(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best computer input devices

2nd year Uni animation student here.

As for tablets, if you want one with a display:

XP-Pen is the best Wacom alternative (and one of the cheapest) as of now. I would suggest buying their Artist 15.6 PRO, Artist 22E Pro or, if you want an even cheaper one, Artist 12.

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Artist 15.6 Pro

Has a really good pen with tilt function, which needs charging, but last about forever on one charge. It's around 380-400$ US.

Amazon link

Official XP-Pen store on Aliexpress (bought from them 3 times, no problems at all) ALMOST EVERY PRODUCT IS CHEAPER HERE THAN ON AMAZON!!!

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Artist 22E Pro

If you want something bigger (and pricier), then the Artist 22E Pro is an amazing Graphic Display, comes with 2 pens and I can vouch for it, since both me and my girlfriend use it since last year, with no problems. No tilt function tho. Around 470-500$ USw.

Amazon link

Aliexpress link

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Artist 12

If you want something smaller and cheaper. Has a non-battery pen, small form factor and costs around 250$ US.

Amazon link

Aliexpress link

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Behind XP-Pen, Huion is a really close second best, so if non of these are to your liking, taking a look at their products is worth a shot as well.

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As for software. I'm assuming you are a relative beginner, so no need to get fancy. Professional grade animation software cost A LOT, like, a couple hundred dollars a month/ around a 1000$ up front lot. And they barely give any advantages to a beginner for that price.

You'll just need something to learn the basics with, and for that, pretty much any software will do.

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FREE

Krita is your best bet.

Although it lacks some functions, it is quickly improving and is constantly updated and worked on. it is also completely free to use and make works with.

Krita's Official Site

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PAID

Clip Studio Paint Ex is really good, if you are willing to pay some money.

It is constantly getting new animation functions, some Japanese studios use it and you can make pretty much professional grade stuff with it.

It's an illustration and comic software first and foremost (pretty much the best at that), so you're not only getting a good animation tool for your money, but also the best illustration and manga software money can buy. Many Japanese comic artist, DC, Marvel and Image Comics artists use it for their work.

It also has a material hub for all users, where you can get a lot of brushes, textures etc. that other users upload. Some of them are paid, but a good bunch of them are free, and really good.

Price

It costs 219$ at base price, but they have sales about 2-4 times a year (almost every season), when they have an AT LEAST 50% discount, so it's pretty easy to get it for 110$>. And getting a top notch illustration software with really good animation functions is a killer death for that price.

CPS Official Site

I also use Clip Studio for everything I do, with some very handy free add-ons to make it even simpler to use. Link to one of my things, fully animated in Clip Studio.

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!!DISCLAIMER!!

NEVER buy Clip Studio Paint PRO for animation! It limits your animation length to 24 frames per file, witch makes it useless for any real animation work!

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Blender also started somewhat focusing on 2D animation in their newest version (2.8, which is in Beta, as of now). It's very promising, but not good for real work or beginner practice yet. It's needlessly messy and complicated to learn and use, and lacks a lot of very basics 2D animation functions.

Since Blender is completely free, it's worth checking out, but don't bet on using it for anything major.

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You will also need video editing software, but there are tons of those. Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects and DaVinci Resovle are the best ones.

Adobe has a subscription system, meaning you'll have to pay monthly to use their software. The price changes depending on what you use, so it's best to check out their site.

Adobe's Pricing on their site

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DaVinci Resolve is completely free to use, but has a somewhat unusual, node based UI. It is every bit as powerful as Premiere Pro after learning it, though.

Davinci Resolve 15's site (The download button is on the very bottom of the loooong site.)

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Some other free options:

OpenShot

Natron

Shotcut

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Non of these free options are anywhere near as strong as DaVinci or Adobe's software, but are completely usable and have every basic (and some handy extra) functions you may need.

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.

As a start, I suggest going for Huion tablets that are bigger than 9 inch. They're much comfortable to draw with for being a "medium-size" and closer to the A4 paper. Of course smaller sizes aren't bad, but medium sizes are better in the long run and you don't have to worry about upgrading or taking care of your wrists.

I certainly recommend the Huion H950P or H1060P because these two are really good tablets that should serve you well as a start and very simple for beginners. But if you really want to save budget; the H610 PRO V2 can also do well (despite being in slightly lower quality in terms of built but if you don't care for those then it shouldn't bother you much.)

And if you're starting out digital art, there's plenty of free art programs like Sketchbook (the most simplest one), FireAlpaca, Medibang and Krita. They're free (as I mentioned) and have many guides, so take it easy before you decide to buy any paid art programs.

You don't have to be "good at drawing" to buy a tablet, its mainly a tool to help you draw and there's nothing bad about buying something just to see how much you will like it or not. It's also great to take opportunity during these Black Friday/Christmas deals.

I hope that helps, and good luck :>

Awesome, thanks.

I don't know which laptops are good these days, but the brands I trust are HP, Asus, and Acer. Since you're not going to be doing anything resource-intensive, you could look for anything under $400-ish. Check out this article for some recommendations. If you're going to look on your own, be sure to check the reviews and make sure there are no huge, common problems.

For drawing tablets, the Huion H610 Pro is recommended often, but you can get a good beginner drawing tablet for under $100. Popular brands I see are Huion, XP-Pen, and GAOMON.

For programs, I would recommend GIMP or MediBang Paint Pro. I've personally used both for various projects. They're both free and they work well. Should be easy to understand if you mess around with them.

Alternatively, if you got anything off the Microsoft Surface line, you would be combining the laptop and the tablet, and possibly saving money. Something to look into. The new Surface Go starts at $399.99.

Hope this helps a bit. Feel free to ask if you have more questions. I'll see what I can do.

If you're running Win10, have a look at the Xodo app to annotate PDF's. It works surprisingly well across multiple platforms. Then check out the Huion H610 Pro. It's $60-ish on Amazon, and works pretty decent. My desk looks a little "busy" with a 3D mouse, keyboard, mouse, and tablet all sitting here, but I use them all at least once a day. Often times for hours on end, so they stay.

The (3)-22in 1080 monitors is really a pretty great setup. Only thing I might consider changing is upgrading them all to 4k resolution. I REALLY like the clarity of the 4k display when doing 3D modelling and FEA work. The full HD (FHD) screens are nice, but the 4k is really stunning. The mismatch at home is really quite frustrating. To the point I often don't even use the second screen, and just muddle through with the single 14in laptop screen. I don't work from home often, so it's not a big deal.

I'm very fortunate in that my company is VERY progressive on technology. I don't think there is anyone in the building that doesn't have at least two monitors. Most of us have 3, and the drafting guys all have 4. If you're doing work that requires having 5-6 windows open at a single time, then they really can't be beat.

With all that said, I'm looking at a new position at a new company that is 100% work from home. If that comes through, I'll most likely pickup a new laptop (probably another Thinkpad X1 Yoga), and will run a docking station with an external GPU and probably (3)-22in 4k monitors. It's important enough for me to have this real estate when working that I'll cover the cost of that outside of whatever the company pays.

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.

• Fire TV Stick, which is a lower-cost alternative to the awesome Fire TV. (think Apple TV, but actually good)
  
  
• Raspberry Pi which is a tiny fully-functional/fully-featured ARM computer.
  
