I cannot state how important I believe a digitizing tablet is if one is going to use any "painting or drawing tools" or do image editing. The mouse is not pressure sensitive nor can it do fine movements. Imagine trying to sew by holding a needle in one's mouth. Yes, I know it can be done; but it is very hard and only done under dire circumstances. The mouse and the pressure sensitive pen fall under the same constraints.
A digitizing tablet consists of a tablet that can be as small as 4"x5" or as large as 18"x18" or more that electronically translates the movement of a pressure sensitive pen on its surface to the monitor. A pressure sensitive pen is one that responds to the pressure exerted by the user to either thicken lines, make colors more opaque, or both. These pens can be programmed as to level of pressure. Many also can be used to erase data.
In addition, these pens can be used in place of a mouse or in conjunction with a mouse. They can totally replace a mouse in all DOS or window's programs or just be used when desired.
Most graphic programs have tools that will respond to pressure. Even if one never uses this feature, a digitizing tablet allows the user a tremendous amount of control. It is easy to outline figures, to remove them, to select areas of an image to lighten or darken, to paint lines of varying widths, etc., etc., etc.
When I first started doing graphics, these tablets did not commonly appear in catalogs. Also, they cost a lot more money than they do today. Now small ones are appearing in local stores and in most computer related catalogs. The major brands are Wacom, Calcomp, and Summagraphics. There might be others brands as well.
Two points in buying a tablet that I think are important are: Firstly, I do not recommend a tablet smaller than 6"x8" and, secondly, I recommend a pressure sensitive pen. I, personally, do not use the erasing feature.
The Tulsa Computer Society has a Basics Graphics SIG that meets the third Wednesday of the month at TU in Keplinger Hall, room U9. The program starts at 7:30, but I am there to answer questions and set up at 6:30 PM. For future meetings, see the Basic Graphics Sig Report in this issue.
For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here