Graphics Tablet - Advice please

[Hobjob]

Daughter lives South Africa and does professional photography.

Getting RSI post weddings when has to work 2-3 days non-stop
at computer.

Apparently good evidence that graphics tablets speed work in
Photoshop but about 20% (and reduce RSI).

Any recomendations?

Thanks

[Meta menardi]

I have an A2 monster one, but it doesn't add much to what you can do with an A5 one. try and check what the pen or puck feels like, I got one very cheap about 18 months ago, the pen isn't balanced and the puck buttons are too stiff, so it just sits there. Wacom seem to do a fair choice, and that is the one I use, it's pretty old so maybe not a current model.

They do help, I do quite a bit of GIS stuff, and I use a tablet, a mouse and a rollerball, and with both hands (but not at the same time) to get round stiff hands, neck, shoulders.

[alisonthompson]

I use a Wacom tablet in combination with a Rollermouse Pro, which means I can use both hands and thumbs to control the mouse actions and it is in front of me, rather than to the side, so it really helps with RSI.

I think getting equipment that you can use in front of you, rather than to the side is a major plus factor, as it helps to improve posture and the work station and reduces the need to keep stretching an arm out to the side.

Ali

[squishy]

i've got a really cheap bottom range wacom bamboo tablet. it's very simple, no buttons on the tablet, and just two on the pen, but it only cost about £15 and it's very useful.

you could always try a cheap one like this for a while, then upgrade if you feel it worth it later (then you can always just use the cheap one on a second PC or laptop)

[eeyore]

we got one like squishy's to help with sarahs rsi but to be honest we hardly use it - what is helpful to RSI is a trackball rather than a mouse - especially when combined with a decent wrist rest

[Ollie]

I use a Wacom Bamboo One graphics tablet. Paid somewhere around fifty notes for it.

It definitely speeds up work flow when editing photographs and I wouldn't be without mine I use it for everything not just photo editing.

Can't say if it would prevent RSI as I never suffered from this when I used a mouse myself.

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by eeyore

we got one like squishy's to help with sarahs rsi but to be honest we hardly use it - what is helpful to RSI is a trackball rather than a mouse - especially when combined with a decent wrist rest

Some likes 'em, some hates 'em, but for photo editing it is very helpful, though I find the variable pressure effect on the point unresponsive, but then give me a fine bit of paper and the best grade of pencil, and I can produce the same effect as a 2 year old child with a sooty poker on a bit of sugar paper. It's just a skill I have.

[Geoff F]

I like a big one for advanced photo editing where I have to draw selections around an image or create a mask with variable transparency but when it comes down to a lot of basic clicking I usually go back to the mouse.

[Venger]

It all depends on which version of PS you have and also which tablet you use.
I use a 9 X 12 Intuos 2 Wacom using Photoshop CS, (both a little out of date now - I need to upgrade). I have tried the lower models - like the graphite tablet but find them a bit unresponsive and 'cheap' feeling in comparison.
But then I use mine for digital art so I'm looking for a full range (pen pressure, nib feel etc)
Obviously a large tablet is like pencil and drawing board, so less stress for the wrist I guess.

[Hobjob]

Thank you folks - will talk with daughter when I see her soon