  
• Arduino, which is an easy-to-use electronics prototyping platform, great if you're interested in learning how to make your own electronics and whatnot. (you might also want this, this, this, this, and this. Should be less than $40 altogether, though you could also probably find like a starter kit that comes with an arduino, book, and components.)
  
  
• Huion drawing tablet, great for if you want to do digital art. I haven't used this model specifically, but I do have the (bigger/more expensive) Huion 610 Pro, which I love.
  
  
• Amazon Prime student was like $40 IIRC, not sure if that has changed though.

I like XP-Pen Deco01 pen drawing tablet because it has a good size and you can put the pen in that blue fabric thing in the top. It's also really good to work with and it has like some other cool things it can do. But I have only tried one other than that one and I remember when I tried it for the first time it was really good and also very easy to get used to! My friend :iconjinxbc: was the one who sugested it for me and I was really happy that she did!
And with paint tool sai, it's easier than other programs to draw strait lines and it's also way more cheap than Photoshop for example!
https://www.amazon.com/10x6-25-Graphics-Battery-free-shortcut-pressure/dp/B077P6BQP7
Hope this helped you ^^

My main job is creating educational videos, I work for a university creating all kinds of online content/course content (Engineering school so mostly math, science, etc), so I have a few ideas for what you can do. I do everything from just recording lectures to greenscreen + animations. The simplest and cheapest setup would be to use your phone on a tripod and a wired lav mic. If the lighting in your room is good (a big window or lots of lights in the room) that should be fine, but you can also get a [cheap lighting kit](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017D7W57S?ie=UTF8&tag=maxwell032-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B017D7W57S).

If you want to go a bit more interesting, you could try a light board (these are getting more popular). Sample Video here and How to build one. More money ($300-$1500 depending if you want to use a proper camera or your phone still) but the content can be more engaging and easier to use.

Another style that's becoming popular is to use a tablet while recording to superimpose writing overtop of video. I have also seen an overhead angle used to show a tabletop with paper to write on.

Let me know if you need any help! Happy to talk about this kind of stuff.

Links to store stuff are affiliate links

Hey, $100 is pretty tight but here is the best I could think up.

Tablet - $49

Adobe Flash 30 day free trial

The Animator's Survival kit - used $31.50

Total price: $80.50

If you find that you love animation, then that book will teach you everything you'll need. After the 30 day trial, you can look into other programs like ToomBoom, or paying the monthly fee for the Creative Cloud.

Goodluck!

I work in tandem. I have a Cintiq 12wx.

It's great, really great but I do run up against resolution or color depth limitations at times, so I still use a mouse when I throw the work on my second screen. When I remember, I even just run the image in tandem duplication on my two screens so one is keyboard and mouse, the other is drawing...but in the end I had to get a bigger desk before I felt like I had a really good workflow.

However, anytime I need to do controlled 'edging' of any type...tablet 100%. Curves, and other more technical controlling I still feel most comfortable with the mouse.

That may change though, I keep pushing myself to use the tablet more, and I keep using it more fluidly because of that...I'm also left handed, and use a mouse with my right...so it can get pretty wild with devices in each hand too. Consider me the Zach Galifnakis of computer use; it works just fine, but it doesn't make any sense.

The huion seems like a good choice! There's also cheap Wacom tablets under a 100 euros now. They are fairly small but they have solid software. A lot of cheaper brands tend to have more software issues. I got this one for my birthday last year:

https://www.amazon.com/Star05-Wireless-Graphics-Painting-Battery-free/dp/B01MAZ5FDL/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1525384786&sr=1-3&keywords=xp+pen+star+05&dpID=31Zxxne6OqL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I like it, but it has its flaws. Like, my pc is relatively, not crazy, far away from my desk, so sometimes the wireless function doesn't work flawlessly until I slightly move my tablet towards the usb receiver in my desktop. Also I can't use the tablet while it's charging on cable. These are all things to consider!

Also there are a lot of graphics tablets that have a pen that needs to be charged, I specifically wanted one that doesn't need to be charged because that's what I was used to from my old, cheap wacom. If it's battery charged it's usually quite a bit heavier too. I don't know if you've owned a drawing tablet before but personally I like the lighter pens.

Overall huion has been growing as a great alternative for wacom, with their software stabilizing more recently! ( A newer model will probably have better, more stable software too)

I've been interested in getting a display tablet myself, but they're crazy expensive T-T

I'm a design engineer, so 80%+ of my day is CAD modeling. I use an (ELECOM)[https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016QCPNUW/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile] wireless trackball for my main mouse hand, and I have a 3Dconnection SpacePilot Pro for my secondary hand. I absolutely love both of those. I love that particular trackball because it has three proper finger buttons, so I have a real middle mouse button instead of having to use (and wear out ) the scroll wheel button. I've been using track balls for close to 5 years of constant CAD work with no hand pains. Last year when my fourth Logitech trackball broke, I got a Logitech MX master, but it started giving me wrist pains after 2 weeks of use. That's when I found the ELECOM. If you are heavy into 3D in CAD, and tend to visualize in 3D, then the trackball is worth exploring. At $40 it should be easy to convince your boss to buy you one. My productivity increase is orders of magnitude more valuable than the cost of all the different nice I've used. I just need took find a way to justify a proper mech keyboard once my MS sculpt keyboard eventually dies.

Shhh, you're going to call the controversy carols into this room with those K3KCs haha.

Wait, they don't make a beige 45g RF? I could've swore they did, but now that I'm thinking, I don't remember a user with one. A dome swap would be pretty cool to do though, but not sure what you would do with your extra RF87U (maybe one for work and one for home?).

I wish there were more finger trackballs with quality equitable to the CST. I've recently ordered Elecom's new finger trackball from Japan and should have it sometime this week according to tracking. I'll be writing about my inital impressions of it when I receive it and probably a review a month later. I'm hoping it'll be smooth and awesome.

Note: I have smallish hands for a guy.

I have the Elecom wired version, and I love everything about it. It's a little smaller than the Logitech, but I don't have any problem with it. For $48, I suggest you take the plunge. Give it a couple weeks to get used to the size if your first impression is "wow this is small".

What I do have problems with are huge trackballs the size of pool-balls, e.g. the CST trackballs.

Note: previous trackballs were the Microsoft Trackball Explorer and then the Logitech Cordless Optical Trackman. The MS was my all-time favorite, but I wore it out in about 5 years. The Logitech was good, but I wasn't in love with it. I actually prefer the Elecom to it. The MS is still the winner, and if I found a stash of a dozen new ones at a reasonable price I'd snap them all up. :)

1. School supply? Not necessarily-but if you have a daughter who doesn't already use perfume, you may soon want these.
   
2. If the kids are jealous, they'd better keep it to themselves.
   
3. Should humor fail to make your teacher smile, you can always give her these.
   
4. No matter what subject you're taking, one of these babies can't possibly hurt.
   
5. As a kid, I loved swinging on the swings.
   
6. It's a pillow, it's a pet, and now it's a mascot!
   
7. Though my mom never packed cookie dough in my lunch as a kid, it's still delicious. Best part of being an adult is that you get to eat cookie dough as your WHOLE lunch!
   
