Wacom Cintiq

[UnSeenGenius]

Hi guys!

I'm writing this on behalf of my boss who's looking to buy a Wacom Cintiq (the 12") - he's a sketch and concept artist and he's worried about the speed the wacom can work at because he's used to sketching with very fast hand movements. Is the Cintiq as fast as the regular wacom tablets in this regard?

Also, what's the most important factor in keeping the whole thing "fluid" as he works? Is the tablet itself a limit or is the computer it's attached to the limiting factor? If the latter is the case (as I think it would be) what makes the biggest difference? Video card, CPU, ram? I just want to get back to him with a full answer because his present laptop is definitely not a very fast machine and he's looking to do some pretty large pieces (60"x40", 300 dpi) withouth it slowing down on him.

Appreciate any answers!

Jorge Schwarzhaupt

The computer it the controlling limit factor. Depending on the program is what gets utilized more. If its PS CS4... it supports video card features now, but regardless with the upcoming programs... the new standards will be video card based here on. Of course, ram and a good cpu doesnt hurt at all either. That laptop would definitely show lag as he draws. I've got a few friends and clients who owned the 12" and complained about driver issues and spontaneous problems with the thing. I personally own the 21inch and it works quite flawless to be honest.

[leigh]

We have a hardware forum for questions like this. I am moving this thread there.

[axezine]

UnSeenGenius: Thanks for the reply, very useful.

leigh: Sorry about that, I posted it in the general area because I was hoping to get more of a "usability" response from people using this tablet moreso than the actual hardware aspect of it, but if you feel it fits in the hardware forum better by all means, move it there. Sorry again for any inconvinience.

[robcat2075]

I have not seen a cintiq yet that does not have a noticeable lag between the actual pen location and the cursor location on the screen. It's just a fraction of a second, but that could be an inch or more if you're drawing fast. It's enough to be a hand-eye coordination issue.

I dont' think it's a video card driver issue because my mouse cursor is way tighter.

that and the lack of friction between the pen and tablet surface are the two things that I think serious pencil drawers may find awkward to adjust to.

He should try one out first.

And he should seriously visualize how small that 12" screen is. that's only 10.3 x 6.4

[axezine]

Mmm... That could be a deal-breaker right there. So in other words, it works a little different that a regular wacom tablet? Or is it maybe that there's always been that small amount of lag but when the tablet isn't actually the screen maybe you don't notice it as much or you instinctively correct for it. I'll tell him he should give it a try before buying, these things aren't cheap.

Thanks for the comment!

Jorge