Wacom Graphire - Try pen based input!
Written: Jul 16 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Well built and easy to install. Pen based input is so natural!
Cons: Possible driver problems, yet these are not significant.
The Bottom Line: Well built and easy to use and install. While there may be some driver problems, these should not deter you from trying pen based computer input.
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| KAR120C's Full Review: Wacom Graphire Pen & Mouse Set |
I had used the Wacom Pen Partner for several years prior to moving to the Graphire Pen. I switched due to some apparent serial port trouble, which rendered my Pen Partner inoperable. The problem did turn out to be a break down in the Pen Partner. At any rate, I had loved the Pen Partners functionality and its quality so much, I decided to try the USB Graphire version.
While essentially the same as the Pen Partner, the Graphire tablet is slightly different with a rounded design and integral penholder. The tablet measures roughly 8 x 8 inches and its active pointing/drawing surface is 5 x 3 ½ inches. The unit comes in several colors, mine being blue/grey. The pen itself has changed in shape and is a bit thicker than the previous Pen Partner. Its user configurable click button is a bit harder to depress and feels poorly constructed. This was disappointing, as the previous version felt very solid and more "pen like". There is an “eraser” on the end, which I have really never used, but may have functionality for those who use graphics programs frequently.
Although the Graphire comes with a mouse, which uses the same technology as the pen for pointer navigation, I personally never use it. I have used the pen for navigation exclusively for 4 years now. As I do not use the enclosed mouse I can not comment on its use and capabilities.
For those new to pen input, the pen can be used as a mouse substitute. Click and double click are accomplished by tapping the pen on the tablet. The user can configure both tip pressure sensitivity and double click speed and width via the pen setup applet. I personally have not had a mouse installed at all on my PC for years.
Installation of the USB version is very simple. I have found some difficulty on boot up, where the pen fails to be recognized. This requires that I unplug and re-plug the tablet into the USB hub. This is no doubt a USB glitch on my system. I would imagine most users could easily install this product.
If you have found “mousing” tiresome and trackballs too constraining, you may want to consider a tablet. The Wacom Graphire offers a low cost pointing alternative. As a bonus, there is of course no better way to draw or develop artwork on a computer than with a graphics tablet. The Wacom is performs both tasks well offering good dynamic pen sensitivity. I highly recommend tablets for input and computer navigation. The Wacom Graphire is an inexpensive way to try tablet input.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 89
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Epinions.com ID:
KAR120C
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Location: Oakland, CA USA
Reviews written: 153
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
Life long "Techno-phille. I prefer "real world" reviews.
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