I have used both options that you are researching. I use an older Intuos at work, and I just got the Bamboo Fun for my girlfriend.
A big advantage to the Intuos tablets are their size. You can get various sizes, though they can get quite expensive. I got the 6x8 at work. Since I work for a big company, the cost wasn't an issue. I predominantly use the wireless mouse on the tablet, and only occasionally use the pen. Only sometimes do I run out of room and wish I had a larger tablet. I do similar work as stated in your email: photoshop, prototyping, coding. At home I do photo retouching on occasion, and have used various sizes including an older 12x12 inch tablet. For retouching and heavy photoshop work, bigger is really much nicer! I just got my girlfriend the Bamboo Fun (comes with a mouse) for Christmas. She hadn't used one before, and the interactions were VERY foreign to her. I know it is taking her awhile to get used to it and use it more regularly. The Bamboo comes in limited sizes. I would not recommend getting the smaller one. Though it is cheaper, I think 4x6 is too small and can get frustrating. Couple other random notes... I have heard of people using tablets with a pen, instead of mice, to alleviate wrist pain. I think the interaction with a pen is a more natural position for your hand than a mouse. The tablets can form "dead spots" over time. I have used the same tablet at work for 4 years now, and I do notice on occasion that my mouse doesn't respond. It is rare though. I think their typical lifespan is much longer than 4 years, depending on use. With all that said.... The tablets are wonderful, flexible, comfortable, and worth the money! If cost is a big concern, get the cheaper one, but if you can, get the Intuous 6x8 or 9x12. Rob :) -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Miranda McGill Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:28 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [IxDA Discuss] Pen Tablet recommendations sought Our team is looking to purchase Pen Tablets (rather than Tablet PCs) for sketching and quick prototyping. We're not doing intricate graphics work but nevertheless need something that is responsive, integrates seamlessly with our standard UI prototyping tools (Fireworks, Photoshop etc.), and preferably works with both PCs and Macs. I'm researching options and so far have narrowed it down to either the Wacom Intuos 6"x8" (more expensive) or Wacom Bamboo Fun 8.5"x5.3" (cheaper) -- but I'm open to other suggestions. All recommendations gratefully received -- also, I'm rather pressed for time, so responses asap would be much appreciated! Cheers, Miranda. ________________________________________________________________ *Come to IxDA Interaction08 | Savannah* February 8-10, 2008 in Savannah, GA, USA Register today: http://interaction08.ixda.org/ ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ....................... http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help ________________________________________________________________ *Come to IxDA Interaction08 | Savannah* February 8-10, 2008 in Savannah, GA, USA Register today: http://interaction08.ixda.org/ ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
