole lot <:'D I certainly tink it was worth it, especially if you draw really often, and all the new possibilities that come with owning one.

[----]

- How do you use it?
User above me have already explained the controls but I also like to add that if you plan on buying a Wacom tablet it's recommended to update your drive through their website as well!

- What are some of the best ones?
Yeah Wacom has a nice variety of tablets you can choose (mine's a Wacom Pen Tablet) and the prices depends on the features it comes with, size, and other factors. But tbh it doesn't matter too much what type of tablet you decide to buy in the end. They all basically do the same thing except expensive tablets has useful functions and perhaps makes easier to use.

- What is considered a good price?
Well, I got mine on a Christmas sale years ago (I think it costed $10-$15?) and I've been using it since then. And honestly it's best if you buy a cheap one first to get the idea of using a tablet.

[Koschei]

✖ Okay, thank you both c:
I think I'll look into buying a cheap one first.

[Rythos]

I recently went from an old Wacom Bamboo Fun to a Turcom Tursion, and honestly it was the best thing I've ever done. My Wacom was nice, and lasted me YEARS, but the new one reads movements like drawing on paper. I got mine for super cheap secondhand (despite being unopened!), but a new one on Amazon only runs you about $50, which is really not bad for an HD tablet. Haven't had ANY issues with it, a very good art tablet.

Your best bet is just do a lot of research, read reviews, check it out. See what you like, and get it from a reputable place, so if there's any problems, you can return it. Other than that, looks like the others explained it well, so just have fun with it!! C:

[Fantelle]

Hi, and welcome to the world of tablets!
A tablet functions just like a mouse would, you plug it in and you can move the mouse around the screen with either your finger or a pen (depends if your tablet has touch). Mine came with Adobe Photoshop, which I use for drawing most of the time. I'll have my right hand on the keyboard for keyboard shortcuts (to the different tools and settings) while I draw with my right hand.

I have a Wacom Bamboo, which is perfect for a first tablet. It has a ton of options and customization, while not overwhelming the user with technology. It's a great tablet for a beginning to intermediate artist, but if you're planning on making a living off art then it's probably a bit too simple. I bought it in a real life store for about 200€, and I think it was a great price. With the Wacom tablets, the logic really is just "more expensive = better" (if you buy it from a real Wacom store of course).

Good luck and please do contact me if you have any more questions :)