(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best computer input devices

Others have given advice, but I might as well chime in.

The Bamboo is a great little starter pad to play with. I wouldn't reccommend it as a real graphic design tool, but it really is a functional little pad that can get the job done and has some fun extra functionality with gestures and what not. The Bamboo is NOT specifically a graphics tablet though. It can function as one, but it is also touch sensitive and most graphics tablets are not reactive to anything but a pen or a conductive mouse created for the tablet surface. But it does have the same technology as an Intuos tablet, which is amazing tech, so it's very capable.

You can get a Wacom Graphire for around the same price as a bamboo, (I owned one of these for a couple year) and it is made for this kind of thing. It is a decent little tablet, and would be alright for a hobbyist or a beginner, but i'd skip it. But it isn't as advanced as the next type of tablet...

which is an Intuos3 and Intuos4. Here is where I would start. I would actually skip the intuos3 simply because the intuos4 is basically an industry standard now. It's tech is updated often and it is simply a fantastic tablet. The intuos 4 is what most people end up with. There are small, medium, and large versions. The size you get is a personal preferance. It also comes down to desk real estate. Not a lot of desks have a huge chuck of space for a large intuos. The medium is a great compromise of space vs. functionality. And actually, a lot of people prefer the slightly smaller ones to reduce having to move your arm/hand around as much reducing fatigue. Also the price is obviously better for a medium sized one than a large one. There is also the wireless version, which is awesome since you can simply stow it away somewhere quick and easy. I would recommend a carrying case for it though to keep it safe. Even just a small laptop bag would be fine. But it's an investment you will want to keep safe.

Finally you have the amazing Cintiq line. The Cintiq 12WX and Cintiq 21UX and I just learned about the silly Cintiq 24HD.

I have a Cintiq 21UX and it has changed the way I work. It has sped up my workflow and made things so much easier and faster and accurate and simply amazing. (Note I didn't quite pay what they are asking for on Amazon but that's the same model). the cintiq's are expensive as hell, but it's an amazing investment if you are really going to take advantage of it.

Note however, that you can do everything on an intuos4 that you can do on a cintiq. The thing with the lesser tablets under the cintiq is you will have a real learning curve dealing with drawing on your desk/lap while looking at the screen. It's weird and takes time to get used to it. But there is AMAZING art done on them. As I said, they are industry standard and amazing pieces of tech.

So I recommend the Intuos4 Medium or the Intuos4 Wireless in the end.

Hope this helps a little. There are alternatives to Wacom, and some can get the job done, but I won't recommend them as in the end, you want a Wacom.

Hey there!

Glad to hear there is another potential animator/artist in the world :)
A lot of your question depends on your budget as tablets can get very expensive very quickly based on size and quality. For instance buying something that lets you draw directly on the screen is going to run you several hundred dollars for the lowest tier models (Wacom Cintiq's are currently considered the gold standard but their monitors and tablets start at over $1000 new so that is out of the question for most people and definitely not worth it for a beginner). So if she's just wanting to explore, a drawing app on a samsung galaxy tablet is a cheaper option that works great for beginners and allows them to work directly on screen. Plus is she loses interest you'll still have a tablet to use for other things.

However most people start with something like a Wacom Bamboo tablet. They are high quality, very responsive, and made by Wacom (the current industry leader) for a much more reasonable price. However you're drawing on a tablet placed on a desk while watching your work on a separate monitor and this can take some serious getting used to. Once you've got it figured out though they're great (they come in various sizes and are used by professionals throughout various industries)!

As for software consider these:
Art/Drawing - Sketchbook Pro

Animation - Anime Studio 10
keep in mind animation programs can be tough to learn so she'll definitely need to watch tutorials online. However this is an awesomely priced option with a lot of great features to make jumping-in easy



If she really catches the animation bug there are two books that are wonderful (although they are thick and may be better for when she is a little older? Up to you but they could make great future gifts):
Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams

and

The Illusion of Life by Ollie Johnson and Frank Thomas - Two of Disney's original master animators known as the Nine Old Men

Anyway that's a quick rundown of where equipment and resources stand. If I were you I'd probably go for the bamboo tablet and Sketchbook Pro to get started (for drawing) + Anime Studio 10 if animation is definitely something she wants to explore as all these items are an outstanding value for what they offer.

If things get super serious as she gets older prices begin to jump up very quickly (especially on the software side) but I believe the items listed above should suit her perfectly for at least through all her high school years. As she improves and explores you'll naturally learn what all the tools and options are on your own, as well as what her preferences are.

3D animation as a whole is a different beast that is very computer/technical heavy with a steeper learning curve. So if she wants to start trying that it becomes a whole different realm as you'll need a solid PC and a lot of time and patience when it comes to learning one of the various computer graphics programs out there.

Hope this helps at least a little! Good luck, and feel free to PM any time :)

Have worked as engineer but also a photographer, so I think I'm uniquely qualified to answer your question.

If you want an external stylus system, don't cheap out on the Wacom products. Get the Pro version, not the regular Intuos.

I have both (a friend gave me his old Pro. I had cheaped out and bought the regular version). The pro offers tilt sensitivity. This is HUGE. It makes it feel like a real pencil. This makes using a tablet worth it.

I used this for marking up documents but also extensive photoshop use.

I noticed you also are using Canadian Amazon links. I'm Canadian, too. I recommend checking out Shopbot to find best prices online.

FWIW, photo stores like Henry's often have their stylus-devices go on sale. Might be worth checking.

I think that directly marking up documents on a screen is superior in EVERY INSTANCE. For pure drawing, sketching, shading, and painting in Photoshop or another artboard-specific program you may find Tilt Sensitivity vs. using a touch-screen tablet is equal. But handwriting - it's just so much more natural when you directly edit.

For reading long PDF's (for example when i send friends/paper collaborators a recent article from Nature journal, etc), using my new Surface Pro 4 is great. Just got it last week. Can't really see myself using a Wacom any more.

I get you may not want to invest in a new Surface or touchscreen tablet. But then again, if you're only using the tablet as a PDF editor, I might recommend buying a used tablet with a good screen, anything over 1080p, and editing your PDFs with it instead of using a dedicated stylus-device. You can still operate your tablet and workstation PC/Mac next to each other.... just sync the editable document in a folder within aGoogle Drive/Onedrive/Box/Dropbox and then you have best of both worlds.

Did i mention the learning curve and useability factor on a tablet device? On a wacom you'll inevitably be writing over the edge of the input rectangle once a day or more, and that never happens with a touchscreen tablet.

TL;DR
If you're set on a stylus-input external accessory, one with a Tilt-sensitive input sensor is 110% worth the extra shekels over a basic model. But a basic/used touchscreen tablet device is going to be even better for simple PDF's.

IMO, don't even consider anything other than a Wacom. For your price point, get a Bamboo and if you feel you need something bigger/better, sell it and upgrade to an Intuos. I have had an Intuos 3 for several years and love it. The new version is very slick but I don't really have a need to upgrade.

In regards to your specific points:

1. Photo editing is wonderful with a tablet. Both Photoshop and Lightroom are great with a tablet. Much faster and more natural than using a mouse.
   
2. If you want to pick up a fantastic painting / drawing program, check out Painter Essentials, which is a lite version of the full Painter. It really brings the tablet to life (very different than Photoshop's painting).
   
3. You can get a refurb Bamboo for under $50, but they aren't much more brand new.
   
4. There isn't much of a learning curve, though learning to use the hotkeys (Intuos only) will make you more productive. Windows 7 has some very good built-in tablet support.
   
5. This is where Wacom tablets shine - they tend to be more responsive than other tablets. They are the gold standard for good reason. You can also place a sheet of paper over the tablet to give it more texture; it will not affect the tracking/sensitivity.
   
6. I have a medium Intuos; it is a great size. I haven't found myself wishing it were bigger, but maybe I've just used it so much that I'm used to working with that size. I'm sure that I would love a larger tablet, but I think (especially for photo editing) you can get away with a smaller one. Depending on your style, a larger tablet is more important for sketching / painting.
   
   Edit: One final consideration - Intuos comes with a mouse - If you are considering using the tablet as a complete mouse replacement (I use mine in addition to my mouse), I would stay away from the 'small' tablets.
   

By the look of her art and the use of Scratch, I assume your niece is fairly young ("teenage" is a wide margin to guess). This is great that she's starting so early. I started far too late compared to most and regret it every day.

I would not advise a tablet unless she's at least 14, and that's pushing it. If she is and you're ready for the gamble, that's all your choice. They're delicate pieces of hardware and the lower end brands ([Huion] (https://www.amazon.com/Huion-Graphic-Drawing-Tablet-Pressure/dp/B00DKW816K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1466736352&sr=8-4&keywords=huion+tablet), [Monoprice] (https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-6-25-inch-Graphic-Drawing-Tablet/dp/B00H4LAF9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466736418&sr=8-1&keywords=monoprice+tablet), [Ugee] (https://www.amazon.com/Ugee-M708-Digital-Graphics-Rechargeable/dp/B00VUHQECU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466736442&sr=8-2&keywords=ugee+tablet) ) are built a bit weaker than something like a Wacom (suggesting the [Bamboo] (https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-CTL471-Tablet-Black/dp/B00EVOXM3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466736313&sr=8-1&keywords=wacom+bamboo) model to start off, it's a good spot, cheaper and sturdy). but again, I wouldn't risk it at 13 unless you can trust her wholly with an ~$70 piece of hardware.

Software-wise, there are free programs out there to get her started that have better interfaces than Scratch but similar functionality. [Pencil2D] (http://www.pencil2d.org/) is a pretty good starter. Crazy Talk is pretty drag-n-drop, so she wouldn't really get to express her own art as much if at all. It's better to get her something that allows her own art.

I'll always advocate my favorite timeless animation method: post-it notes. get her a bunch of different ones and ask her to use them to animate a little thing. A ball bouncing, a person walking, anything she wants. It's cheap and allows her to really expand on the concept of animation without boundaries.

Good luck :D

I’m ok with some overkill... she’s my baby sister, the youngest of us, and is graduating. She’s pretty serious about she wants to do, far more so than I was about anything at that age lol. I don’t mind spending a little extra on her on this one occasion. I see it as an investment in her future. Plus she may be able to use it to make a little money while in school with some freelance art commissions or graphic design I dunno, but I’d like her to have options to do that sorta thing and more. She’s slightly undecided about which specific direction she wants to go and is gonna start college with general education courses before declaring a major. This is one of the reasons everything I said is a bit scattered in terms of its usefulness for any specific thing. Also I’m a gamer not an artist/animator so I don’t know much about what is useful for animation.