8. One of the funniest books I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
   
9. Classic backpack. The sturdiest backpack I ever owned.
   
10. Naptime!
    
    In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.

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.

The first tablet I ever had was a Wacom Bamboo that I got for $70 with a student discount, and it was always pretty reliable. I haven't had one in a while, but Wacom still sells cheap tablets for people who want to start out with digital. Looks like the Intuos is their new cheap tablet and it comes with free downloads of art software. It's $100 on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Intuos-Small-Bluetooth-CTL4100WLK0/dp/B079J2FSQ7
Again, I haven't used one of these in a while since I got a Cintiq, but Wacom is usually considered to have the best tablets.

I'm new to trackballs. I'm very good with a mouse(good as sniper on FPS games), but I'm always looking for mice that allow my finger dexterity to control the cursor. I just get the feeling that being able to use a trackball would be interesting and have some advantages. I also like being lazy and not needing a large desk.

I ordered an M570 but it is delayed and probably not going to be delivered. I'm worried though, that the thumb trackball might not give me the precision I'm looking for.

I like the look for the Elecom M-DT2 but I'm scared of making the wrong choice.

What kind of games do you play with the M-XT3? I like playing TF2 as a Sniper, I'm very good at it. Would your mouse allow for precision sniping? Or would a M-DT2 allow for better precision for sniping etc? https://www.amazon.com/ELECOM-M-DT2URBK-Trackball-finger-function/dp/B0171QQ7IY

PS* I know I'm going to be awful for a long time but trackballs.

Asus Vivotab Note 8 - A friend let me know about this, it uses wacom technology and is around/under $200. This is pretty much the only tablet this cheap where you can actually draw on the "screen" that I've found.

http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/forums/asus.1024/ --> forums on the tablet that can give you more info.

There were a couple others that are more expensive: [$300-$400]

Old cintiq model: https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Cintiq-12WX-12-Inch-Display/dp/B00115OFJK/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1475485795&sr=1-5&keywords=cintiq+13hd

Chinese brand (Huion): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LA0NONE?tag=artprdus-20&link_code=ur2&creative=9325&camp=211189

This other one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009QQ7BG0?tag=artprdus-20&link_code=ur2&creative=9325&camp=211189

As someone with a screen-less tablet looking to upgrade I'd definitely recommend looking into these - I'm sure your SO would love being able to draw directly on the screen.

And she can then later upgrade if she likes it to a cheaper cintiq or surface studio; maybe something like lenovo yoga book or iPad pro depending on her needs.

We purchased this one. We did check out a few of the highly recommended tablets, but all were quite expensive for an 11 yo. This one was in a list of good beginner tablets, and happened to have a 25% of coupon that day. We dont want to sink a butt load of money in just yet, as kids can quickly drop things, however, I dont want it to be so crappy she loses interest entirely.

XP-PEN Deco 01 10x6.25 Inch Digital Graphics Drawing Tablet Drawing Pen Tablet with Battery-Free Passive Stylus and 8 Shortcut Keys (8192 Levels Pressure) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077P6BQP7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kFSZDb1T4PZAY

Do you know anything about it?


For the frew software, would FireAplaca be your top suggestion?

Any good YouTube channels that could help her? I'm not ready for her to venture on to reddit just yet, lol

>Wacom Bamboo Touch tablet

Thank you, I appreciate that. It's been rough for him as he used to have a lot of hobbies like woodworking, model airplanes, etc. and not he can't do them.

That looks interesting, appears it's gone up in price as Amazon has it for $174. A good starting point, thank you!

Edit: Scratch that, I guess I was looking at an older model. Looks like it's still about $80 https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-Capture-Tablet-CTH470/dp/B005HGBEZ2

Edit 2: There's also a newer model, if anyone else it looking for this sort of thign: https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Wireless-Software-Included-CTL4100WLK0/dp/B079J2FSQ7/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

I'm not an expert on CPUs, but the main factor that applies is the core speed and the number of cores. If you're not gaming or running CAD programs, you shouldn't need the extra cores as far as I can tell. RAM is also fairly important in the work that you're doing. It wouldn't be a step back from what I can tell, mainly because the i5 is a newer model.

In terms of the numbpad, only 15.6" and up will have them. 14" and below won't have them. You can always shop around for an external numbpad, and you actually may find it more comfortable than a regular one. Here's the cheapest, best rated one, and here's a search page for them.

You said that you like the Y40's look, so maybe consider its older brother - the Y50. The only thing about it that you won't like is that it has dedicated graphics (which you won't need). That will add to the weight and make it a pricier machine. Even so, the price is still in your range.

You're not dreaming, I'm just having trouble finding a laptop that:

• is around $1000
  
• has a numbpad (effectively making it a 15.6" or above)
  
• is moderately slim and lightweight (< 4/5 lbs. && ~ 1 in. thick)
  
• has a core speed of around ~2.5-3GHz (4th gen i5 or i7)
  
• has at least 8GB RAM
  
  
  Does that accurately reflect your restrictions / preferences? The only real trouble I'm running into now are the first three bullets. To have a numbpad makes it a 15.6", and to be 15.6", it won't be very light without breaking $1000 easily.
  
  Sorry to not be able to give you another model, but help me out with that one question, could you live with an external numbpad?

I can understand wanting a tablet. I have my own dreams.... Dreams that don't involve a trail of physical evidence, so what benefits you, will probably benefit me too since I'll at least know where to find one cheap. Well, cheap-ish.

Newegg
I've seen this, or a similar tablet by the same brand at my local staples for about 50 dollars. not sure if it's at all, but seems like a good starter.

I always look for things that have been rated, but that's me. Better to return something to a store, than to pay for shipping to return something. Still, these three look good
Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

There's also Tigerdirect, though, I'd look for reviews about a specific product.

If all else fails, you can always get one of these

What I'm using now. I went from an M570 to this. I've had it about half a year now, no qualms. I loved the M570 but it simply didn't last for me. The only problem with the Elecom is that it doesn't track the stock trackball well. It's best to swap it with the blue Logitech ball. Overall, the Elecom feels better built and the switches are very responsive.

I considered that and the slimblade. The wrist rests are nice, and I really like the one on the Elecom Huge.

Although I realize they have scroll wheels as well, I also wanted scroll wheel tilt. Wish I could get just like 2 scroll wheels, actually I basically want this


But I guess I will try the M-XT3DRBK and see how that goes. After that I guess I am out of options and will just go back to using an MX Master mouse.

I'm using the XP pen artist 12. Its my second tablet and I really like it. Sometimes I feel like it's a bit to small. But it's good. Especially for the price. ( hope the link works idk) https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07GNK18VJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_knrqDb7DZ8N8A

I recommend getting good at using a digital pad so you can work at a kind of art that is economically viable like doing work for people online (for money only no matter what they say about "exposure"). You can do banners, covers, and other stuff people need done for their websites and make money like that. If you want to get into teaching then go to college for that and work at getting positioned at a school nearby during your education. You'll figure this out as you get older. Here is a nice digital art pad for only 40 bucks. If you start at 16 you should be really good in time. I think you'll be surprised at how close it is to drawing with a pencil and paper. It even registers how much pressure you apply and darkens/lightens accordingly.

