Wacom Graphire 4 X 5 USB Tablet with Cordless Mouse & Pen (Graphite)
See it at Amazon.com for $99.95Average Customer Rating
(5.0 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First (5 out of 5)A fantastic addition to my existing input device arsenal...
As a long-time computer user, I've always been in a search for the holy grail of input devices. I have realized that, for me, there is no single ideal input device. Instead, I have collected an arsenal of devices, with each serving a particular need extremely well -- my Microsoft Natural Keyboard for the massive amount of typing I do and my Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer for everything else... that is, until I finally bit the bullet and added the Wacom Graphire graphics tablet to the mix.
I purchased the tablet primarily for my work in retouching photos and creating web graphics. However, I have found myself using it as my primary GUI navigation (web browsing, drag & drop) device, as well. I find it extremely natural to hold the Graphire's stylus, although after prolonged use I do tend to periodically switch back to my Intellimouse to prevent cramping in my hand. This is more an ergonomics lesson -- you know, the "Take breaks every 15-30 minutes" one no one follows -- than a negative aspect of the Graphire. :) I would have bought the Graphire even if it had not come with the wireless mouse which, while I have no doubt is precise, I do not find as comfortable or useful as my Intellimouse (I love its browser "Back" button capability and the smoother wheel operation).
While I had never seriously used a graphics tablet before, I have been a PDA (Casio Cassiopeia E-115) user for almost 2 years so I am very familiar with stylus-based input. I enjoy the natural feel of the Graphire's stylus so much I have taken to using it instead of my PDA's stylus when I need to update info. on my PDA while it's docked at my desk.
I'd recommend "test driving" a graphics tablet before buying as you will either love it or hate it. I'm definitely in the "love it" category... but it doesn't replace my Intellimouse entirely.
(5 out of 5)Great Mouse
The Wacom Graphire tablet has a great mouse, but an even better pen. This pen is smaller than the mouse and will do all of the same functions.