Hey MS Folks,

How many of you use a Graphic Pen/Pad instead of a mouse? I've been told that a graphic Pen, especially when using the pen tool in CS, is much better a tool than the old fashion mouse. Thus wanted to see what you folks are using.

Thanks.

Tom

I use the Wacom tablet and stylus for everything. It isn't everyone's choice, but after about a decade of using one I can't imagine going back to a mouse. I think for mask making, painting as well as work with the pen tool in illustrator or Photoshop, the pen works so much more like a pen or brush in the real world.

For me a digi-pen and tablet is a must!  I find a mouse far too clunky for detailed, fine work.

I use a mouse with both left and right hands and the pen for hand drawing with my right.
   

What's a mouse? 

Quote from: ShadySue on April 09, 2012, 14:35
What's a mouse? 

http://thatslikewhoa.com/taxidermy-computer-mouse/

 

I use a wacom and pen, especially when working in PS. So much more control than a mouse.

This is much more versatile than a tablet and its perfect for photo retouching. I also have a wacom tablet too, use it rarely and mostly for drawings.

Thank you folks just order my wacom and pen...


Tom

I've used a mouse for ages and bought a tablet to test it. It was like my fingers were on ice wearing roller skates. I took it back and am therefore a life long mouser.

keep your receipt.

ox

Once I tried to use a Wacom but failed to get used to it....so I`m on a Mouse ;-) However, it fascinates me that there are only People who are LOVING their Tablets and on the other hand the People who cannot get along with them at all...

I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...

Quote from: tab62 on April 12, 2012, 04:02
I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...

I think the real test for me was when I started a freelance project with my tablet. I quickly realized what I'd produced with it was garbage, then plugged in my mouse and finished the project. I think the lesson learned was that if you already have a good workflow with one tool, it's hard to replace it with another.

Quote from: tab62 on April 12, 2012, 04:02
I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...

You ordered it on the 9th and it's only just the 12th and you're going to toss it?! It took me just over a week before I loved mine, and I don't even know where my mice are (from the photo above, I realise it's what I get in my live trap from time to time and take up to the park, or further ...) I'm only doing photos, not illos, BTW.

Yeah, my new tool came in real fast. I did an isolated object last night on white- I did okay thus will stay with the graphic pen. I put my mouse way to force myself to learn and give the new toy a fair try...

Thanks.


Tom

Quote from: tab62 on April 12, 2012, 04:02
I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...

Don't give up so quickly. You have to keep using it and get used to it. It took me about 2 weeks, mostly because I was resisting too. It was so different than the mouse, I kept wanting to leave the new and go back to the familiar. But persistence paid off, and if you use any kind of brushes in Photoshop, it adds 2-3 times more functionality to the brush than a mouse.

Definitely there is an adjustment period with a tablet, I think it took me a couple of weeks too, when you get used to it it is much better than a mouse in my opinion.

I didn't realise others stopped using their mouse altogether.  I've been using a graphic pen/tablet now many years for both drawing and for post-production work, but I still use my mouse for general menu-clicking etc.  For me the pen is my creative device only.

I guess I like the ol' 'clunky' for clunky work, and the pen for very fine, concentrated work.  Just mentioning that in case anyone who is new to the pen finds this a better solution for them too.

Quote from: oxman on April 12, 2012, 02:54
I've used a mouse for ages and bought a tablet to test it. It was like my fingers were on ice wearing roller skates. I took it back and am therefore a life long mouser.

keep your receipt.

ox

Yep.  Me too.  I could not get the hang of the tablet.  Finally said "why am I putting myself through this?" and happily went back to the mouse. 

If I hadn't gotten so used to the mouse over the years, I might have had an easier time with the tablet. 

I've used a laptop for ages, drawing or creating with my finger.  Do you think that would make adapting to a stylus/pen any easier?

Quote from: WarrenPrice on April 12, 2012, 19:03
I've used a laptop for ages, drawing or creating with my finger.  Do you think that would make adapting to a stylus/pen any easier?

Couldn't possibly say - I really hate that wee trackpad thing and have only used very basic touchscreens. IMO, anything would be better than a touchpad.

Quote from: rubyroo on April 12, 2012, 16:42
I didn't realise others stopped using their mouse altogether.  I've been using a graphic pen/tablet now many years for both drawing and for post-production work, but I still use my mouse for general menu-clicking etc.  For me the pen is my creative device only.

I guess I like the ol' 'clunky' for clunky work, and the pen for very fine, concentrated work.  Just mentioning that in case anyone who is new to the pen finds this a better solution for them too.

Same here. If I'm just doing general stuff, I use the mouse. Once I go into PS, it's the tablet.