Thanks, I love the name too. Makes me remember my gaming roots. lol. This is the tablet I starte out with, works fine too:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Wacom-CTL-471-Tablet/dp/B00CW900X4/ref=sr_1_24?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1450196593&sr=1-24&keywords=wacom

Results in stuff like this (sorry, my stuff is in German for the most part):
https://youtu.be/xISUK1uvoAI

you can get the basic wacom tablet thats small for a couple dollars linked below that way you can get your feet wet not spent a lot of money and just upgrade later. This model also comes in a medium and large size and yes you need a tablet no matter what you would nto draw on a piece of paper useing a piece of charcoal would you ? Thats exactly what its going to be like drawing with a mouse. you can email me if you need any help man I love helping people with zbrush im available 24/7 stovant@gmail.com

http://www.amazon.com/One-Wacom-CTL471-Samll-Tablet/dp/B00CW900X4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457997152&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=wacom+tablet&psc=1

Well, I'm a noob. Here's what I had typed:

​

Hey guys, I need some help getting this working. I purchased a Huion H610 and got it installed on my Windows 10 machine. I went to test it out in GIMP 2.10.8 with the Input Devices settings all on 'Screen' mode. I also selected the 'Full Screen Area' option in the Huion settings, and it matches up great.

​

The issue is that when I go to draw in GIMP, my cursor and the actual 'brush area' are disconnected, and the distance grows as I move down and right on the screen. When I lock the GIMP Input Devices settings to 'Window', the cursor and brush line up perfectly but I cannot move my pen off the canvas which is incredibly annoying to work with.

​

I attached a screenshot demonstrating the issue, but couldn't figure out how to capture it with the cursor actually showing up since I had to use my mouse to use the Snipping Tool in Windows. When you're looking at the picture, imagine the cursor is placed on the left end of the orange arrows I've drawn. When I press the pen down on the tablet at that location, the blue dot near each arrow is where the brush actually draws, yet the cursor (with the crosshair) is all the way at the point of the arrow.

​

Hopefully this makes some sense to someone, because I have no idea how to fix it and it's pretty difficult to use in this current configuration. Let me know if this isn't clear enough and I'll do my best to explain it in more detail!

If you really want seperate hardware input, here's a normal looking one for around $40, and I'm pretty sure you can play something fierce with this one for $80.

Alternatively, you can use autohotkey as /u/roboticaa mentioned. If you're not too familiar with scripting, I can write you one real quick to the keys you'd be comfortable with.

They tend to be kind of tough to find. I use an Elecom thumb trackball that I imported from Japan. It has a couple extra buttons that can be reprogrammed, and a physical switch you can use to adjust the dpi in addition to software.

The much more common Logitech one has programmable buttons, but no DPI adjustment. It
is probably the easiest one to find though, and most people that use an Elecom actually replace its stock black ball with the blue Logitech one anyway, since it has better tracking with it.

If you're interested in a trackball that is operated with your other fingers rather than your thumb, something like these from the trackball subreddit, then you'd have to ask someone over at /r/trackballs because I know very little about them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MAZ5FDL/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the one I use 😊 if you do get a tablet, a helpful tip is to tape a sheet of paper over it so when you draw, you get the same feel as drawing in a sketchbook. It helps keep the pen from sliding and gives you straighter lines

The Microsoft Trackball Explorer: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-D68-00007-Trackball-Explorer/dp/B00005853Z

I have been using this mouse for over 10 YEARS, and it's still the best on the market. Used ones go on eBay for crazy money (£200+ sometimes). By far the best thing MS ever did. Still silky smooth and flawless after 10+ years.

Well there are bigger huions for the price of an intuos so i reccomend.
But if you have a little more you can buy a digitizer used for fairly cheap.
If you are strting out and you like art i recommend a digitizer.
But if you are not sure if you will like it you should get a regular tablet i hoped that helped here are sone links
Huion tablet https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FTE9HS2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500811457&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=huion&dpPl=1&dpID=31A8aR61DXL&ref=plSrch
Used display http://m.ebay.com/itm/HUION-GT-190-INTERACTIVE-PEN-DISPLAY-DRAWING-MONITOR-FOR-DRAWING-AND-DESIGNING-/292187358070?hash=item4407b94376%3Ag%3AIIUAAOSwajRZblDu&_trkparms=pageci%253Ae9404dd8-6fa2-11e7-a18b-74dbd1a05534%257Cparentrq%253A6f6ebd1815d0a9cb4758117ffffa8803%257Ciid%253A1

>Intuos S

You are doing better than I can with one of those. I am trying to improve my drawing skills with a graphic tablet I got, but I needed a screen so I could see how my lines are as I draw them.

https://www.amazon.com/XP-PEN-Artist12-Battery-Free-Multi-Function-Sensitivity/dp/B07GNK18VJ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Artist+12&qid=1551200574&s=electronics&sr=1-3 This is what I got, and I love it. If you ever decide to bump up to one with a screen.

​

Never too late to learn! Dedicated drawing tablets are cheaper than ever and Youtube has more lessons than you could ever want. This is the tablet I used, but you can do just as well with a $50 dollar or less tablet and any number of free drawing programs.

By all means, if you can drop $500 on a tablet that suits you much better, then go for it.

It might be worth considering that you can get a 10 x 6.25 inch Huion 1060 for about $85 or the Q11K for $30 more (I don't know the difference). I haven't tried a Huion as I use the old model of the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium, but you needn't spend hundreds of dollars to access a medium sized surface any more :)

At this point, whatever choice you make is going to be a nice step up from what you have.

Have you considered something like a LiveScribe pen? Might be a happy medium - you write with a pen, but it saves what you write and it can be uploaded to a computer. It also has an audio recorder, too - and it remembers what was being said while you were writing.

...but I've never used one myself. I linked to the pen on Amazon so you can look at reviews yourself, if you're interested in it. I really want one, but $100 is a little too steep for me.

Here's an example of the Elecom Deft and Deft Pro. Another example: Elecom M-X and M-X Pro.

Some of the changes include:

1. Optimizing the button layout and ergonomics.
   
2. Replacing the black ball with a red ball
   
3. Three selectable connection types: wired, wireless USB, and Blutooth.
   
   In the case of the Huge Pro, it's main gain would probably be point 3.

Elecom MXT. High and low sensitivity switch is great and the programmable buttons are nice. Alt Tab on one button, volume on the other two, it's a pretty solid option.

https://www.amazon.ca/ELECOM-M-XT3DRBK-Wireless-Trackball-function/dp/B016QCPNUW/ref=asc_df_B016QCPNUW/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292925723919&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10153383408756664260&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001598&hvtargid=pla-349694605842&psc=1

I just got this one and love it:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077P6BQP7/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527555725&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=xp+pen+deco+tablet

Much less expensive than Wacom, and I actually like it better than my old Wacom tablet.

Hey! I use a surface too. The best way to make things work for me has been using photoshop with the coolorus add-on and a shuttle xpress that I mapped shortcuts to like alt, shift, clear, and the big wheel changes brush size.

Just found this Elcom Optical

Switchable DPI and a snipe button (third click, but still!)? This looks like a gaming trackball... I will have to get a hold of this and test it out... Thanks zyxxiforr for the tip!!

