Isn't a tablet just a glorified trackpad?

[Lux_Artifex]

Is it possible to get, say, a Wacom Intuos4 pen and use my own trackpad? I'm stuck between getting a Bamboo Craft or a small Intuos4 when I realized (after watching many a video) that these devices seem to function exactly as my Mac's trackpad. What, then, would be the advantage? Keep in mind I won't be using them to create storyboards or animate unicorns, just a bit of pp to my images.

 

[klinic]

The trackpad won't work with the stylus. The trackpad doesn't have pressure sensitivity or tilt sensitivity or ANY of the features of the tablet really, the only similarity between them is that they are both flat, a similar shape and are input devices.

 

[Lux_Artifex]

The trackpad won't work with the stylus. The trackpad doesn't have pressure sensitivity or tilt sensitivity or ANY of the features of the tablet really, the only similarity between them is that they are both flat, a similar shape and are input devices.

Right, then. I thought since the pen itself has pressure sensitivity, perhaps it would work. I guess it's off to the electronic store to start testing these babies out. Thanks for replying, klinic.

 

[klinic]

Yeah, the pen itself has pressure sensitivity, technically. But it's quite a complex operation for the pen to communicate with the tablet.

For simple photo retouching, I wouldn't really suggest going all out for an Intuos 4. I personally use it a lot, but I need all of the pressure sensitivity and tilt sensitivity for matte painting, I simply couldn't work without it. If all you need is to point and click, with a little bit of pressure sensitivity, a bamboo would be fine for your purposes.

 

[usayit]

also...

Trackpads are relative positioning.

Tablets are absolute. (default)


I'm ambidextrous when it comes to using the mouse. I generally work PS and Lightroom with the tablet in my right hand w/ stylus (I'm right handed for writing) and the mouse on my left. I work the mouse to navigate, position, and select while I use my right hand tablet for more fine movements.

 

[Lux_Artifex]

a bamboo would be fine for your purposes.

That's what I thought, too. Thanks for your input.

 

[Lux_Artifex]

I'm ambidextrous when it comes to using the mouse. I generally work PS and Lightroom with the tablet in my right hand w/ stylus (I'm right handed for writing) and the mouse on my left. I work the mouse to navigate, position, and select while I use my right hand tablet for more fine movements.

Ambidextrous! That's so neat.

 

[chuasam]

a Graphics tablet is a glorified trackpad in the same sort of way that a Ducati 848 is a glorified bicycle.

 

[bhop]

Personally, i'd go for an Intuos if you can afford one. It'll save you the trouble of upgrading later when you realize how much you love the tablet.

 

[chuasam]

Yeah, I made the mistake of getting a Bamboo first. What a waste of money. Finally I bit the bullet and get the Intuos4. What a world of difference.