If the Ryzen 7 is more than enough I will definitely stick with that. The next lowest cpu isn’t that much savings so there isn’t much reason not to get the 7. I will avoid skylake x and TR tho and spend the money elsewhere.

One of the reasons I wanted to go 4K is because I know at least with gaming anything over 24” in 1080p you start to see the individual pixels in the screen and I figured for art she would need more clarity. I was look at this LG monitor as it’s color accuracy is said to be great in the reviews, but perhaps that’s only for general purpose use and not art? What specifically should I look for in a monitor, both in 4K and 1080p? How necessary is two monitors? Like how specifically do you use it to your advantage? What would be your ideal monitor setup? Desk space might be minimal so dual monitors or a single monitor over 27” could be tricky, I’m not sure.

I probably can’t afford a cintiq without sacrificing heavily in other things as I don’t see any under $1k, but what about a cheaper alternative brand like this? or perhaps you can point towards a more affordable cintiq that I missed?

Lastly, I forgot to ask about ram. Was planning on 32gb 3200mhz ram, is that adequate? Or if 16gb is good enough I can put that $ towards other stuff, but 32 seems to be the magic number.

You don't sound ignorant! There's no magical way to know this stuff.

I use the program Clip Studio Paint. It's a kind of photshop-lite aimed at digital painters and comic artists. It's pretty cheap ($50 I think?) but not free.

If you don't want to spend money, I would recommend Krita! I used it for years, it's a great free option. A lot of people also like Paint Tool SAI.

Art tools (tablets, pens, ect) often come with their own software, but it's pretty shitty (usually pared-down versions of more expensive software). The programs i mentioned are IMO much better options than the stuff that usually comes with wacom products.

If you're interested in starting with digital art, I can recommend this tablet: https://www.amazon.com/Huion-H610-Pro-Graphic-Carrying/dp/B00ZWRSQ4I/ref=sr_1_6?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1511399191&sr=1-6&keywords=drawing+tablet

If you're thinking about getting a new laptop, I would recommend lenovo's 2-in-1s! They work surprisingly well for digital art.

I bought a tablet really early on (2-3~ months in), and I found it to be an excellent purchase. Then again, I play osu! everyday for at least 2 hours, so I get plenty of time with it. If you don't believe you will be playing for at least one or two more years, I wouldn't recommend it. Again, as other people say, you don't need a tablet to play well. Many top players use a mouse, and some even use a touchscreen to play high level maps. But if you are set on buying a tablet, I would recommend the CTL480. This is the tablet that most players use at high level. If you need a cheaper option, there always is the osu!tablet or the Huion 420. These three are the most used tablets in osu!, but there are many other options available to you. The only thing you should look out for if you are trying to choose another tablet is latency, as tablets like the CTL490 are known to have latency unplayable with to people used to the above tablets.

As for PP, PP, or Performance Points is gained through passing or "fcing" (full comboing) a map. The higher level/star rating of map you play, the more PP you will get for a play. The easiest ways to get PP are through farm maps such as no title - Reol, MIIRO - AKINO from bless4, MIIRO vs. Ai no Scenario - AKINO from bless4 & CHiCO with HoneyWorks, and many others. The higher accuracy and combo you get, the more PP you will earn. However, as a new player, it isn't recommended to start farming PP. People usually don't start caring about pp until rank 50k to rank 100k (the five digit realm). What you should do as a new player is player harder and harder maps to help you learn how to play the game and then start trying for a higher ranking.

Hope this helps!

EDIT: I forgot about this tablet, the XP-Pen G430. It is similar to the osu!tablet and Huion 420 in size, and is a very recently introduced tablet. You can see high level play with it here.

Not trying to hijack the post, but I could use some advice as well.

I current have a Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet (a couple of years ago).

I about the Bamboo Pen Tablet because it was really cheap and I wasn't sure if I would actually use it. I actually use it a bit and was quite happy with it. However as I've worked with it more, I feel that it might be time to upgrade.

Currently the main issue with the tablet is that it's pretty small. As the table mimics the screen, it makes it harder to do more precise drawings. Other than that it's perfectly functional.

In any case, I want to upgrade to a better and definitely bigger tablet without spending too much money (I am a poor college student after all). I don't want to spend over $200. What are some tablets I should be looking out for?

Right now I'm thinking about Bamboo Create Pen. However, I'm not sure if it's a significant enough upgrade or if I should just be looking to spend even more money for a better value.

What do you guys think? Should I just stick with my Bamboo Pen until I actually can spend money?

Sorry if this was inappropriate. I just didn't want to spam this subreddit with another self post of a similar subject..

I have dealt with RSI as well for a few years. It's been gone for neary a decade now. Here's what I did. Maybe some of these things will help you:

• physical exercise: I started getting more fit. First by playing volleybal, later by running and doing Western Martial Arts. Just don't overdo it. Training too hard and fast can be equally bad for you.
  
  
• dump the mouse: I switched from a regular mouse to a trackball. They come in all shapes and sizes, so try them out and see what you like. I swear by the good old Logitech Trackman. The only one I liked better is the old Trackman Marble FX which is discontinued and sells for insane prices. I still have a regular mouse connected to my PC as well, but I only need to use it for graphics applications like Gimp and Inkscape where the trackball is too inaccurate.
  
  
• love the keyboard: I have heavily modified my PC experience so that I hardly need to use my trackball at all.
  
  For code editing I use Vim with a whole bunch of plugins (here's my config).
  
  For browsing and e-mail I use Firefox and Thunderbird with the Vimperator and Muttator plugins. These give me vim-like commands, modal browsing and scriptability. Meaning I can work without using the mouse at all.
  
  Finally I use the Awesome Window Manager. I'm on Linux so if you're on Windows or OSX you need to find something similar, although I doubt i exists. Awesome is not so much a window manager as it is a toolkit to write your own WM. Here is my config. This gives me a fully automated tiling window manager with vim-like keybindings. No more need for a mouse to move and organize my workspaces.
  
  Vim, Vimperator and Awesome pretty much cover 95% of my time spent on a PC. Everything is automated or just a shortcut away. No need to use the mouse or trackball at all.
  
  I hope this gives you some ideas!
  
  Edit:My first gilded comment. Thanks! :-D

I bought a Turcom 6610 a couple years ago. I got that over the wacom because it had a larger surface and was cheaper than the wacom bamboo. I ended up never using it though because it just wasn't that good.

Recently though I've been getting wrist/shoulder pains so I decided to give tablets another shot. This time I decided to go with a wacom tablet because I've heard that they're superior to other brands. I picked up the Intuos Art two weeks ago and so far I'm pretty happy with it.

As far as I know, the only difference between the Intuos Draw, Art, and Comic tablets is the software packages they come with. I was a little disappointed with the Corel Painter 5 Essentials that mine came with but maybe I just haven't used it enough yet. Either way, the point is, is that if you already have something like photoshop then I suggest just getting the cheapest of the three which is the Draw.

I think I should probably emphasize that I probably only know a little more than you do. This is a pretty good video on the subject that might help you with your decision. Good luck :)

iPads can work. Teoh on YouTube has a couple reviews on different ones that helped me a lot, but I'll link the one I think will help you most since it's from an artist's perspective.

I'm on mobile, so sorry for the formatting:

https://youtu.be/iVHlP0fEGso


(Note: I originally wanted the mini 5, but fell in love with the iPad pro 11.)

Otherwise, I also recommend the Gaomon pd1560. It's on sale right now for 285 and you can get another 19 bucks discount on it right now. I'm actually almost tempted to get one; it's just as good as a cintiq.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WSRLC6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_U.wWDbC51GN90


Edit: I forgot to add that I recommend going to a store and trying out the tablets. That's how I found out the 11 fit me best (did a number on my wallet though....)

Uhm, Wacom is the only brand to consider. Period.

You have two good options, the $200 "medium" Bamboo, which is a great tablet with a relatively inexpensive pen (30$) at a good size. And the $99 "small" Bamboo. There is actually also a $70 one that works just fine too. Those are like (4x6) and (5x8) roughly.

The next step up from the Bamboo is the Intuos, which is kind of the 'professional' standard for Tablets. The Bamboo is for newbies. For tourists into digital art. (I'm kidding, but that's how digital artists act. Pretentious jerks...)

Anyway the Intuos is currently at version 4. They are pricey. A small runs $229 and a Medium $349. More pressure, better pens, little tips for the pens to emulate real work.

Okay, let's get serious.

As a digital artist, you're going to kick yourself if you don't get an Intuos. I have the entry level (Graphire, which is now called the Bamboo) and I'm kicking myself. It's just too small.

The Intuos4 Medium is a great platform, if you want to blow all $350 right there.

Alternatively, step backwards to the Intuos3, which you can still buy on Amazon. You could get a medium for probably 240$, since it's the last generation. That'll work just fine.

Intuos3 Medium 249.99

Intuos3 Large 319.99

Those are my two recommendations. Grab the last generation at massive discounts instead of shelling out for the 4th series. The new ones are shinier and probably have better integration for hotkey buttons or something, but lets face it.

You want a pen, with tips, and 1024 levels of pressure, and a good size pad. That's what a tablet is about. The two links above are my recommendation.

I'm not really sure why you want to work digitally if youre opposed to computers/internet being part of the process, that's kind of a big part of 'digital'. The cheaper tablets are not going to have a screen, they're going to function basically like a mouse connected to your PC and move the cursor around with the pen. Even the best of the best Cintiq level tablets basically act like an extra monitor you can draw on. There are cheaper tablets similar to cintiqs but they still need a PC running Photoshop or some other art program.

Something like an iPad or other tablet doesn't have to connect to a PC but it basically is a self-contained computer itself. I use a Samsung galaxy note, it's an Android tablet that works without being connected to a PC. You would need WiFi to install art programs from the app store but other than that you don't have to use internet on it. It lets you draw directly on the screen which was my main priority. Investing $200+ might be a big ask if you're just starting out though. If youre interested in this make sure you do your research. Samsung has tablets with the 'S Pen', which have more levels of pressure sensitivity than a normal touch screen and works much better for digital art. You want to find the most sensitivity within your price range.

