I've suddenly had an uncontrollable urge to buy one! I'm not too sure what makes a graphics tablet good though, I've been looking at this one:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...BLET&doy=28m10

It seems quite a good deal, but it could be a load of junk for all I know. I've seen some for over £800?? But I dont see what it is about it that makes it so expensive.

Also do they take a lot of getting used to? I am quite good at drawing, but I should think using one of these would be quite different.

That's pretty neat. I haven't seen that. I use ps cs3, it's not 3d but I'm a 2d graphic designer anyway. Graphic design programs are so expensive because most people use them to make money or produce material worth money. At least the really good ones, with professional quality and more features to work with are expensive.

looks like a good price to me, that is, if it works. Here is a link to reviews for different ones, it has a link on it to compare all of the different prices. Might be worth checking out.

Watch out with the one you're looking at KkillgasmM.
They don't name the resolution it has so it might turn out to be a terrible tablet.

If you really want good ones, take a Wacom.
And those you see over 800 are the big sizes, which I'm sure you won't need.

Ditto there. You can get a good quality Graphire tablet for between $100-$200. Not sure how that translates to pounds.

I use a tablet at home and work. They can be useful depending on what you're intending to use them for. I'm also a digital artist so I find myself using the pen stylus more for detailed drawings, photo manipulations and tracing. Rarely, though will I use it for design purposes (logo, unless the logo itself is "artsy"). I mostly use the mouse.

Beware, though. Many people think that getting a tablet will make you a better artist or designer. And, really, it's just a tool. So keep that in mind. If you don't really intend to use it, then it might not be a wise investment. Many designers I know who have bought them have either sold them to other people or store them in their closets.

Tablets are best used with programs like Photoshop, OpenCanvas, and Corel Painter. I rarely ever use it for any programs other than those.

As far as getting used to. It took me awhile to get used to it. I'll always prefer the "grab" a lead pencil or pen has on paper... since the tablet and stylus are plastic, everything is so smooth. Sometimes too smooth. You can set your tablet for pressure sensitivity and speeds with many programs to get it where you're most comfortable with using it.

I'd recommend Wacom as well. They're really the industry leader with tablets and their technology is the most reliable. You can get the Graphire4 for about $100 USD.

Hope that helps!

I bought a cheapo tablet for $30 earlier this year to use with Photoshop. I didn't want to spend a LOT of money unless I was sure I'd like it or that it would be as useful as I imagined it might be. It gave me the opportunity to try out a tablet and get used to it and if I decided I didn't like it, I didn't waste a bunch of money.

Well, it's great for doing masks on photos and getting some effects that with a mouse give you a repetitive strain injury. I like the pen, so I've decided to go ahead and buy a better tablet. The one I bought works fine, it's a 6x8 with good resolution, the pen is wireless, the tablet is USB. It has developed a funny glitch in one area of the tablet.. but I'm ok with that. It's still usable - and I'm not fussing since it was only $30

Wacom make a good range of tablets, including very expensive pro ones.
Their Graphire range are aimed at enthusiasts. I've got a Graphire3 6x8 sized one, it's great for doodling/cartoons etc. Works fine on the mac. If you don't have any software, some come bundled with basic photo and drawing packages.

Thanks for the advice, I'll probably go after a Wacom!

I can't seem to find one because apparently they've been discontinued, could this be a good option?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MTE-450-K-FR...191350-2105261