Hi all. I'm looking to pick up a tablet to use almost exclusively with Inkscape. Rather than making several posts asking about various models, I thought I might try this approach. I really have a limited budget (<$100) but have no issue with shopping used. If you use a graphics pad that works well with Inkscape and don't mind, could you post what make and model, and if it is not to much of an intrusion what it might cost new? I called one company to see if the tablet I was looking into was compatible, but they tell me they don't test for Open Source applications. I figured what better test than real user feedback right here? Any help would be most apprecitated. Thanks in advance!

Wacom Graphire CTE-430

I got it cheap off ebay a couple of years ago.
I love it.

When I got this vista computer I had to download a new driver or something off the wacom site.

At first it didn't work with inkscape and then it did.
I might have done something in preferences, I'm not sure now.

Anyway, now it's great.
Wouldn't be without it.

Thanks! That's just the kind of information I am looking for. May I ask what size it is. What size do you all like best? Anyone else?

I can't find a ruler.

The usable bit of it is 5 inches by 4. or maybe 6 by 4.

Small anyway.
It was the one I could afford.

I use it all the time instead of a mouse, for everything.

I do loads of art with it.
both inkscape and raster stuff.
And it's just fine for me.

It's the only one I have ever had, so I don't know if I would like a bigger one better, but I don't think a bigger one would sit on the arm of the chair like this one does so I can watch TV and do the computer at the same time in comfort.
I think a bigger one would fall off and be a right pain.

I got a new (older model) Wacom Volito2 that worked out of the box for all my graphics apps on both my desktop and laptop.

This is on Linux and it was plug ’n play, since the drivers are pre-loaded in the kernel. I'm pretty much a Linux noob and haven’t used Windows in a couple of years so I’m guessing you’d have to download drivers for the tablet to work. I didn't do anything for it to work in Inkscape or any other graphic app for that matter.

The work area is approximately 4x5 and I agree with Lillie, I don't think bigger is necessarily better.

Cheers

Thanks all! I'm now trying out a used one, and I have some questions about it, so I'll make a fresh post. I really appreciate all of the input!

Late to this, I use an older USB Wacom graphire 3 6x8 inch (model CTE630)

Ideal size, as the tablet is the same as my notebook.

It has a few drawbacks from the newer ones.... No buttons on the tablet, no tilt or angle measurements...only pressure.

I purchased it used through kijji a few years ago (before the bamboo tablets came out) for ~$60USD.

-Rob A>

Hello,
This is a great discussion. I was thinking recently about getting a tablet for this purpose, but I could not determine which one would allow me to take what I draw and "simply" bring it into Inkscape.

I'd be interested in hearing from more people on this subject.

Thanks,
Matthew