I used an Intuos 3 for...a decade or so? It's a solid tablet but requires a PC to use and doesn't let you draw directly on the screen. I guess the modern day version of that would be something like this, which seems like a pretty affordable pick for getting your foot in the door with digital art.

I appreciate the offer, but I doubt I will have the time anywhere in the near future to dedicate to building one.

I love your trackball suggestion though, this one looks pretty good and seems to come with a software that looks like it could be used to disable all the clicking areas: https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-SlimBlade-Trackball-Mouse-K72327U/dp/B001MTE32Y

Only issue is what I would do for the mouse buttons. Any suggestions in that regard? Ideally I would be able to have the same left, right, back, and forward buttons I have on my current mouse, but most solutions I see online are only single or paired pedals (and priced kinda ridiculously tbh).

As I was typing this I realized another issue, what to do about a scroll wheel? I make heavy use of the scroll wheel, but I cannot see myself replication the action with my foot or toes... Maybe some kind of toggle to switch the trackball to a scroll wheel? Maybe a second track ball for the other foot? Would still be less than ideal since I make frequent use of the click action of a scroll wheel, but maybe I can rig that action to my keyboard using Auto hotkeys.

Go with the medium bamboo. It's an excellent starting platform to get acquainted with digital drawing. it'll def take some getting used to not seeing exactly what your drawing with your hands, but rather at a screen above. One thing I'm a 'fan' of is actually what it lacks. With "only" 512 levels of pressure sensitivity and no detection of the angle of the pen, you'll break yourself in and really learn how to manipulate photoshop etc for your artistic means. Then, as your progress and want to drop some real dough on a nice intuous tablet, you'll be amazed at home smooth it is.

tldr: It's a great option, and will pave the way for more expensive replacements later if you find you do truly enjoy it.

Oh, and drop an extra 15 dollars for both the updated model, as well as a larger drawing area, it's def worth it...
http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-CTL460-Bamboo-Pen-Tablet/dp/B002OOWC3I/ref=pd_ts_e_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Well when it comes to tablet's my opinion may be a little bit skewed since I bought this tablet first and foremost to play osu! with, and to draw with second.

That being said This is what I am using. It's even on sale right now so that's pretty neat. Now this tablet comes with a free drawing software, but the software you choose also effects the price of the table (ex the one I got was the cheapest so it came with practically the worst free program). I would highly highly HIGHLY recommend finding out what style your wife wants to draw in and how serious she is about it. I can not recommend clip paint studio pro enough. I've used the software that came with my tablet, and I've used 2 other lite free softwares and nothing compares. It's VERY deep and I'm still learning new things about it, but for 60 dollars I think you get more than what you pay for.

The first tablet I ever bought was this boyo here. This is for people who are like, only passively interested in tablet art AT MOST. the problem with this is that there is definitely a ceiling to it where eventually you will just get tired of putting up with it and switch to the one I linked above. So yeah if she only wants to like doodle once a week or something go for this one, but if she wants to take up the hobby, I've used a lot of stuff and the Wacom Tablet + Clip Paint has been my absolute favorite

Hi! My daughter is 5 and wants to make simple animations. I don't know where to start in helping her find a way to do this.
We have a windows laptop and a digital camera and I ordered this for her https://www.amazon.com/Ultrathin-Graphic-Digital-Drawing-Pressure/dp/B01BA6XQI0/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?keywords=drawing+tablet&pd_rd_i=B01BA6XQI0&pd_rd_r=d06674a6-6f5f-4652-a8e5-72a92ab99e5b&pd_rd_w=RfVpj&pd_rd_wg=tWU6E&pf_rd_p=5cc8abfe-8f78-4f34-b19f-d09d6ea0dca4&pf_rd_r=3CS964DHHH1JGPZEDXTW&qid=1557762329&s=gateway


I have no idea what kind of software to install that a 5 year old would be able to use (she can read very well and picks things up super fast so it needs to be simple, but she can figure tech things out fairly quickly).


She wants to make cartoons where you draw them like a flipbook I suppose (which is why I purchased the drawing tablet), or claymation type videos where she takes a series of photos.. she understands how animation works much better than I do, haha.


Anyway, where do I begin?? Please help :D

I used to love my TrackMan FX Marbles (I had two), but for the exact reasons why I hate that evil bastard you linked to. ;\^P

• Big ball over tiny ball. The small ball means less sensitivity. The large ball on the FX (with the small hole so you could use your thumb as a brake with varied pressure making it easy to vary your control) was brilliant. Small ball means very little control.
  
  
• Thumbs are not good for pointing! There a reason you point with your index finger and a reason you use your index finger on a touch pad. You may have more rotation in your thumbs versus fingers (90° vs 45°) but most people are used to pointing with their index fingers. Your finger follow the natural extension of your arm. It's perfectly line-of-site down the arm. Since the thumb rests on the side of the hand, drawing a + comes out like an X.
  
  
  Thumb trackballs are among the most uncomfortable methods of control I've ever used.
  
  
  Of course, this is all personal opinion. Obviously they're popular since they're still selling them. If I could find an FX for under $75 I might even consider going back, but I've grown so accustomed to mice that when I got a finger trackball for work (and at home) recently, I ended up returning one and giving the other away because I couldn't game or get comfortable with them.

This is the Wacom tablet I use. It's fairly cheap but still does the job for someone like me who is just getting into this whole digital art business. Art wise it really depends on what you want to do, if you're into pixel art at all there's a great application out there called pyxel edit you can get for $10 and there's youtube tutorials that tell you both how to use it and how to think about character creation in a 32x32 tile form. Other than that, Adobe is the standard for pretty much everything AFAIK https://www.amazon.com/Huion-H610-Pro-Graphic-Carrying/dp/B00ZWRSQ4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498843868&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=huion+h610+pro&psc=1

This crops up pretty frequently.

Your options boil down to free, cheap, and expensive.

Your free option is Gimp, which I can't stand but other people like. The interface isn't made for normal humans with normal human brains but it works just fine, and it does everything photoshop does.

Your cheap option is paintshop pro, which is what I use. It's easy, and does most of the things photoshop does.

Your expensive option is photoshop. Photoshop does everything, and isn't too bad to use, but costs roughly four million dollars and a pint of your blood. monthly.

If you're going to commit to drawing your maps on the computer machine, you should think about getting a reasonably priced drawing tablet. I use a wacom bamboo tablet, and it works very well. I used a mouse for a long time, and I didn't think a tablet would make that much of a difference, but it does.

There really isn't much of a difference with a tablet with more pen pressure, larger screen or more buttons, it's purely what you are comfortable with, and assuming that this would be your first tablet, I suggest getting a small tablet without a screen.

yes, it takes some time to adjust to, but it's much cheaper and better to practice with and get to know what you're comfortable with before buying something expensive. if you REALLY want a screen, then I suggest HUION tablets as they are a cheaper counterpart of WACOM, and with little difference in quality, just make sure it is compatible with your drawing software.

Some small screenless tablets:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TB0TTAC/ref=psdc_16034531_t3_B002OOWC3S [very small but very cheap]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079J7DCXN/ref=psdc_16034531_t2_B002OOWC3S [pricey for size]

https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-Capture-Tablet-CTH470/dp/B005HGBEZ2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=wacom+tablet+CTH470&qid=1574198997&s=electronics&sr=1-3 [what i used as a kid but currently out of stock]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DPC98DT/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07DPC98DT&pd_rd_w=6UIy5&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=GWJgM&pf_rd_r=TS1RD6K2JSVF4CBCNA33&pd_rd_r=22c6007a-6a19-4dac-90a9-d43c03a473a1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFOMksxMlgwV1JWMzgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2MDg5NjYxQk42SUxMNE82TDNaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1NDMxODQxSDBUNlhOQ0FPUVBQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== [what I use and suggest]

Average screen tablets:

https://www.xp-pen.com/product/56.html

https://www.amazon.com/Simbans-PicassoTab-Drawing-Beginner-Bluetooth/dp/B071GY6994/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=drawing+tablet&qid=1574199156&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/XP-PEN-Artist12-Battery-Free-Multi-Function-Sensitivity/dp/B07GNK18VJ/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=drawing+tablet&qid=1574199156&sr=8-8

https://www.amazon.com/GT-191-KAMVAS-Drawing-Pressure-Sensitivity/dp/B072N2C2PB/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=drawing+tablet&qid=1574199156&sr=8-9

honestly just chose tablets that popped up first + fits ur budget, the difference is really minimalistic and it shouldn't matter as a beginner since you're not adjusted to a certain way of drawing digitally yet.

Software: Photoshop. Hardware: One of these babies. Still can't draw with it (gotta do the lines with good old pencil and pens), but hoping I'll be more comfortable using it once I get through more of those tutorials. And thank you very much! :)

You'd need a considerable amount of room for your graphics tablet unless you disable your keyboard. Second year comp eng courses have a lot of people in them, so you might be stuck in DSQ, LIB 072 or ENG 103 for some courses.

As for graphics tablets, I prefer Wacom ones, since they have better pressure sensitivity and response. I mostly use my graphics tablet to do illustration, so you might not need all those levels of sensitivity. The Intuos and Intuos Pro are both great graphics tablets, but they're kinda pricey. If you can find their old Bamboo Splash/Capture ones, they're also pretty nice and cheaper than their Inutos line. This Huion one is pretty value since you get 12 macros you can program to do common commands (undo, redo, etc).

I throw in a second vote for the Huion. I have the
[Huion h610 pro $75](Huion H610 Pro Graphic Drawing Tablet with Carrying Bag and Glove https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZWRSQ4I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5ktXzbN8XWCN2) (this is Amazon's price but I got it for $55 brand new on eBay 1 year ago) and honestly I think it's better than Wacom and only a fraction of the price. I've never owned a Wacom myself, but when I was comparing the capabilities of Wacoms within the same price range to Huion, it was clear which company had the better value.

The only thing wrong is the drivers for Windows. Don't use the driver that comes in the CD, download the latest one from their website and you're good.

> With being said a dedicated drawing tablet that hooks up to a computer would be probably the more "professional" route if that is what you are looking for. However that is generally more expensive that buying a tablet like the S4 or iPad Pro.

