Wacom Intuos3 6 x 8-Inch Pen Tablet

I had never before used a tablet so this was a definate first. However, if I could do it again I would do the same exact thing. The Wacom Intuos3 6x8 Pen Tablet is perfect. I know that is a rather bold statement but for me it is so true. I couldn't be happier with it. I was worried that the 6x8 sensory area would be too small but it is just right; any larger and it would have been too large. It is light, slim, comfortable to have sitting on your lap (if you're like me and like to recline at the comptuer) and looks really nice sitting on the desk too. :)The actual functions of the tablet are nothing short of awesome in my opinion. The sensativity levels are incredible and I was very pleased to find that it was quite customizable as well for one's own personal needs or "touch". The customizable menu shortcut buttons are an absolute lifesaver. I use Adobe Photoshop and to be able to just press a button right under my fingertips without ever having to touch the keyboard to undo a mistake or basically do whatever there is a hotkey for that your keyboard can do is wonderful.The touchstrip for zoom/scroll is also quite helpful however one does have to be careful of letting one's hand drift over a touchstrip while using the pen; it can have undesireable results. Not a real problem though as it is easy to avoid doing for the most part.The pen is comfortable and easy to hold though a bit larger than I would have preferred it doesn't get in the way or hinder progress.It feels comfortable and smooth when moving over the pad surface. There are different types of pen tips for a different feel. Several pen nibs/tips are sent along so you should have a supply for a while even if you use it heavily.The nifty pen holder has a deep indentation in it for holding the pen upright when not in use or two indentations on opposite sides for laying the pen over the holder horizontally. Either way it is a perfect way to store it (and not to lose it) and also to keep it safe.The mouse included is quite sensitive and comfortable to use with several different customizable buttons. I personally don't use it much simply because the pen is naturally far superior; however, it is nice to have and I am glad it was included.The USB cord on the tablet itself is fairly long so makes it easy not to be attached by the nose to your computer screen (unless of course you wish to be).Basically to sum it up, all of that to say this: I'm very very pleased! I'm so glad I went with this product. The sheer ease and comfort of use, the fact that it is easiy used to nearly completely replace the mouse in most instances has saved my wrist countless times and I find I can use it longer without consequences. Being able to draw on my computer with almost the same ease and freedom I enjoy using a pen/pencil and paper is wonderful. This product is simply a joy to use and to own!Thank you for reading this rather lengthy review and I hope it helps you make your decision for you whatever it may be. :)-One VERY satisfied Wacom Intuos3 6x8 Pen Tablet owner.

I bought this tablet to replace my old Intuos2 9x12 and I've been using it constantly since it arrived with no problems. Compared to my old tablet, the size is perfect--a great balance between conserving desk space and having a comfortable drawing area. There's also a marked improvement in responsiveness and the overall feel and quality. It's light and relatively small, so it'll definitely be easy to travel with.I'm using it mostly for illustration and sometimes retouching photos for myself or my family and I really don't have any complaints so far. The one thing that might leave something to be desired is the mouse, though I'm using it regularly anyway. It feels a little flimsy, particuarly compared to the one that was paired with the Intuos2. However, the convenience of having a responsive, relatively good mouse without the cord and being able to switch back and forth between the stylus and mouse quickly is worth it.I haven't had any problems with lag, though the mouse sometimes feels a little off. Drawing with the stylus is a breeze, and a relief after using a mouse for a while. The buttons are easy to program. I've had no problems at all with the included drivers, installation and use have been flawless.I'd recommend this product to anyone looking for an easier way to create or touch up their art digitally, and especially to anyone looking to make the switch from traditional to digital media. I'd also say that if you don't absolutely need the bigger size, the 6x8 is perfect. Additionally, the difference in price compared to graphire line is worth it for the additional features. So I'd say unless you don't need the added features or you require a different size for the work you're doing, you can't go wrong this one.

Very enjoyable to draw on. I had bought the graphire4 4x5 when I was in college a few years ago to tinker with in photoshop. I decided to get into drawing more seriously recently, and so I purchased the Intuos 3 6x8 as it was reasonably priced, and on sale. I now know why it was on sale, the Intuos4 just came out! Luckily I bought the Intuos3 within 30 days of noticing that the Intuos4 was out, so I just returned it and am awaiting the arrival of the Intuos4 Large, as I decided that I did want a larger drawing surface as I draw mostly from the shoulder and elbow.Now on to the review: My first few strokes on the Intuos3 I noticed an immediate and vast improvement over the graphire4. I felt like I had been drawing on a cheap plastic toy in comparison to the smoothness and much more natural feeling Intuos3. Not only was the surface material superior, but its far more accurate. Line placement was keen and I could draw much more accurately then I could on the graphire4. It was almost uncanny how much more accurate, sometimes I felt like the tablet was drawing on its own, as when I would retrace lines I could actually retrace the same line instead of the frequent "almost the same" lines that I achieved on the graphire4. If line accuracy is important to you, the Intuos3 shines.There were two cons with the Intuos3 for me. First was the button's on the right side were never used, simply because they were on the right side and I didn't like pushing buttons with the pen in my drawing hand. Second, i felt that my strokes were not being picked up by the intuos3, and I had to apply more then normal pressure to even do a light stroke. That was the same with the graphire4, but I was surprised to find the case was the same with the Intuos3. I guess thats because the Intuos3 takes 10 grams of pressure before anything is registered. The intuos4 solves both of those problems for me with having all the buttons on one side (ambidextrous design, flip it for lefty's) and 1 gram of pressure before it registers, which is why I decided to get that instead.