I have a pretty good workflow involving a Livescribe Echo Pen and gridlined notebooks. The pen can record meetings/seminars/etc and sync the audio up to the PDF that it creates. And, then you have the paper as a backup. I then organize all the PDFs in Evernote. Works well for me.

(note: you need to obtain permission to record if you're in a place with an expectation of privacy in many states)

Oh hey, thanks. I'm using a Wacom Cintiq 12WX. It's one of those one you can use a second screen to draw on. The softwares I use are Photoshop and CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX (there was a good black friday deal where it was $15. I lucked out there.) My computer hardware is pretty dated (only rocking an I3) but it chugs along for now. I want to upgrade everything eventually, but man, computer parts are expensive.

Oh yeah, I drew the original sketch lightly on pencil and paper first. Just a mechanical pencil and a sketchbook. I scanned it in and digitally "inked" it from there.

Hello,

I started photoshop not too long ago and I was in need of a graphic tablet and I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-CTL471-One-Small-Tablet/dp/B00CW900X4

I haven't had problems with it, tracks movement really well, pen is solid, fits well in hand and also has two buttons which you can bind to whatever you want.

Wow, that would be extremely impressive. I'm pretty useless with drawing stuff unless I am heavily relying on a reference sheet. I use one of these I got for really cheap CTL-470

This one was/is my favorite

Edit: Agree - Finger control far superior.

http://www.pencil-animation.org/
I used this before I switched to flash. Nonetheless it's a good program.

Edit: I'd also recommend getting him a Wacom tablet. Much more comfortable than drawing with a mouse. [(http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-Connect-Tablet-CTL470/dp/B005HGBEYS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393708183&sr=8-1&keywords=Wacom+Bamboo+Connect+Pen+Tablet+%28CTL470%29)]

I know she answered you in a reply, but this is what she's talking about if you didn't know. This is a cheap one I just bought actually.

I love amazon prime

Looks like it is done with paint, but obviously with a Wacom tablet or similar device. Either way, looks great!

I was a big fan of the MS Trackball explorer https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-D68-00007-Trackball-Explorer/dp/B00005853Z

I recently bought both the Kensington Expert and the Elecom fingerball variant.

The elecom is indeed quite small. Nonetheless it is perfectly usable.

I still like to use the Kensington Expert for its larger trackball (I am so curious about the SlimBlade but I can't spend the money when I have two functional trackballs already). But the Elecom feels very smooth and more responsive for gaming.

although it's not on sale i'd recommend the h610 v2 instead, which is currently only $4 more

it has tilt and the battery free pen (PW100) too, and the same working surface area as the 1060 (10×6.25) while the h950p is (8.7×5.4)

i should mention it lacks the following things against the 1060plus , incase you care about these

• 8GB Microsd card built in
  
• Carrying bag
  
• Pen carrier on the side of the tablet
  
• 4 extra side buttons (8 vs 12)
  
• Older usb connector (don't think this matters much as you get a compatible cable included)
  
  other than that it's pretty much the same, but with the upgraded pen as i mentioned.

That would probably work, I always found the thumb ones awkward though. Microsoft explorer this one was my favorite just had all the ergonomics. Had to clean it fairly often though haha

Is your screen a touchscreen? If so then you can just get a stylus, they are rather common. If you don't have a touch screen then your best bet is something like this pad from Wacom.

>the thing costs 40 bucks, what do you expect?

I mean, an entry level Wacom One is roughly $70USD and you'll get a better experience overall. I bought one of the original Wacom Bamboo tablets like 8 years ago for $65USD - and it still works with every computer I've ever plugged it into.

-

Just my two cents!

for work made with a mouse this isn't bad. It's a little over blended in places and the skin tone could use some work.

If digital art is something you want to pursue then I would recommend getting a cheap tablet and downloading Krita. The tablet and software will have a bit of a learning curve but you can practice some basic stuff in the vein of drawabox to overcome it.

Marco Bucci on youtube makes some excellent digital painting videos, and there is also Ctrl+Paint

I like to use one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Board-Writing-Tablet-Black/dp/B002ZE4TDI

It's easy and reusable and you can write anything on it. Also works as a replacement for scratch paper for math and the like.

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.

Spotted this while browsing on Amazon, here's some info:

• The switches are Kailh.
  
  
• The types are Black, Blue, Brown and Red. Blue switches is at $52.50.
  
  
• This keyboard have been around for more than a year.
  
  
• There are a lot of reviews out there for this one, general thoughts are that the keycaps are not high quality, build are solid but the design are a tad wonky.
  
  I ordered one already, shame that it won't ship through weekends although I have Prime.
  
  Also, the RGB version is at $69.99 in case anyone is interest.
  
  Edit: Here's a review on the RGB version and the non RGB
  
  One thing I like about this keyboard is the concept of additional keypad, if you don't like to spend an (absurd) $40 then you can just get a cheap keypad to plug in like this one, bam, you have a (somewhat) full size keyboard.
  
  Also, the keypad that they sell have different switches for you to choose if you buy it separately.

If you are looking for a tablet for the sole purpose to play osu!, pick yourself up a XP-Pen G430 or a Huion 420 or even an osu! official tablet. Wacom is a great company and a great brand, but their tablets are mainly for graphics design. Of course their tablets can do everything that the XP-Pen and Huion can do and much much more, but those extra features you are getting from Wacom will cost you an extra 50-100$.

I use a pressure sensitive tablet called a Cintiq 12wx which is essentially a monitor you can draw on. So when I say painting I mean the strokes are laid in by hand like you'd expect on a traditional painting. I have other examples of my work, virtually all of them digital, at www.caycegoldberg.com.

Thanks for looking!

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

thank you for your input! It is definiately appreciated since this is my first drawing tablet, I don't really know what to look for.

Any thoughts on the XP-Pen Star05 (it's $10 cheaper and wireless) vs the Wacom Intuos Draw CTL490DW?

Is there a model of mouse that has dual sensors like a track ball and a traditional bottom sensor like a normal mouse? I imagine it would look like this ELECOM M-XT3DRBK mouse but from the videos on it I saw it is just the trackball that registers movement. I am interested in getting a "different" sort of mouse, but not unnecessarily complicated with a ton of buttons for gaming but I'm not sure where to start.

Huion's products are solid if you can live without tilt detection. Much better bang for your buck than Wacom's, especially when you go to the higher end.

Also bear in mind that the Huion you linked is about credit-card sized, less than half the size of the Wacom you linked. Not exactly a good art tool. I own https://www.amazon.com/Huion-Graphic-Drawing-MicroSD-Express/dp/B01FTE9HS2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483764446&sr=8-1&keywords=huion+1060+new+plus and it's fantastic.

I bought the Wacom Intuos S (wireless) as my first drawing tablet. It was only 75€ I absolutely love this tablet and I highly recommendit to you! Altough I don't use it wirelessly anymore because I noticed some lag. While using it with the USB cable there is no lag at all. I haven't figured it out the reason behind it yet, but to be honest I'm also too lazy to fix it lol and the cable doesnt even bother me, it's never in the way. Also it's a "small" sized tablet but I find it more than enough for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Drawing-Software-Included-CTL4100/dp/B079HL9YSF

https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Wireless-Software-Included-CTL4100WLK0/dp/B079J2FSQ7

I feel like I need to show you all this piece of amazing

This will record your entire lecture, sync with your smartphone/tablet, and show what you're writing as the recording is being played back. It works with special dot paper to capture exactly what you write as you write it, and it's freaking magic. The pen is expensive, yes, I recently upgraded after using one that only worked via USB and was eight years old.

