LF: Wacom Graphire3 or another good, cheap graphics tablet

[laurasleigh]

Hi I'm looking for a good, relatively cheap graphics tablet. They generally tend to be pricey peripherals but I'd like to get my hand started at drawing with one, because frankly, I'm sick of the mouse. :)

Cheapest price I've seen so far currently is $105 at NCIX:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=11108&vpn=CTE430SA2&manufacture=Wacom

I've also trawled the archives but most of those appear to be dead. Any other good deals or alternative brands, even, I should be looking for?

Thanks a bundle!

[Emancipated]

Preference on condition? I have a Wacom Graphire3 4x5 barely used.

PM me if you're interested.

[itsmypostoffice]

the wacom graphire is an excellent "starters" tablet and you have to keep in mind that you get what you paid for. there are consumer models that range between $65 to $125 and professional models that start at $499. even a 6" x 8" or 9" x 12" refurb can command $250+ in a retail box.

size also matters when you're handling illustrations and photos. look for features that you'll find useful and newer models that have pressure sensitive pens so it's not dependent on software. with any peripheral, it's what you do with it that determines it's usefulness. if you just want a change of pace then the graphire kit will suffice, but if you're drawing regularly or working in digital media then consider the "professional" series and a larger drawing surface. did you know that 6" X 8" tablets offer twice the drawing area as 4" x 5"? it's not only simple math...the convenience is worth the premium.

[WeaselBlade]

Several of my friends use these for digital art, I've seen/fiddled with at least two or three non-Wacom brands, and the Wacoms come out notably ahead on build quality. Can't comment on functionality, but I've yet to see another brand that doesn't seem cheap/flimsy.

Main difference b/w the Graphire and Intuos is 512 vs 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity. I've been keeping my eye out for an Intuos to upgrade my GF's Graphire, but bargains seem to be seriously hard to come by.

[laurasleigh]

Thanks for the replies! I'm hoping for a new one, actually, that's just the way I like it but thanks for offering. :)

I wasn't sure what the current going rate is supposed to ideally be. Wacom's like the Microsoft of the tablet world, aren't they?

Is there anywhere currently that sells for cheaper than NCIX? I saw some old searches that amounted to ~$75.

[itsmypostoffice]

the professional lines are very difficult to come by because illustrators trade on another forum *nod*

local forums at universities/colleges offering art courses is another place to post your request. but i say this all the time to new users: try it out before you buy. there's nothing preventing you from phoning the apple store and asking if they have a demo tablet. 6" x 8" tablets are the minimum if you need room to grow (not literally, ha ha) but ncix's wacom graphire is aggressively priced. stick to the prices i listed in my previous post as a guide (or you can PM me for a second opinion if you find a local deal). i just sold my last 6" x 8" intuos to genobe so i don't have one available for you.

[ilikecheapstuff]

Thanks for the replies! I'm hoping for a new one, actually, that's just the way I like it but thanks for offering. :)

I wasn't sure what the current going rate is supposed to ideally be. Wacom's like the Microsoft of the tablet world, aren't they?

Is there anywhere currently that sells for cheaper than NCIX? I saw some old searches that amounted to ~$75.

did you manage to find one?

it's still on sale @ compusmart until the 23rd for 79.99