If you are talking about the Wacom Cintiq, I recommend you check out some reviews for other brands. For example, here is a competitor with a price tag of $499 and with generally positive reviews: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072N2C2PB/

Personally I used to have a graphic tablet without built-in screen, the Wacom Intuos 3 in size A5. A built-in screen is cool but a graphic tablet is still absolutely wonderful even without it. Here is an alternative to Wacom with generally positive reviews, price tag $111.20: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Graphic-Drawing-Tablet-MicroSD/dp/B01CYCOYSU/

Morthy's demands:

• Unfortunately, I have nothing that would make me seem like an old posh Englishman. Sad day.
  
  
• Item I wouldn't want to be caught in public with- this taxidermy deer head.. it might freak some people out. I think it's beautiful though.
  
  
  
• most phallic looking item: this microphone off my photography list. See also, the item I chose for "best item to bring to a deserted island."
  
  
  Akeleie's demands:
  
  
• most geeky item- R2D2 necklace <3 on my "want" list --OR-- this shirt off of chocowafer's wish list
  
  
• item that would help me achieve my goal of expanding into digital drawing- bamboo tablet on my "need" list
  
  
• Best item to take on a deserted island- well I don't have any flares on my wish list so I'm gonna have to go with.. the lightsaber sucker. I'm hoping it lights up pretty bright. If not, at least it'll be a nice last treat before i probably die alone. on my "under $15" list

Im with /u/n_reineke what good are dreams if you cant obtain them every now and then! and there is nothing better than Art! its relaxing, its something you can teach the kids how to do. and shit if you need the extra 5$ I will send you a Gift card lol It will be worth it trust me

I'd recommend this Monoprice tablet: LINK
I've used Monoprice, Huion, Wacom Intuos and WacomCintiq tablets, and honestly the Monoprice is plenty fine. The price to performance jump for a nice Intuos is not going to be apparent for someone just starting.


As for animating software, they can be very expensive if you decide to get dedicated animating software. There are free alternatives, such as Plastic Animation Paper or EasyToon.

If you're willing to spend money, Toon Boom and Adobe Animate/Flash are both popular.

Nobody likes sweaty palms, especially when creating master pieces XD. I would suggest picking up a glove to draw with, something like this. They are simple, breathable and easy to clean. Goodlucks!

I have the Bamboo $59.99 and it works great. I would recommend that you get the cheapest one. That way if you lose interest you aren't regretting the purchase. If you love it and use it a lot you can easily upgrade to a medium intous that has a larger effective area and has programmable buttons to speed up your work.

I'm still planning on going straight to digital though. My hands aren't very steady (though I figure it may improve over time), so I'd like to take advantage of the smoothing in digital, and I just prefer the look of digital most of the time. Also, fixing mistakes is easier in digital, and I already have a bit of experience with photoshop.

I'll be honest, the only real reason I want to draw is to have some kind of artistic talent, and also to draw my sona and other furry shit. Like, I want to be able to make my own branding amd PFPs (I appreciate good art and would be willing to shell out money to artists, but if I can achieve a decent result myself, I'll try because I'm stingy as fuck)

Thanks a ton for the advice though. If you don't mind me asking, which of these looks like a better deal to you?

This: https://www.amazon.ca/StarG640-Ultrathin-Graphics-Battery-Free-Pressure/dp/B078YR2MTF/ref=pd_sbs_0_1/137-1111389-1670244?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B078YR2MTF&pd_rd_r=edcd46df-50b0-11e9-948b-a94c591038df&pd_rd_w=CfZXE&pd_rd_wg=H7EwO&pf_rd_p=5dcda75b-8643-4da3-9bb1-5c0233790500&pf_rd_r=7N20KAC4R67FE96RF9TA&psc=1&refRID=7N20KAC4R67FE96RF9TA

Or this:
https://www.amazon.ca/Huion-Graphics-Drawing-Tablet-Board/dp/B00TB0TTAC/ref=pd_sbs_0_1/137-1111389-1670244?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00TB0TTAC&pd_rd_r=e54a4ca5-50c2-11e9-a24f-1f23c692de06&pd_rd_w=Ev9FP&pd_rd_wg=IU9gR&pf_rd_p=5dcda75b-8643-4da3-9bb1-5c0233790500&pf_rd_r=NC6N1KBFJCMRG0AQ5X4J&psc=1&refRID=NC6N1KBFJCMRG0AQ5X4J

On a side note, I find it hilarious that they market low end tablets as "Osu Tablets"

Thank you!

I have a Wacom Bamboo Create, except with a different pen than in that picture. It took a while to find the best place to put it on my desk, and it took even longer getting used to the movement between the pen and the screen, but now it's pretty comfortable to use for almost anything except games. Sometimes I feel like the wire is a nuisance but I don't want to spend the money on batteries to make it wireless.

How are you learning digital sketches now without a wacom?

Tablet Name: Intuos3 (8" x 6")

Manufacturer: Wacom

Price: $200+ used (you may find it cheaper; that was just a quick search), $450+ new (don't buy this new), prices in USD.

Size: 13.6 x 0.5 x 10.3 inches (8" x 6" active area); 4 pounds

Features: 8 express keys (4 on each side), 2 touch strips (1 on each side), 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, 5080 lines per inch.

Accessories: Pen, pen holder, mouse, felt nib, spring nib, replacement plastic nibs.

Comments: I've had this tablet for several years and it's served me well when drawing or photo editing. The surface is smooth and easy to draw on, although the active area is ever so slightly reduced for widescreen monitors (and this has to be adjusted in the driver settings). The different pen tips provide a more traditional feel for mediums other than the pencil, but I've always preferred the basic plastic nib. Works great in Photoshop and Corel Painter without any extra setup. Plug it in, install the drivers, and draw away. This is a fairly old model and I would recommend against buying it for more than $150-$200. If you're going higher than that, you might as well pick up an Intuos4 instead.

Website: Intuos Site, Amazon Page

User: /u/KrazyTheFox

Use this Bamboo, and I love it. It's pretty cheap, but does most everything I want it to.

Check with your school's IT office or such, most schools will have drawing tablets for you to check out. My school has ~10 Wacoms for rent.

Photoshop and Illustrator will be your main two. I've found learning InDesign to be a great help though on some projects. Learn SketchUp too!

You could get way crazy for sure (I know I'd sure love to!) but I'm rocking this badboy right now. I've had all of the sizes of the standard tablets (not the fancy monitor versions::drool::) and I'd recommend small for almost everyone. So that'll run you $250-$300. Also for Photoshop check this out. You can get away with the "Photography" bundle (Photoshop and lightroom) for $10/mo or 120/yr. I've seen other people post a preference for different drawing tablets but I've only used Wacom, it's an industry standard (or has been for a long time) if anyone else has a better suggestion I'm sure they'll drop in. In the meantime, check those out and I'll look for that other brand I saw the other day (I'm curious now too.) Good luck, and I meant to tell you in the last post, killer work!

Well, you'll likely find the graphics tablet route far more sensitive for doing what you've in mind. If you're truly planning on Game development, there's little reason to skimp unless you're just broke. Here's an option if you're looking to save cash. That said, it's totally possible to do this with a mouse, given enough patience and time.

Now, all things considered, what you'll find most helpful is practice. The problem with making maps is that you're never 'done.' You will always have room for improvement, so keep practicing. Setting realistic goals is the best way to get started, and then later you can expand so that you don't get overwhelmed too early on.

Honestly, I think tracing is a good way to get lost because you'll just copy the topical information and miss the purpose. Study climate guides and stare at real maps until your eyes bleed, because that's how you learn what shapes pass for real. You will never make a map with procedural generation that will top a map made by hand with experience and realism in mind.

What you're doing is fucking hard, man, but it can be done. I fully respect you because I don't think I could hack it.

Hello fellow racers,

(TL;DR down below)

This build was done in over the course of two days and roughly 21 minutes. Mostly due to other obligations but some planning and testing was done.

The labels I printed myself on a DYMO LT-100H, I also ordered an off brand pack of extra colors to bring some life to the project. The “button box” is a ROTTAT 22-key Numeric Keypad and was the most expensive part of the project.

In the little time that I’ve used it so far I enjoy the mechanical nature of the keys. Since I wear headphones when I play I like that I can feel when I’ve pressed the key. It adds a little extra pizzazz if you will and gives it a seemingly heavier stroke. The biggest con is programming it to the game, some of the keys are not usable with num-lock on/off. So it took some thinking to determine what I would want for the different “states” that I could enable with the num-lock key.



TL;DR $48.26 if you already own scissors, it’s cool so far and I’m happy with it.

both the Wacom Bamboo Feel and this Fujitsu are popular options.

The Wacom Bamboo lacks an eraser on top, the Fujitsu has both an eraser and two side buttons.

Also, here is a pretty good thread with other compatible options. hope it helps!

[this one](http://Kensington SlimBlade Trackball Mouse (K72327U) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MTE32Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZZz3DbZHP9SBY) is my current, I love the shit out if it but I need a new mouse for my new cad machine and I think this is the winner, thanks op

This is the cheapest Wacom tablet

and don't ever let yourself feel limited because you have the "lowest end" Wacom. This person has a Bamboo Connect and it doesn't look like it's holding them back any!
For reference, the Bamboo Connect was the lowest end Wacom tablet four years ago

These lower end tablets do have a smaller surface area. It's about on par with the size of your standard postcard. If you want something bigger but cant afford Wacoms larger offerings Huion is another company I would recommend.

Specifically these two models
Huion H610 Pro

Huion Giano

The reason I favor Wacom is just overall customer and driver support. Huion is just a chinese company and their customer and driver support isn't the greatest. But if you are patient their tablets are just as good.

I only know all this info off hand because I've spent the last two weeks shopping for a tablet myself. I ended up ordering one of these it arrives tomorrow and I can't wait to try it out. If it's disappointing I might return it and order the Huion Giano I linked above.

Like, I've had the tablet for a long time,I got it a long time ago when I was into photoshop, and when I started playing osu I forget I had it and started using it, and then I forgot to install the drivers.

After playing for a very long time without them, I remembered about the drivers and installed them and hated it, the tablet was far too big for them and I had already gotten comfortable not having to have my hand in a certain location to move around, I like being able to pick up my pen and place it somewhere else and the cursor be in the same place.

Like, look at that shit, the one I have is the first picture, it's like double the size of the osu!tablet. That pen is the length of my forearm, and I'm 6 foot 1. Also I took off all the grips on the pen because they felt like that rubber that's under carpets, and I took off the middle button because I kept accidentally clicking it.

