The main computer I work on daily is a custom-built, Intel quad-core desktop running Windows 7 64-bit, but there is a lot of additional hardware and gadgetry that helps me out in my job as the About Graphics Software Guide. Here you can learn about some of my favorite gear -- the computer hardware and gadgets I use most.
• Sue Chastain's Favorite Graphics Software Gear

This week's graphics challenge theme is Thanksgiving Around the World. For as long as recorded history, people from all cultures have celebrated the harvest. It may differ in forms, but the spirit remains the same. We thought for this week's theme, members could submit an image created on the traditions of thanksgiving or harvest celebrations from the region or country you live in. Read more...

I've known about Monoprice.com for a while. They are one of the cheapest sources for cables and adapters for computer, audio, and video equipment. Recently I bought an LCD monitor wall mount from them and was very impressed with it for the price paid. Well, my good friend Jacci from About.com Desktop Publishing just informed me that Monoprice also sells their own brand of graphics tablets. I had no idea!

They list 4 different sizes on their web site, although at the moment all are out of stock with expected time of arrival of 11/30/09 for the two larger models. The 8 by 6 inch model has 14 user reviews on Monoprice.com with a very high satisfaction rating. The tablet comes with 2 pens and extra nibs for the pens. Driver software is included for both Mac and Windows.

I have had both good and bad experiences with budget-brand graphics tablets, but the Monoprice name and Jacci's recommendation gives me some confidence that these could be a good low-cost alternative to a Wacom tablet. If you've used a Monoprice graphics tablet, please share your experience in the comments.

• Monoprice Graphics Tablets
• Top Pressure-Sensitive Graphics Tablets
• Before You Buy a Graphics Tablet

Coffee or Tea? That's the question and this week's challenge theme. We have some starting images, use both of them to create something new. So sit back and enjoy a cup of your choice--whether it's beans or leaves--and have some fun with this challenge! Read more...