Edit: fixed the link

i have an xp-pen deco 01, it has linux drivers on the website. they're kind of rudimentary but they work just fine with Krita, and with the 20% off coupon it's under 49 dollars. pretty decent.

By "all I wanted", do you mean all you care about is just note taking? How about the Boogie Board, Eee Note, or (hopefully soon) NoteSlate. Or, if you've got the money, a Wacom Cintiq tablet.

Or did you mean a standard tablet (e.g., Android) that is good at note taking?

Edit: added Cintiq

How about just physical knobs for a ton of different things

Yeah, that exists. I hear it's actually pretty awesome and has some good uses in AV editing and whatnot (scrub timelines in Premiere/Audition/Ableton, contact sheets in Lightroom, etc.)

There are also more specialty devices such as the Contour (Basically the same, but with programmable buttons) or 3 dimensional mice which have a niche market in CAD applications.

I got a Wacom but returned it and got this and it is amazing and less than half the price. I have had it for years and haven't had to change the pen in the battery yet.

Oh dear lord. Get yourself one of these or save up for this

Glad you liked it! The program I use is Clip Studio Paint Pro, also I use a Huion Tablet, one of these https://www.amazon.com/Huion-1060-Plus-Graphic-Pressure/dp/B01FTE9HS2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520280967&sr=8-3&keywords=huion+1060+plus

The reviews on this are pretty good, and I may pick one up with my next paycheck.

That said, I still prefer my Razr Death Adder vs my M570 for FPS gaming. It gives you just that much of an edge, which you need if you're a huge try-hard like myself.

Thanks for the suggestions, is this what you would recommend? https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Drawing-Software-Included-CTL4100/dp/B079HL9YSF/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=wacom+intuos&qid=1565863036&s=gateway&sr=8-3 I also found this with similar reviews and a larger drawing area for cheaper https://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Drawing-Pressure-Sensitivity-Carrying/dp/B074DTP2V4/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=ox_sc_act_image_1&smid=A30BRCK3LE6SB5

You can buy/make a macro board if the extra wire doesn't bother you.

Something like the KNOPS Mini Macro Keyboard or one of the MAX Falcon macro boards or any of the DIY ones out there, you can reprogram them as dedicated media controls.

Also maybe this Contour ShuttleXpress Input Device.

You can probably use one of the add-on's like they have for laptops surely?

>Now my question is, if I were to set up a dedicated streaming PC that doesn't have the greatest of PC gaming specs, would I notice a major dip in performance? Or would I see an increase in performance?


Your main computer wouldn't notice any performance difference whether you are streaming or not, since outputting to the capture card of the "Streaming PC" is no different than using another monitor (or in the case of using a splitter, no difference at all).

 

>When setting up the dedicated streaming pc, is it usually easier to just run a remote desktop from your main PC (to adjust settings, etc) or just put it on the second monitor?


It tends to be easier to simply use some form of remote desktop software. I've used software before that binds hotkeys on my keyboard to commands on the "Streaming PC", but it had its bugs. I've since moved onto using one of these for hotkeys: http://www.amazon.com/V7-USB-Numeric-Keypad-KP0N1-7N0P/dp/B0060WDI5Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408168616&sr=8-1&keywords=keypad


For general configuration I use TeamViewer.

 

>I have a Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming edition cap card. Would the PVR2 recognize the pc as an input, or do i have to do the same way i stream my Xbox one (full screen the Hauppauge software, sub-region capture)?


The HD PVR2 will see it as any other input. Whether you need to capture the window of the Hauppauge software, or use the DirectShow device natively in whatever program you prefer (OBS?) is up to the streaming software in question.

• 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

Yep, true that! . . . This design might even make me switch over to a fingerball from my Elecom M-XT3DRBK thumbball. Which is fuck'n stellar!

I had a wireless version of that elecom trackball that I got from amazon japan about a month after it was released back in 2014-15? It broke down about a year later, it also seemed to have trouble with the receiver.

I switched to the finger version of the trackball, and went with a wired this time. It's my favourite trackball right now, but it does take some getting used to if you have large hands because it's rather small compared to other trackballs. One thing to note is that I think they've updated the elecom trackball the one linked shows the model M-XT1URBK, but a search on amazon japan shows M-XT3URBK. One more thing is I believe the m570 balls will fit in either of the elecoms, I believe there were a few complaints about the stock balls not rolling nicely.

I too have given up on logitech a long time ago and went with kensington, and got a slimblade and an orbit. They both work well, but the slimblade is pricey, and the orbit lacking in buttons.

Now I've switched to buying japanese trackballs, like sanwa and elecom from amazon japan, I currently use these trackballs.
Elecom M-DT2URBK: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0171QQ7IY
Sanwa MA-TB39BK: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0042UINC6

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.

This is the best I could find: Griffin 1100-PWRMTS PowerMate/USB Multimedia Controller and Input Device

edit: Found another one: Contour ShuttleXpress 3D Input Device

Nope I used to use a M570 then switched over to this after having 2 M570s have issues with their microswitches.

Swap out the black marble it comes with with the 570 one and it's glorious for a gaming thumb trackball.

Most of this user's problem is the utter lack of decent non-thumb trackballs available. Logitech stopped making arguably the best one on the American market (they sell for like $400 now). Your end user may be interested in this product.

Elecom M-DT2URBK

Ah, I hadn't considered using Wacom. Actually just looked it up on Amazon and found a relatively cheap one at $99.93


Wacom Intuos Wireless Graphics Drawing Tablet with 3 Bonus Software Included, 7.9" x 6.3", Black (CTL4100WLK0) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079J2FSQ7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GXYhDbG2RMS1E

Trackballs = Profit.

I sold two old Microsoft Trackballs for around $150 each on Amazon. They are now going for $169-$498 dollars!!

have some karma for your fantastic advice... I normally do answer the phone the way you said (I don't give my name but the rest I do...) and I invested in a boogie board a year ago and it helps alot with trying to remember what they are saying etc. it's just the little things like remembering to knock something off as completed/paid/collected and remembering to call customers... I do try to leave notes around except my workstation is so cluttered with jobs and threads (and most annoyingly my boss has a habit of just sweeping the crap from his workstation onto my workstation. then criticizing my tidiness organisation :/)

I'll deffinately look for some kind of online secretarial course though. that may help 10-fold

I have never owned a tablet before and I'm ready to purchase my first. However, I'm having a really hard time figuring out which one to purchase. I've read and watched videos that say Wacom only, but I've also read that some competitors offer decent tablets for less.


Basically, I would like something that will last but not break the bank (I know that' may be asking a lot). I plan on working in Maya/Zbrush & doing general sketches/digital painting so something that works for that. Right now I'm eyeing the Huion 1060 plus for the low end, and the Wacom Intuos Medium.

Edit: Or I can get the Pro version but small. According to Amazon it is larger?

Help? :/

Looks like an old Microsoft trackball i used years ago. Still have it somewhere i think.