The tech item on my wishlist that I want the most is this Pro Graphic Drawing Tablet. I've been working on a comic book for the past 1-2 years. I have all of the characters, backgrounds, events, settings, and nearly everything in between written down and categorized. Now recently I have been sketching character designs, however I don't have the drawing tablet I need to actually draw the online comic. I can't afford it at the moment, since I'm your traditional "starving student".

I would really appreciate this so much. When I do draw my comic, I plan to post it on taptastic, a comic website that allows you to get paid based on views and subscribers. Hopefully the comic will help pay for school and living, but regardless I just really love creating this world. Thank you very much for this contest!

I suggest getting a starter tablet like one of the 2 I linked. Many people don't have issues with offbrand tablets but Wacom is seen as industry standard and is a bit expensive. So that is why the Huion seems to have more for the same price. So yeah, get a cheaper tablet and maybe pay for some software. Good luck!


https://www.amazon.com/Huion-H610-Pro-Graphic-Carrying/dp/B00ZWRSQ4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491776838&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=wacom+drawing+tablet&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-CTL490DW-Digital-Drawing-Graphics/dp/B010LHRFM2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1491776838&sr=8-3&keywords=wacom+drawing+tablet

I'd suggest the Intuos Pro, even the small is bigger than Draw and Comic and I'm pretty sure it has more levels of pressure sensitivity, which benefits the quality of your lines. You should get the best tablet for your budget, since Wacom tablets last a good few years, you're likely to be using it for a long time.

My most recent comic was done on an iPad in procreate, but the one for the rest of the comics was thisTurcom from amazon that was like $50. I know like nothing about drawing tablets so idk if it’s a good one but it works.

Thanks for your response! I decided to go with the Fujitsu pen as Amazon offered a faster delivery date and I saw a lot of people praising it. The only thing I noticed was that some of the pens I was looking at to purchase didn't say 'Lifebook' on the pen, like the one linked below, so that worried be at first that it might not be the same pen, but I saw it linked by other Surface Pro 2 users as well. Thanks for the suggestion!

http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1463336883&sr=1-1&keywords=Fujitsu+Lifebook+T5000

Well, I honestly couldn't tell you. I kinda suspect it's because the Logitech Trackman Marble FX that we had used your fingers in... somewhat unusual ways.

It's this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-TrackMan-Marble-FX-Trackball/dp/B00000JBUI

If you're used to a regular mouse, you use your hand to move it, your index finger for the left button, middle finger for the right button.

On the Trackman, you'd use the side of your thumb to hit the left mouse button, you'd use the pad of your thumb, plus index and middle finger to move the ball and you'd use your ring finger for the right mouse button. If you grew up using one like I did, you'd love it.

My older coworkers weren't great at using the PC anyway, so adding the unusual trackball to it was just too much for them. They couldn't work out how to move the pointer accurately.

If you wan't to try tablet, this is pretty much the same as the osu tablet.

For the mouse, i like heavy palm grip mice, so i went for a roccat kone+.
A friend of mine who use claw grip has this mouse that he really likes. It's quite fancy though.

So if I might piggy back on your question and maybe turn it into a suggestion, on the use of a trackball, could you buy I think what they call a 3D Mouse, the ones with the big trackballs on the outside, and somehow rig that to work with the machine for the games that require the trackballs? I'm not entirely sure if the details in how that would work, as I'm new to the arcade cabinet scene, but I figured it couldn't hurt to recommend it and see what you would think for that. I used one through a PC of course but with MAME.

Edit: To specify be able to use the mouse efficiently and comfortably.
Edit Again: Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Expert-Wireless-Trackball-K72359WW/dp/B01936N73I/ref=zg_bs_172499_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=96BHRSX594XDWHF5NM8H

Definitely check out r/trackballs.
I have a logitech trackman marble that I like and it's the index/pointer style as opposed to the thumb ball style. Only complaint was no scroll wheel.

The elecom huge is a really popular and praised trackball. Comes in wireless as well. It's one of the only thumb style with a larger marble.

https://www.amazon.com/ELECOM-M-HT1URBK-Trackball-Ergonomic-Precision/dp/B07353DBP9/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=elecom+huge&qid=1571436512&sprefix=elecom+&sr=8-2


Edit: trying to left click quickly with my thumb was just not working for me, so I swapped back to a normal mouse.

This is the version of a drawing tablet that I use

https://www.amazon.com/Turcom-TS-6610-Computer-Sensitive-Resolution/dp/B00A40GPM8

It's a bit cheaper than the lower models of Wacom tablets and a bit bigger I think. So far it works really well for me. The pen also uses a battery but I havent had to change it in over a year and I think it adds a nice weight to the stylus.

I'd suggest this tablet as a first tablet to someone if they don't want to completely go all out for a wacom tablet because it does work pretty well and has a larger drawing area than some of the smaller stuff.

Just FYI, that price tag is msrp. Amazon is currently selling it for ¥6853 which is roughly $60

here's the link to Amazon Japan

I didn't look for the wireless version but it should be no more than $10 more.

Now the question is: to get a wired or wireless trackball.. mostly used for gaming, but the freedom of wireless is nice. Oh the decisions!

Edit: link not working due to Japanese characters. Just google it, and you'll see the price tag. Also, it comes out on 7/22/17

It depends on what she in to drawing wise if she likes drawing straight on the screen I was suggest this tablet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WSRLC6/?coliid=I1THWBRM0CNWYX&colid=1BPUBRX7S1QYQ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it it's really nice for its size and it get's the job done for the price of $400.

I've seen a lot of people recommend this one. Looks like it fits your bill.

Good luck!

I think we're way overthinking things here.

I have had success with the following pens on the S1Y:

X230t pen

Fujitsu Lifebook pen

There are certainly more pens than this that work but these are about as good as they get. Feel free to ask me questions about particular digitizer technologies/pens, as these topics are confusing.

Yeah, but when perfectly serviceable no-name numpads are:

https://www.amazon.com/Numeric-Jelly-Comb-Portable-Computer/dp/B01NBSN2DC/ ($8.99)

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Numeric-Backlit-Desktop-Computer/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ ($17.99)

Something feels a little off. Adding arrow keys and some injection molded plastic costs $90? My god, how do companies that make dolls and action figures ever stay in business?

Their factory looks pretty nice, actually: http://www.ione-usa.com/company-profile.html

So it's not like it's because they're starving and desperately need the money. I wouldn't mind paying that much in the end but it really annoyed me, they're charging whatever they feel like because they know they can get away with it. Price gouging 101.

I got this one and it's really nice http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2

It has 2 buttons on the side, + eraser. You can also change out the tips for rubber, felt, and plastic, you have to buy those separate though. I really like the rubber (flex) ones, they feel great.

I have the Gaomon PD1560 pen display, seems pretty good and considerable savings over Cintiq. Only gotcha is it doesn't have a resident driver like Wacom; you have to make sure their pen utility is running.

So I found your review on Amazon. So this pen works with the SP2, right? So far I only have the Bamboo Feel Pen and the Fujitsu Pen. I prefer the Wacom pen for precision and accuracy, but it lacks a second button and an eraser. Have you had a Wacom Bamboo Feel pen before? If so how does it feel compared to the Wacom UP-911E-02A?

P.S.: Thanks for sharing btw. Gonna get this for my SP2 when I can.

I'd recommend this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00791UTH2/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?amp%3Bkeywords=digitizer%20pen&amp%3Bqid=1394692530&amp%3Bsr=8-5&ref_=sr_1_5

It has two buttons and an eraser, has five star rating and also has reviews left by Surface Pro users confirming its superiority over the stock stylus. Good luck.

Not wireless, but you can get a Kensignton Slimblade under $50 if you purchase it at the Amazon warehouse.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001MTE32Y/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

I bought mine there for $40 not long ago. It was supposedly scratched (very good condition), but from what I could tell the box was just slightly scuffed up. Works as good as new.

I recently got this Monoprice tablet via Amazon ($40: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H4LAF9O) to make lecture videos. It works really well on Mint 17.3 with at least Krita and Pinta. I would expect it to work with Gimp as well. I didn't have to install any special drivers - it just worked out of the box.

If you plug it in before starting Krita, it will do a nice job with the pressure-sensitivity.

Spend the extra $4 and get yourself that Turcom. Is this even a question? You are a hardworking mommy, a hardworking mommy that deserves to treat herself every once in awhile. You need to rejoice on your day of birth and celebrate YOU and YOUR being on this planet for another round of 365 days. The kids get you 364 days, let this one day be about you only <3

Keep in mind it will have older specs and that may be an issue. Intuos Art Medium is great at 150 refurb / 200 new, or https://www.amazon.com/Huion-KAMVAS-Drawing-Pressure-Sensitivity/dp/B072N2C2PB/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_147_tr_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=16BYSYPDT97DQWE91XGD

https://www.amazon.com/Artisul-D13-Graphics-Display-Freestyle/dp/B01E4R1T68/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500607199&sr=8-1&keywords=artisul+d13 are two of the best cintiq alternatives for cheap.

i got this one right here. It’s cheaper but really good and easy to use

Fujitsu makes the best one i've used. Leagues better than the bamboo, since it has 2 buttons and an eraser as well!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00791UTH2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There's the Jelly Comb one already mentioned in the comments if you're after a cheap one, it's the one I personally have. Downside is that it doesn't use standard numlock size keys (note the top row and the plus button. Comes in black or white (black one is most common), with Outemu Blue switches.

Another cheap option is the Velocifire numpad, it's wireless (2.4 ghz USB dongle) with Outemu Blue switches. It has a 4 1x1 key top row and only comes in black.

For something a bit nicer there's the Ducky Pocket, comes in various Cherry MX switches, it's wired and has a LED display, RGB backlighting, doubleshot PBT keys. It only comes in black and has a top row of 4 1x1 size keys (not sure which row, probably R4?).

Personally though I'd advise against going with the first two options as Outemu Blue switches are loud (same with any clicky switch) which wouldn't go over too well in a classroom environment.

edit: I just noticed that the Qisan (Magicforce) numpad is in stock on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Portable-Extended-Magicforce-Qisan/dp/B073WB83RQ/
https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Backlight-Portable-Magicforce-Qisan/dp/B01MZ4Z2DK/

Gateron Browns, comes in white or black.

Check out the Elecom trackball mice on Amazon. Button placement is a little different than the MS Explorer was, but ball position is the same. On the wired version, the size is very close to the Explorer, and the wireless is larger, with a cushioned palm rest. I have the wireless, and it's so close to the Explorer in functionality. I love it. Prices aren't bad either, at $50 -$60 for one.

ELECOM M-HT1URBK Wired Trackball Mouse Larger, Ergonomic Design, 8-Button Function with Smooth Tracking, Precision Optical Gaming Sensor for Home, Work, Office https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07353DBP9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_C4u2Db1NB8YS8

So, right now, these are £95.31 on amazon.co.uk.

And then amazingly this amazon.com deal will ship to the UK; $39.95 + $17.65 Shipping & Import Fees Deposit to United Kingdom, which translates to about £40.65.

That's... quite a saving! Thanks for posting. :)

... arsebags.

> 1 item has been moved to the Saved for Later section of your Cart.

> The following items are no longer available from the seller you selected. We have moved the following items to the saved Items section of your Shopping Cart:

> Kensington SlimBlade Trackball Mouse (K72327US)

What a load of horseshit, considering:

> In Stock.

> Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

I mean, seriously: https://i.imgur.com/8gg92cG.png

edit: it appears that they in fact managed to run out of stock between my adding the item to basket, and hitting check out... poor tactical timing on my part it seems!

You need this and yes I know it is over the 50 dollar limit but since I am not entering because no one is allowed to gift me right now - So I want you to splurge that extra 5 dollars just for yourself - Don't argue with me.

Anyways you are a new mom - you need this so you can doodle when you have a moment to yourself. DO IT!

If his left hand is at or near 100%, I'd definitely recommend a trackball. It doesn't have to be that toy-like one, you can get relatively large trackballs that look professional: https://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Expert-Wireless-Trackball-K72359WW/dp/B01936N73I/ref=lp_172499_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1542739066&sr=1-3

I've found trackballs are relatively easy to use with your off-hand, so hopefully he won't have too much trouble adapting to it.

This is pretty fun to play with.

My complaints about it:

1. I either accidentally press the side button or have to make an effort to find the side button when I actually want to press it. It's flush with the barrel, which makes it difficult with the way I hold the pen.
   
   
2. I'm not a fan of the black finish. It's almost like sandpaper. I might just return it for the carbon one.
   
   I also have the Fujitsu T5000 pen, which is almost ideal for me. Having two side buttons is amazing. I do find that it's more sensitive to angle drift than the Bamboo Feel or even the SP pen, though.
   
   I wish there were a two side button rocker switch version of the Bamboo Feel pen. That would be perfect.

Apparently this one works.

https://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1550174219&sr=8-4&keywords=surface+pro+2+pen

Also, the Bamboo Feel stylus (model number CS300UW) works as well, but its super hard to find. There is a more expensive 'Carbon' version. Make sure its the right model number, because Wacom's naming conventions can get confusing.

How would you compare the NK01 to say the Jelly Comb or the MF21? Clearly the MF21 uses gateron switches, so that's a plus if you don't want clicky blues but if you used either of them that'd be interesting. Also, I don't particularly care about their cap quality since they'll all be pretty meh and I intend to add a GMK numpad set.

You can't beat the Turcom for the price. It's only about $60, good size, decent amount of side buttons, pen sensitivity is actually pretty good, and it is fairly responsive. If you want an Wacom Cintiq type of experience for a much lower price, try the Yiynova. Don't take my word for either of these alone, read all the reviews.

Something like this. I'm guessing he uses it to slide his hand easier on his mousepad.

I got one of these USB keypads to use for extra buttons when I ran out of space on the wheel. Works pretty well, since you can feel around for it while you're in VR, and the mechanical switches mean you're not worried about missing the key.

Don't worry about improving your lap times right now. Worry about trying to run the same lap 5 times in a row. Once you get the consistency down, THEN focus on the actual times. It's hard to know if a change you made has worked or not without having the ability to repeat it!

And as others have said, starting from the back is a good way to get your SR up, so that you're in ranked races. They're much less of a free-for-all, and it's a lot more calming to be with people who won't randomly cut across or do something weird.

__

TL/DR: Extra buttons and seat time!

Also this is another good thing to get. I call it my gay glove cause all my friends make fun of me for wearing it outside of the house on accident, but it eliminates friction between your hand and the tablet for those smooth brushstrokes.

The closest to an actual replacement are the ELECOM trackballs. The ball is slightly bigger which still allows the two finger operation. It has a scroll wheel as well as finger buttons (more ergonomically placed than the MS Trackball Explorer IMO.) Adjustable DPI, rubberized palm rest. As well as two function keys, Fn1, Fn2.

Wireless version: https://www.amazon.com/ELECOM-M-HT1DRBK-Wireless-Trackball-Mouse/dp/B0735584RM

Wired version: https://www.amazon.com/ELECOM-M-HT1DRBK-Wireless-Trackball-Mouse/dp/B07353DBP9

Whether it has the durability of the MS Trackball Explorer - unknown. My two MS Trackball Explorers are still working from early 2001 (bearing replacement.) This is the best option available beyond 3d printing your own replacement parts...

For tablets any of the cheaper wacom are a decent choice like Wacom Intous Draw.(You might want to aim for a medium size tablet, I've heard a lot people find the small restrictive on arm movement)

A lot of people recommend the Huion H610 Pro as well.

For software I would personally recommend Clip Studio Paint.
It's a solid digital painting software, and right now is(and frequently is) on sale for 60% off($25USD), and even at it's full price is still more than worth it.

Otherwise there is Krita which is 100% free, and open source.

and of course Adobe Photoshop, which will cost you a monthly fee of $9.99USD.

There are plenty of other software, but I find these 3 fill the niche decently. They each behave a little differently, but essential all lead to the same result, which is dependent how you personally use them.

I keep going back to the Wacom Tablet Pen.

sketching on a Tablet takes a lot of time to get use too, I mainly use it to outline.

You can take a photo or scan in your physical drawing / doodle and start to outline it really nice. The difference is that you need to make single sweeps to get the best type of lines.

Pro M is good, it's just the keycaps that kinda suck. They aren't any worse than most others though.

You could also try a separate numpad and position it wherever's most comfortable.

I'd recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/Rantopad-Chroma-Backlight-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B01MY6U3KX
plus
https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Backlight-Portable-Magicforce-Qisan/dp/B01MZ4Z2DK

What about all of the games that use mouse only? There are great trackballs that work well for people with disabilities.

• BIGtrack Trackball (can be expanded with large buttons for feet or palms)
  
• Kensington Expert
  
• Kensington Slingblade

Most of what I know I have learned through trial and error. The class I am currently taking is my first and it focuses on basics (which has nothing to do with digital art unfortunately - I was hoping it would /sadface )

I do use a tablet. The program is PS CS6 (student edition is cheaper - or buying it from a friend who never openned theirs). I don't know if there are any classes that teach digital art (though there are a ton of books) but I know there are a lot of ambitious youtube artists that put in time teaching tips and tricks. Kienan Lafferty is one I watch a lot. I also tune into Dave Rapoza and Anthony Jones's livestreams.

Thank you so much :D

I got one of those half gloves which does wonders for keeping my sweaty hands from smudging and warping the paper. Works great. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTHAS00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0EwNAbFSM0F8H

Also a decent clipboard that I can tape the paper to and some cheap stencils because I can’t make a decent circle freehand.

That sounds interesting. Can I ask a few questions?
How well is Steam VR manipulated by just the controllers?
I'm a VR noob, but I'm interested in designing something similar to your use depending on the need.


I might steal your idea, buy something like this and tear it apart for the usb controller and the mech. keys.
3d print a housing for 5 or so keys, and have a simple strap to attach to the headset strap.


Maybe.. something like this for macro layout.
1 Volume Up
2 Volume Down
3* Toggle Mic Mute
4 Launch Steam VR (?)
5 Alt-F4 macro (on double press perhaps)


*Key 3 to have a locator bump for easy blind use.

I use the Figitsu Lifebook pen T5000 http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2 with my Pro 1 (Since it's wacom, it would work with a pro 2 as well.) The plus side is it's cheaper than the Feel stylus, it uses standard Wacom nibs (not the smaller feel ones), has two buttons and an eraser.

I also use a matte screen protector. Really helps add resistance to the pen, especially using a felt pen-nib.

I use Paint Tool SAI primarily to draw. I love it.

Not sure your budget but I own this one and can speak highly of it:

Huion KAMVAS GT-191 Drawing Tablet with HD Screen 8192 Pressure Sensitivity - 19.5 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072N2C2PB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6-97BbJCZGNZ7

Looks like you've already done a fair bit of research for what to look for. Check out the art section on Twitch and see what some of the top streamers use as well, might give you some more ideas

Sorry, yes. You can't run Photoshop on a tablet, (i.e. an iPad), but if you get a Wacom tablet, then she can draw & paint directly into Photoshop on top of her photo. Hope that makes sense!

Tablet peripherals are commonly used for osu! because it allows for natural movement of your cursor, and many beatmaps have patterns that are more difficult to perform with a mouse when compared to a tablet (e.g. shapes like squares or stars, some dubstep patterns, anything by Hollow Wings). It's not to say these things are impossible to perform on a mouse--they're absolutely possible, but the learning curve for using a tablet is significantly lower because of the natural cursor movement that comes with it.

There are guides for tablet purchasing on the osu!wiki and even here on /r/osugame, but these are somewhat out of date. Popular tablets include the Huion H420 and the Wacon CTL-480, though the latter is discontinued. Newer tablets that have come to attention include the Wacom Intuos Draw (or CTL-490) and the XP-Pen G430.

I've used this one daily for almost 2 years. There are zero bells and whistles, zero style, but I love it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTHAS00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3j.Dzb03BR7S9

I Recommend the following:

1)XP-Pen StarG640 6x4 Inch OSU! Ultrathin Tablet Drawing Tablet Digital Graphics Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus(8192 Levels Pressure) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YR2MTF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yRPgDbW7HGAYV

2) OSU Drawing Tablet VEIKK S640 Ultra-Thin 6x4 Inch Digital Drawing Pen Tablet with 8192 Levels Battery-Free Passive Pen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D34DP5M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nSPgDbS8H2MM3

3) GAOMON 6 x 5 Inches Soft Drawing Graphics Tablet Flex Pen Tablet Sign Board OSU Pad - S56K https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LL2QGXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZSPgDb19T8NX9

Hope this helps!