Edit: link was obviously not this expensive back in the day. Was like $50 then.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-D68-00007-Trackball-Explorer/dp/B00005853Z

https://www.amazon.ca/Wacom-Bamboo-CTL471-Tablet-Black/dp/B00EVOXM3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523059604&sr=8-1&keywords=Wacom+471

you want this one if you're buying it from amazon.

or get an xp pen g430

https://www.amazon.ca/Ultrathin-Graphic-Digital-Drawing-pressure/dp/B01BA7D6YI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523063339&sr=8-1&keywords=xp+pen+g430

What would you be streaming? By tablet do you mean something like this? You also want a tower, not a laptop correct? Lastly, you have a copy of windows you will use to install your operating system?

http://www.amazon.com/Livescribe-APX-00008-2GB-Echo-Smartpen/dp/B00524DLZ0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1452213242&sr=8-3&keywords=livescribe

You have to by special notebooks but they aren't expensive.
As you are taking notes, it records what you are writing as well as any audio and when you open the program on your pc you can watch the words appear on the paper synced with the audio. This has been such a life saver in college.

XP-Pen are actually awsome. https://www.amazon.com/10x6-25-Graphics-Battery-Free-Shortcut-Pressure/dp/B077P6BQP7/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=xp-pen&qid=1567376898&s=gateway&sr=8-9
this one is $50 and I know a couple artist who use this brand and can say it's better than Wacom.

I don't know, but I feel like you could make this work for cheaper.

Trackballs! The good ones are all discontinued.

Logitech

Microsoft

Lets!

I use a Wacom Bamboo at work (until my Cintiq gets here).

http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-Connect-Tablet-CTL470/dp/B005HGBEYS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335434296&sr=8-1

It's pretty damn awesome for the money you spend and makes digital inking so much easier.
I've found when using tablets the size doesn't make a huge difference. You won't use most of the drawing space or find that you run out of room. So if you see for $70 bucks vs another that is $200 with no added features but size don't be sucked in.

As an alternative to the Wacom brand, there is also the Huion H610 Pro, about 60 bucks on Amazon. My mate and I have one each, and so far they work well for us.

https://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Drawing-Pressure-Sensitivity-Carrying/dp/B074DTP2V4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=22UWZ82VIZWRQ&keywords=huion+h420+usb+graphics+drawing+tablet+board+kit&qid=1555160306&s=gateway&sprefix=huion%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-6

Get her an Acer C720 Chromebook and a wireless number pad or get a wired one.

It would suit her needs just fine.

If she really needs windows, still get the 10 key off to the side and pick up an ASUS X200LA.

A Logitech G13 or Razer Tartaurus might meet your needs. Or if you're cheap a USB numpad and using something like sharpkeys or autohotkey to rebind your numpad would probably work.

They don't click like the steam controller but I like both. This is the mouse I have:

https://www.amazon.com/Elecom-optical-trackball-button-M-XT1URBK/dp/B00O1HYX9C

Snap a pic dude, also if you really want a tablet I used this for a long time, great tablet but are very vulnerable to electrice damage so if you get it, make sure you don't leave it plugged, especially during a storm lol.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171QQ7IY/ref=psdc_11036491_t2_B00O1HYX9C

I find that my trackball works adequately, it feels better than a traditional mouse while retaining portability

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077P6BQP7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Qwz8BbBA1KQH5

Heres the one I use. 60 bucks and may be 15% off for you. 8 hotkey buttons, good drivers, comes with 8 extra pen nibs. USB C iirc. 10 inches. You can't beat it for the price. For that price you'll get a wacom tablet for half the size.

As someone who obviously likes his tablets, have you seen the e-ink tablets designed for notes?

The boogie board is cool but I hear its just trash.

I have been waiting for them to release Noteslate for years now.

BUT, Sony is set to release their own device this year. It might actually be halfway decent.

Just stuff to look into!

Ok so i just discovered amazonglobal they ship to south africa i found this one would you reccommend it? https://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Drawing-Pressure-Sensitivity-Carrying/dp/B074DTP2V4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1WJAWC79JANJO&keywords=wacom+intuos+drawing+tablet&qid=1555244628&s=gateway&sprefix=wacom+intuo%2Caps%2C464&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Honestly, if you're looking for a cheaper option, I use the Huion 680s and I've never had any qualms with it.

The one I have is wired (not wireless), but I don't mind. The stylus is wireless, and I actually upgraded to the rechargeable one, but TBH the batteries in the AA battery one last a LONG time.

For tablets, lots of people go Wacom, but I never had the money for them. And I've never felt I was missing out.

I guess your looking for something like this

Contour Shuttle Xpress
/
US Amazon

Or something a bit more simple?
/
US Amazon

I wasn't sure if your US or UK or somewhere else but there some examples I think should work for your purpose.

Looks like a [Boogie Board] ( http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Board-Writing-Tablet-Black/dp/B002ZE4TDI)

What about something like this? You could mount it with Velcro-- even paint it.

http://www.amazon.com/V7-Ergonomic-Resistant-Notebook-KP0N1-7N0P/dp/B0060WDI5Q

I would recommend G430 for similar price range.

Something like this is nice and portable.

It would definitely be challenging to go from using a "normal" mouse to a trackball. I just love my mouse though (Logitech M570). It fits my hand perfectly and is just very comfortable to use. Some people prefer the Elecom trackball. I have used both, but I do not care for the Elecom at all. I am not keen on the placement of the trackball, and the overall design for me is just meh.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-001799-M570-Wireless-Trackball/dp/B0043T7FXE/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458870572&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+m570

^ This is an absolute steal at $27 USD. Not sure how much it would be in Canada (you're Canadian right hockey?)

http://www.amazon.com/ELECOM-Wireless-button-function-M-XT3DRBK/dp/B016QCPNUW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1458870500&sr=8-4&keywords=elecom

Why does amazon have 2 different auctions for the same product?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BA9OC5S/ref=s9_hps_bw_g201_i4

and

http://www.amazon.com/Ultrathin-Digital-Battery-free-Stylus-designed-Gameplay/dp/B01BA7D6YI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_201_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41QQ2DgWQzL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0YX8YCPZXAWPMWHD7NY3

Which one is the correct one?

Use one of these

My girlfriend is deaf and the first couple months of our relationship was basically all through that before I learned sign well enough.

I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016QCPNUW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Recommended to me by someone here actually!

It's a Microsoft Trackball Explorer. You can have one for the low, low price of $650!

I really hope mine doesn't crap out =\

I might resort to Autohotkey to kill the Windows key, though for the media keys I was pondering trying to find some sort of external USB controller. I would love something like this, but it has no real release date. A cursory search hasn't really shown anything though, but I'll keep looking.

Perhaps something like the Griffen Powermate, or this...

The XP-pen G430 is also a nice budget tablet for beginners comparable to the Huion H420 but with a more slim and batterie-less pen.
I got both of them and prefer the XP-pen --> https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BA7D6YI/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1OW5XVWFECCC5

yes, but this is the specific one i have

I've given up on Logitech.

I now have three of these Elecom trackballs.

There's a wireless version as well, but... Meh.