I've been doing a lot of research on this recently; after scouring the interweb for reviews and feedback, it looks like the Fujitsu T5000 is the best around for the SP1/SP2.

The Intuos is reasonably priced (70$, repackaged through Amazon prime). Can you give me some opinions on a few tablets? Is there a good size for the best usability, while still fitting in a backpack? Out of these few tablets, which one stands out as good/great, are any terrible?


https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Graphics-Drawing-Painting-Battery-free/dp/B01MAZ5FDL/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1505439775&sr=8-12&keywords=graphic+tablet

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BA6XQI0

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072TZ1WQ2/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i17?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B072TZ1WQ2&pd_rd_r=DEX1N07PJ49Y4YWS34D0&pd_rd_w=5gm40&pd_rd_wg=nGhes&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=R067G83EKBF3RAAH985P&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1cf9d009-399c-49e1-901a-7b8786e59436&pf_rd_i=desktop

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B010LHRFM2/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Below $100, you're looking at the cheaper Wacoms or a decent amount of Monoprice tablets. This is a pretty good one. It has 2048 levels of pressure, a 10x6.25 inch active area, 8 reprogrammable physical keys, and 16 reprogrammable soft keys. $50.

Check out the third party versions such as this but of course smaller ones if you're looking to save some money. I can see some people using tablets to write, but isn't it a bit much to lug around with you?

I'm using a Gaomon PD1560 right now, and it's been working wonderfully for me. It's $359 right now (282 in pounds, 320 in euros). Works well w Krita and Sketchbook. Fairly large screen, and it comes w a pen, glove, and a stand for the pen (w replacement tips).

If you wanna check it out, the link is [here](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WSRLC6/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B075WSRLC6&pd_rd_w=xIDYk&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=RmpJb&pf_rd_r=YD2TPX6ZK0AFXT0793JT&pd_rd_r=860ecc25-8001-11e9-9b09-4f16de09a724).


EDIT: Format didn't work. oof

I was looking at somthing like this, though I'm not sure of the quality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_o7rKDbXEWZ0S6

I'd love to be able to replace the numlock key with a 0 and the 0 with a SPACE.

If you want something built like a tank, you might want to try one of the CST trackballs - they're available in several variants, including a beige one to match old keyboards.

If you want something more ergonomic, there's the new Elecom HUGE, but as it just came out a few days ago, we don't know how long it'll last.

And finally, if you want retro, nothing beats the good old Microsoft Trackball Explorer, but it's out of production for well over a decade and might be expensive. (but can be bought cheaply if you're willing to spend some time, use google translate and look for it on eastern/central european auction sites or taobao) - but, like most old trackballs, its DPI is really meh and you'll probably have to replce the bearings or it'll feel scratchy.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=a9_asi_1?rh=i%3Aelectronics%2Ck%3Atouch+screen+monitor&keywords=touch+screen+monitor&ie=UTF8&qid=1493224706

https://www.amazon.com/Planar-PXL2230MW-22-Inch-16-Touchscreen/dp/B00BBLFOY4/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493224785&sr=1-10&keywords=touch%2Bscreen%2Bmonitor&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Planar-PCT2235-Screen-Monitor-Helium/dp/B01E06JSI4/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493224785&sr=1-4&keywords=touch+screen+monitor

The only reaosnably priced and sized options i can find on amazon. But I would really suggest getting a normal IPS monitor and a Wacom drawing tablet, which can be upgraded indepently and should make the drawing process way more natural feeling.

Assuming you can get a $100 monitor itll work out the same

https://www.amazon.com/Huion-H610-Pro-Graphic-Carrying/dp/B00ZWRSQ4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493225137&sr=1-5&keywords=drawing+tablet

https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-CTL490DW-Digital-Drawing-Graphics/dp/B010LHRFM2/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493225137&sr=1-4&keywords=drawing+tablet

No problem. Also, if you do buy a tablet, the Huion H420 is cheap, but the pen requires a battery which kinda makes the Pen heavy.

That one I linked I like but if you can't afford that, the same company makes This one: XP-Pen G430S which is smaller, but 22.99 rather than 32.99. But I recommend just spending the extra $10.

Noticed Amazon has this side by side. http://prntscr.com/l7v32r

There's cheap Numberpads on Amazon with Gateron switches like [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/Promotion-Mechanical-Backlight-Magicforce-Qisan/dp/B01MZ4Z2DK?crid=3EWF91TMB5K88&keywords=number+pad+mechanical&qid=1536011076&sprefix=Numberpad+mech&sr=8-1&ref=mp_s_a_1_1). That's much cheaper and easier to find than entire boards with the numpad on the left.

I guess it's just personal preference but when I first switched from mouse to mouse+keyboard it took some time to get used to then i got a tablet and it felt amazing,it went so smooth,a mouse sometimes slips away,tablet doesn't on top of that with a mouse you have to move a whole brick,with tablet its only a stick.I think mouse players can be exactly as good or better than tablet players but for me tablet is easier,for those of you who are considering buying a tablet:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Huion-Signature-Digital-Wireless-Capture-black/dp/B00DM24HNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415459320&sr=8-2&keywords=H420
it really doesn't cost that much and it's the official tablet without the skin.I love it

The first tablet I ever had was some cheapo bamboo 20 dollar bin sale garbage. It was maximum trash, BUT a good doorway to digital. And I didn’t feel guilty if i wasn’t drawing on it all the time because it was cheap garbage, so I gradually got used to tablet stuff until years later I got an expensive tablet for semiprofessional use. If you, like me, find yourself crippled by boundless anxiety and self-loathing, I absolutely recommend starting with cheap trash and working your way up over time as strangers on the internet validate your life choices. Also, a ton of my art friends who also started with cheap trash told me they loved monoprice tablets because they were cheap but not glitchy like my old bamboo.

So I have this weird two finger glove that I use with my Wacom tablet. One day I decided to try it with my Xbox controller and turns out it is super comfy and wicks away moisture. Looks goofy but would recommend.

I am using a tablet (wacom bamboo. I haven't really been too good with line weight so I generally just remove that feature, although I have started practicing with it more, also I'm using Photoshop cs6, could u recommend a brush for this kind of art?

• MTE = Microsoft Trackball Explorer
  
• LCOT = Logitech Cordless Optical TrackMan
  
• LCTFX = Logitech Cordless TrackMan FX
  
  These are older/discontinued models. The Elecoms are new/still being made. I have both the Huge (which is aptly named) and the Deft (considerably smaller) and I really like both. I have the wired versions, so I can't speak to the quality of the wireless/bluetooth. I've not tried the Deft Pro; it seems to be something of a middle ground between the Deft and Huge.
  
  E: added details and links

Hmmm, you know there are num pads that can even be a calculator?

Look at the Ducky Pocket, or this one made for data entry.

The best num pad might not be attached to your keyboard.

I ordered this one from amazon to have a spare around. I like the feel of it in my hand more than the stock stylus actually, and it also has an eraser button on it like the stock one. It has an extra button too that supposedly you can make use of somehow but I haven't bothered thus far.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00791UTH2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They all look like this... https://www.amazon.com/Huion-Artist-Glove-Drawing-Tablet/dp/B00VTHAS00
It's made out of a thin satiny material that glides over everything.

However...

I got one for a dollar on ebay from China and the seam between fingers is coming undone... Next time I'll do more research. But you can buy a $15 one or fifteen $1 gloves from China honestly.

I got something like this except mine wasn't backlit. It's solidly built, cheap, and the mechanical keys feel much nicer than your standard membrane or scissor switches.

Take it one step further and get a high quality trackball. Not only will you take strain off your wrist and arm, most people find them to be much more efficient and accurate to use.

I haven't used a mouse (at my own desk anyway) for over fifteen years.




EDIT: These are the two i have and recommend:




Microsoft Trackball explorer. Been on my desk for over a decade.

Logitech TrackMan Marble FX

Ignor the high prices in those links, they can be found much much cheaper.

Try eBay if you want the original Microsoft one, or you can buy the Fujitsu Digitizer Pen or the Wacom Feel pen on Amazon.



Fujitsu Digitizer Pen on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1424495854&sr=8-5


Wacom Bamboo Feel Stylus:
http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-CS300UK-Samsung-Pen-Enabled-Tablets/dp/B00ATK90XE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426212435&sr=8-1&keywords=wacom+feel

Can you post up the config files for the game? That way users can simply drop them in?


On a side note, I have thought about adding something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Numeric-Backlit-Desktop-Computer/dp/B07FFLNF5C/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?keywords=keypad&qid=1558538728&s=gateway&sr=8-22-spons&psc=1 for quick swapping profiles. A dedicated device.

I have tried some of the cheaper Wacom offerings and been pretty disappointed, this tablet is what I've been using for about two years and for 40 bucks you really can't go wrong. Physically, it's a little large but the precision is way better than the cheaper intuos series tablets.

The Logitech Trackman Marble FX. Best input device ever made, as far as I'm concerned.

Kensington Slimblade Trackball USB 2.0 for PC and Mac, K72327US by Kensington

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MTE32Y/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_5q9htb181B7EQ

Hands down the best $90 I've ever spent.

And this is an alround great tablet, I've actually owned and used this same model.
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-6-25-inch-Graphic-Drawing-Tablet/dp/B00H4LAF9O/ref=sr_1_65?ie=UTF8&qid=1503863155&sr=8-65&keywords=wacom

Huge drawing surface, tons of pressure levels for the price.

XP-PEN G540 or G430 are the best tablets for osu at the moment.

I made the same switch and love it.

If size is a concern, look into the Huge, though personally I found that too big for me.

My Elecom Huge has been rather quiet. I haven't had it long, less than a week so far. Others can probably comment better, but it seems to fit what you are looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/StarG640-Ultrathin-Graphics-Battery-Free-Pressure/dp/B078YR2MTF/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=osu+tablet&qid=1565809636&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExV1I1SlFMQ1NMMjRFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDQ1MTg3MlRUSlcyRlhVODA5SCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTM2MjA3UzJCSTBDQ0dIUVI1JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

That’s what I use and it’s worked perfectly for over 4 months now. IMO you can’t beat it for $30.

In question to the text comment (not the title).

I stand by the Wacom Tablet PC pen, Fujitsu Lifebook Pen.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408563336&sr=8-1&keywords=lifebook+pen

Two side buttons and an eraser end alongside the writing end tip. Light as a pencil and handles just as such. The only gripe with it is, there is no pocket clip, but a loop to secure a small clippable keyring.