At my last job, people would just take someone else´s mouse if their own one was gone (vicious circle). I had one of these bad boys at home, so I brought it to work and soon I was working faster with the trackball than with a mouse. And it sat on my desk for a year and never got stolen, because I was the only one in the office who could use it properly. I also had a laugh whenever the boss tried to use it to show me something, he was pushing the base around on the desk and couldn´t figure out why it wouldn´t work.

i made beautiful, smooth lines with my bamboo splash. sorry you weren't able to fix it. that tablet eventually died and I decided to try a Huion bc the pressure levels are the same, and it feels like the same thing but it has buttons. (and is cheaper than a wacom) this is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Huion-1060-Plus-Graphic-Pressure/dp/B01FTE9HS2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1537415043&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=huion&psc=1

I remember reading an AMA with Khan academy on Reddit a while back in which he said he used a Wacom Bamboo tablet Here on Amazon which may be worth a look.. fairly inexpensive as far as pen tablets go to my experience but I don't know what budget you were looking for.

Starting out cheap did the Huion H610which ran fine using Krita on my old dual-core Win7 desktop.

Only runs about $70 if you aren't sure about putting down more monies on the Wacom which will run you $100-$200 range.

The Intuos S with BT might be a good choice for you.

I don't know of anyone who draws from their bed though. might be difficult to see what you're actually drawing.

Looks cheap if you're looking for something more practical then the reversing challenges on HackThisSite...

https://www.amazon.com/M-XT3DRBK-Wireless-Trackball-6-Button-Tracking/dp/B016QCPNUW?th=1

The wired one is a buck more for some reason....

To the best of my knowledge, the Huion NEW 1060 plus is Huion's must updated tablet and the one that I have. It fixes some of the minor inconveniences that people had with previous models. I've had no problems with it since the couple months that I bought it.

I swore by Logitech for years. I am still using a Logitech keyboard, but I recently switched trackballs to this bad boy, made by Japanese startup Elecom.

It is basically the only 10 button gaming trackball in production, and while not quite as sturdy as the Logitech trackballs, it is much more ergonomic and feature rich.

Although I have to say, if logitech made a 10 button wired gaming trackball, I would prolly pick one up just to try it.

quite literally:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-D68-00007-Trackball-Explorer/dp/B00005853Z

TL;DC: It's $599, $120 USED

Is this what a boogie board is ?

Wasn't it a boogie board? http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Board-Writing-Tablet-Black/dp/B002ZE4TDI?th=0

I have this and use it for both PS and AE

You should have checked whether or not your preferred apps worked with it before buying it. Perhaps sell it and get an alternative accessory?

*edit* Has anyone used one of these? It looks intriguing.

https://www.amazon.com/Contour-ShuttleXpress-Input-Device-Black/dp/B0032Y0OH0?pf_rd_p=0fc3f2c4-3ed5-4d11-9995-8d7c82394713&pd_rd_wg=bqwZR&pf_rd_r=17SBXENP99XGZ2FPFWMJ&ref_=pd_gw_cr_simh&pd_rd_w=PGiFw&pd_rd_r=62409f46-415a-404a-bf73-ccd8f24b1cf3

https://www.amazon.de/Contour-ShuttleXpress-Multimedia-Kontroller-schwarz/dp/B0032Y0OH0/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=167125656220&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9043576&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=1343835541006977633&hvtargid=kwd-297853572708&keywords=shuttlepro+v2&qid=1554832457&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Bamboo-Connect-Tablet-CTL470/dp/B005HGBEYS is this the 470

Wacom One/Ctl 471 or XP Pen G430. I would only buy the gaomon if you could afford the rechargeable pen as the pen that comes with the gaomon tablet is heavy.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DM00B9A

Graphic/Drawing tablet. Huion make some decent cheap ones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DM00B9A/ref=sspa_dk_detail_7?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00DM00B9A&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=f52e26da-1287-4616-824b-efc564ff75a4&pf_rd_r=RY3E153RVPDHVCK96YDY&pd_rd_wg=B4KI6&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=ys7Zs&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=23cebb9d-b985-11e8-951a-bffc31d64799

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DM00B9A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A30BRCK3LE6SB5
this is it

It is on Amazon

Elecom optical trackball [USB] (5 button Black) M-XT1URBK OR ELECOM Wireless Trackball Mouse w/5 button & tilt function Black M-XT1DRBK from Japan Seem to be near gaming quality.

I'm in the same boat. I've always been exclusively a gaming mouse user, currently a Logitech G700s. I finally just decided to go for it and ordered the trackball that seemed the closest to a gaming mouse. I purchased the Elecom M-XT1URBK (But mine is wireless) and it should be here in a few days.

I can follow up with you after it gets here, I'm expecting a learning curve but trackballs have always intrigued me.

Price History

• ELECOM M-XT3DRBK Wireless Trackball mouse 6 button Tilt function, Black   ^PureLink
  ReviewMeta: ★★★✮☆ 3.7/5 from 571 valid reviews
  CamelCamelCamel - [Info] │ Keepa - [Info]
  
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So Far I have been suggested the Following:

Speakers: Logitech Speaker System Z906

Webcam: Logitech C930e Webcam

Trackball: ELECOM M-XT3DRBK Wireless Trackball Mouse

Logitech M570 Trackball

I use the Elecom Deft.

Elecom https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171QQ7IY/ref=emc_b_5_i

​

Made for a child's hands.

Elecom makes a similar trackball. There is also a thumb driven model.

This maybe:
https://www.amazon.com/ELECOM-M-DT2URBK-Trackball-finger-function/dp/B0171QQ7IY/

Check out the Elecom trackballs. Prices have REALLY come down since I bought mine, I think I paid $70 or $80 for the wired version.

Amazon link for wired - $35

Amazon link for wireless version - $50

I didn't see it spinning in the video

(from here)

The spiral tool is. A drawing pad is a computer accessory that lets you draw with a stylus vs the mouse. This is the one I use.

What about this One? https://www.amazon.it/dp/B01FTE9HS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fw.dBbPHRZ67C
It's not an English link but you should be able to get the model

XP-Pen Star05 Wireless 2.4G... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAZ5FDL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Peripheral, this one specifically: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MAZ5FDL/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is it this model?

I tried to switch to that, but just couldn't do it. I had the Microsoft trackball that you used with your fingers and then left and right mouse were with your thumb. Then you had two more mouse buttons you could hit with your ring or pinky finger.


I loved never "falling off" my mouse pad, but ever having to press both left and right mouse buttons together I had to get creative if I still needed to move. I was saddened the day it finally died.


edit for reference: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-D68-00007-Trackball-Explorer/dp/B00005853Z
I just feel it was way more precise with two/three fingers moving together than trying to do it with my thumb.

Actually I got the link right here, also its actually 70 dollars, sorry.


Huion H160 Pro

So here's something I've been thinking of lately: buying a USB numpad and using autohotkey or something similar to reprogram keys and make macros. Small mini keyboard for shield/power management, etc. (Poor man's gameboard)

Simplistic solution for the above problem, thoughts?

My cousin gave me his tablet Huion 1060 PLUS but he lost the charge cabel for the pen.. Really frustrating.. Anyone know where I can buy a charger for the pen?
Here is the tablet on amazon.
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01FTE9HS2/ref=psdc_430217031_t1_B01HT0FREW