More pens to consider here. Pricing would vary across the board as well as availability.

http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/microsoft/55416-tabletpc-compatible-wacom-pens-work-surface-pro.html

Best stylus I've used to date - can not recommend it enough!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00791UTH2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I feel like for normal windows stuff that I track better (or more accurately?) with a trackball than a normal mouse. If you get a good one (trackball), they're amazing; and I you get a bad one (e.g. a thumb trackball) you're in for some pain and anger.

The only reason I get gaming mice at all is because of video games and 360 flick headshots. Trackballs (not the thumb ones) and ergonomics go hand in hand.

Here are a couple trackballs I would check out:

1 and 2 but maybe check out /r/trackballs

I have been looking at the wacom bamboo stylus suggested, but this stylus has had my interest so far. I like the idea of an extra button on the side and it has an eraser, too. I'll probably order it tomorrow if not tonight.

Sounds like you would like the Fujitsu T5000

Looks like smallest Intuos Pro fits that bill.

I have an older version Intuos that I like a lot.

I am very happy with my tablet - Wacomb Bamboo Tab

Personally, I found that I tend to consume media - read, watch, listen, click through links, etc - whenever I was away from a desk/table/counter/whatever with my last laptop.

I find that when I need to work or play I'm usually at some sort of sensible horizontal surface.

So, for me, the SP4 made perfect sense. I hate laptop keyboards with an intensity that makes other people uncomfortable and hate touchpads even more - so I use my SP4 with a Bluetooth mechanical keyboard and a Bluetooth trackball and I couldn't be happier. <3

Well, actually, my next KB will be a 60% BT, but whatever. The point is, I never seem to miss my keyboard when I'm away from it and my usage habits seem pretty typical to me from conversations with other people.

THE DRAWING TABLET!

Make your dreams a reality!!!!


Enter /u/i_draw_dinosaurs contests!!

Have drawings your children do forever BECAUSE THEY ARE DIGITALLLLLLLLLLLL!

I know it's a little over $50.... But I still think you should do it!

I haven't used it but these are supposed to be nice:
http://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

Ohh so it doesnt overheat it just get really hot? (I would totally say that it overheats tho nudge nudge)

Anyways, i dont use a display tablet, i use a normal graphics one. The H640p to be exact.

Displays you would likely be interested in are:

• Huion KAMVAS Pro 13 GT-133
  
  
• Huion KAMVAS GT-191
  
  
• Huion KAMVAS GT-190
  
  
• Huion GT-220 v2
  
  All of which are bounds cheaper than the MSP 13.
  
  
  

Probably not. You won't get a good feel for actual drawing and there isn't really a good drawing app for an iPhone.

Just buy a decent cheap drawing tablet (like this one for only 30 dollars: https://www.amazon.com/HUION-H420-Graphics-Drawing-Signature/dp/B00DM24HNE ) and use free software like Krita.

I actually used that one for a while and had to stop using it because it was putting a lot of stress on my thumb and causing me new pain. I like ones like the Kensignton Expert but it does take some time to get used to. It did take a while to heal up with that through. And although I can't speak to your particular case of RSI my biggest helpers in relieving my pain was through chiropractic care and trigger-point massage.

You know how sometimes you try something, and it just feels "right"? You come into contact with it, and something twangs deep inside your gut, and you know you'll never find better than that. My first and only trackball mouse is the only computer component that fits in that category for me.

Logitech's brilliant-but-cancelled Trackman Marble FX(ridiculously overpriced link) is the standard that all other trackball mice should strive to achieve. Amazingly comfortable, no sense-memory learning curve, ridiculously precise -- best they ever made. Used mine for the better part of a decade (though it was terrible for many games). When it finally gave up the ghost, I discovered to my great lamentation that Logitech had discontinued it. I am pathologically unable to use any of their trackball thumb mice, so now I'm back to a traditional mouse. It saddens me to know that I'll likely never have another one, but at least I can tell my future grandkids that there was a mouse like that.

I've only used finger controlled ones myself, because i don't like the idea of just using my thumb, and I'm not a gamer. I started out with the kensington orbit optical, and I recently upgraded to the kensington slimblade. I've been extremely happy with both.

I'll look into this. Thanks for putting it on my radar. I've been considering an upgrade since I'm really starting to improve at the game and I want to hit higher level maps.

Checking out this tablet and I might purchase it after some research.

Budget?

There's the Ducky Pocket, which can also be used as a calculator.

For a less-expensive option, maybe the Magicforce numpad. I don't really know if it's good or bad, but a lot of people like the Magicforce 68.

CTL-480

CTL-471

Huion 420

XP-Pen G430

Personally I would recommend the CTL-480

Its a Wacom EMR (it goes by the name "feel-it" under the driver name) digitizer. So, look for pens that work w/ that.
The Fujitsu Lifebook pen works very well, as does the wacom bamboo feel pen (though i don't recommend it due to the button being flush w/ the pen and the pen being prohibitively back heavy w/ the cap on.).

Personally i'd recommend the Lifebook pen. https://www.amazon.com/Fujitsu-Digitizer-replacement-Stylus-T5000/dp/B00791UTH2

Also, download Wacom's feel-it drivers since they come with settings to customize button output.

What's cheap to you? Under 100?

Considering the market, I grabbed this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072N2C2PB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for 300 and am satisfied with it.

Ewww I hate 'hand on top of trackballs' ever since needing them for SPARCstations. This is my fav, though has same button issues: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-TrackMan-Marble-FX-Trackball/dp/B00000JBUI

Ah, that's a bit outside what I'm comfortable with paying for right now. There's a Turcom tablet that looks identical to that, though... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A40GPM8

ugh, why the thumb trackball? From my experience, they're less precise and a bit more fatiguing on my hand than something like a regular trackball mouse.

Add some programmable buttons like the Kensington Pro and make it a finger-operated trackball; I'd gobble that up.

just wondering would I be better off getting the older model small version while the last few are being sold before this new model fully replaces it ?

For a pretty decent, and inexpensive tablet, I'd get this Wacom one.

Lets just buy her everything!

This tablet seems really cool!

I have a XP-Pen StarG640. It has a 6x4in working area, and has a lightweight pen as it doesn't use batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/StarG640-Ultrathin-Graphics-Battery-Free-Pressure/dp/B078YR2MTF/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538284910&sr=8-2&keywords=xppen+starg640

Let me know if you're interested.

Looks good, I use this one from time to time.

A good size, price ($30) and quality, [XP-Pen StarG640] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YR2MTF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DZMLAbMSPMFRJ)

60% keyboards let you position your mouse closer to WASD, so I feel it is more ergonomic for gaming. I usually go [60% Keyboard] [Mouse] [Numpad] on my desk, because when I use a numpad I am rarely also using my mouse.

The good part about having a separate Numpad is I can put it in a drawer when I don't need it, or move it to my left and use it as a macro pad for other apps when I don't need to enter numbers.

Edit: I use a 60% keyboard + separate numpad both at home and work. At work I use a numpad / macropad with customized legends: ELSRA USB Wired Programming Numeric Keypad ControlPad
I got this one to use with my laptop when I was taking an Accounting class in college, that I now keep in my drawer at home: ROTTAY Mechanical USB Wired Numeric Keypad with Blue LED Backlit

Well, at around $50 you have this one. It looks good to me, I've heard good things about the brand, but I haven't used it personally.

​

A big factor is size, I'd say it's big enough for the price.

Not sure about Linux compatibility though.

Mechanical numpad is a thing. This is a popular one, you can also get it in blue or red switch.

two dollars over budget.

( sorry.

seriously though, if youre in the market for a budget tablet, that might be your best bet. check out the frenden review here.

*edit - as for the making things easier... *shrugs I used to use a tablet. then i switched to a mouse when my tablet died (it was like 9 or 10 years old though). i used a mouse for a couple years. i just recently got a new wacom for my birthday and ive been using that exclusively for the last little bit.

TBH, i think it comes down to you. if youre doing alot of paint-based things.... like sculpting, joint-weighting, vertex mapping....that kinda stuff is definitely easier. everything else? meh. its totally a preference. I'm kinda indifferent to one or the other. but my mouse died so... now i use a tablet. my CTS/RSI ^^^*web ^^^md ^^^diagnosed acts up alot less though...which is a big bonus with the tablet at the moment.


(also if youve never used a tablet before, it'll take some getting used to at first)

I have a Wacom Intuos3 6x8 Tablet. Interested in the SNES/GBA/PS1 games.

http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Intuos-Small-Tablet-CTL480/dp/B00EN27TCI/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

http://www.amazon.com/Huion-Inches-Signature-Digital-Cordless/dp/B00DM24HNE

if you can shell out the extra $20 i'd suggest the wacom one because it has a bigger active area & doesn't take batteries (but i hear you only have to replace the huion's batteries every month or so)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BA6XQI0/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01BA6XQI0&pd_rd_wg=BVqjq&pd_rd_r=X4CQS9B1E6Q9G89Y8MKW&pd_rd_w=Nse0i

Source if anyone is interested

You can get a Logitech M570 pretty much anywhere they sell mice, including stores like Target or Staples. Amazon has refurbished ones for about $20. That's a "thumb-style" which means you'll be using your thumb to drive the ball. There are also finger-styles like the Logitech Trackman or the Kensington Orbit. I'm currently using and liking a Kensington Slimblade but at $85 it might be a bit steep for someone who might not even like this particular input method.

Stop by /r/Trackballs for more detailed suggestions and discussion. There are dozens of us!

The new intuos models aren't too expensive and they're still very good x x

Still, you don't really need a super fancy tablet to do good stuff, it does make it easier for some people but I have friends who have had no trouble just staying with their old bamboo for years or a regular intuos tablet

The final solution to the cursed mark of the gamer!

http://www.amazon.com/Huion-Artist-Glove-Drawing-Tablet/dp/B00VTHAS00

Not yet. I'm thinking about getting something like the Kensington Slimblade

You can search "artist glove" and it will be gloves specifically made for tablet artists.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Huion-Artist-Glove-Drawing-Tablet/dp/B00VTHAS00

Something like this?

Huion makes a copycat that I know some people like. I have tried it, and found it laggy (with a then 4-year old macbook pro).

The Elecom HUGE is what I use. If you have especially small hands, the Elecom Deft that /u/Aperture_Kubi linked to could be good as well, but it's quite small relative to other fingerballs.