Hardware & Peripherals for Graphics Software Users
Graphics software users have some special requirements when it comes to hardware. Whether it be a pen and tablet, monitor, video card, scanner, or other hardware peripherals, here's where you can learn more about the hardware that graphics software users need.
Wacom Cintiq 12WX Review
The Wacom Cintiq is basically a graphics tablet and LCD monitor rolled into one. Yes, it is a computer monitor on which you can draw! I had a chance to work with the Wacom Cintiq 12WX for several days and thought I would share my thoughts on that experience with you.
The Wacom Cintiq is basically a graphics tablet and LCD monitor rolled into one. Yes, it is a computer monitor on which you can draw! I had a chance to work with the Wacom Cintiq 12WX for several days and thought I would share my thoughts on that experience with you.
Wacom Bamboo Fun Pen Tablet
The new Bamboo Fun tablet from Wacom is the successor to the Graphire4 series of consumer level pen tablets. Improving on the Graphire4 model, Bamboo Fun has an updated look, a wide-format active area, a new textured feel to the tablet surface, and a finger-sensitive touch ring for zooming and scrolling. Unlike the Bamboo standard tablet, Bamboo Fun comes with a mouse and a bundle of creative software.
The new Bamboo Fun tablet from Wacom is the successor to the Graphire4 series of consumer level pen tablets. Improving on the Graphire4 model, Bamboo Fun has an updated look, a wide-format active area, a new textured feel to the tablet surface, and a finger-sensitive touch ring for zooming and scrolling. Unlike the Bamboo standard tablet, Bamboo Fun comes with a mouse and a bundle of creative software.
Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet
Wacom is the leading graphics tablet maker, and Bamboo is the latest consumer-level tablet in the Wacom product line-up. Bamboo is intended to be used with the built-in pen features of Windows Vista, Microsoft Office, and Mac OS X for marking up documents, jotting notes, and writing your signature.
Wacom is the leading graphics tablet maker, and Bamboo is the latest consumer-level tablet in the Wacom product line-up. Bamboo is intended to be used with the built-in pen features of Windows Vista, Microsoft Office, and Mac OS X for marking up documents, jotting notes, and writing your signature.
DigiPro Graphics Tablet with Cordless Stylus Pen
The DigiPro drawing tablet is an inexpensive, yet capable, pressure-sensitive pen tablet for budget conscious users.
The DigiPro drawing tablet is an inexpensive, yet capable, pressure-sensitive pen tablet for budget conscious users.
What is OEM Software?
OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer" and OEM software is a phrase that refers to software that is sold to computer builders and hardware manufacturers (OEMs) in large quantities, for the purpose of bundling with computer hardware. In reference to software, there is much debate and confusion surrounding the direct sale of OEM software.
OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer" and OEM software is a phrase that refers to software that is sold to computer builders and hardware manufacturers (OEMs) in large quantities, for the purpose of bundling with computer hardware. In reference to software, there is much debate and confusion surrounding the direct sale of OEM software.
Favorite Things on my Desk
The main computer I work on daily is a custom-built, dual-core Athlon running Windows XP, 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.
The main computer I work on daily is a custom-built, dual-core Athlon running Windows XP, 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.
Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator Design Controller for Macintosh and Windows
The Logitech NuLOOQ navigator is a unique productivity-enhancing control device for anyone who works with creative software on a regular basis. It works alongside your keyboard and mouse, trackpad, or graphics tablet while you control it with your other hand. Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator increases user efficiency by taking some of the load off of your mouse hand and reducing the time spent looking for keyboard shortcuts.
The Logitech NuLOOQ navigator is a unique productivity-enhancing control device for anyone who works with creative software on a regular basis. It works alongside your keyboard and mouse, trackpad, or graphics tablet while you control it with your other hand. Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator increases user efficiency by taking some of the load off of your mouse hand and reducing the time spent looking for keyboard shortcuts.
Before You Buy a Graphics Tablet
Find out if a graphics tablet is right for you and learn which features to look for in the pen and tablet you choose.
Find out if a graphics tablet is right for you and learn which features to look for in the pen and tablet you choose.
Top 10 Pressure-Sensitive Graphics Tablets
These are the most popular brands and models of graphics tablets available in the US. The pressure-sensitive graphics tablets featured here are well-suited to both professional and home users who will be using the tablet for photo editing and digital art, or as a mouse replacement.
These are the most popular brands and models of graphics tablets available in the US. The pressure-sensitive graphics tablets featured here are well-suited to both professional and home users who will be using the tablet for photo editing and digital art, or as a mouse replacement.
MaxiVista Multi-Monitor Software Review
If you've got an old, rarely-used laptop or idle computer laying around, MaxiVista can enable you to use the PC as a second monitor for your primary PC, without additional hardware. MaxiVista works with any combination of desktop, laptop, or TabletPCs, to extend or mirror the primary PC's screen content
If you've got an old, rarely-used laptop or idle computer laying around, MaxiVista can enable you to use the PC as a second monitor for your primary PC, without additional hardware. MaxiVista works with any combination of desktop, laptop, or TabletPCs, to extend or mirror the primary PC's screen content
Getting Started Scanning
Beginner's suggestions and guidelines for using your scanner. Includes scanning resolution for email and the Web, saving your scans, and printing digital photos and scanned images.
Beginner's suggestions and guidelines for using your scanner. Includes scanning resolution for email and the Web, saving your scans, and printing digital photos and scanned images.
Oscar's Multi-Monitor Taskbar - Freeware
If you have a dual monitor or triple monitor setup under Windows 2000 or XP, give Oscar's Multi-Monitor TaskBar a try. This free tool adds a second taskbar to the extended desktop on a second monitor and can add a third taskbar if you have three monitors.
If you have a dual monitor or triple monitor setup under Windows 2000 or XP, give Oscar's Multi-Monitor TaskBar a try. This free tool adds a second taskbar to the extended desktop on a second monitor and can add a third taskbar if you have three monitors.
Wacom Intuos3 Professional Graphics Tablet - Review and Rating
Intuos3 is the third generation of Wacom's professional line of graphics tablets. Intuos3 supports tilt control and 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, the highest sensitivity of any graphics tablet available today (double that of Intuos2). Intuos3 comes in 4x5, 6x8, and 9x12 sizes.
Intuos3 is the third generation of Wacom's professional line of graphics tablets. Intuos3 supports tilt control and 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, the highest sensitivity of any graphics tablet available today (double that of Intuos2). Intuos3 comes in 4x5, 6x8, and 9x12 sizes.
Wacom Graphire4 Personal Graphics Tablet - Review and Rating
The new Graphire4 is the fourth generation of Wacom's personal line of graphics tablets. Graphire4 includes a pressure-sensitive pen, ambidextrous and cordless mouse, and a bundle of photo editing, creative, and digital-inking software.
The new Graphire4 is the fourth generation of Wacom's personal line of graphics tablets. Graphire4 includes a pressure-sensitive pen, ambidextrous and cordless mouse, and a bundle of photo editing, creative, and digital-inking software.
Wacom Intuos3 and Graphire4 - Photo Tour and Comparison
You really can't go wrong with a Wacom tablet, but some people have a hard time choosing between the professional-level Intuos3 product line and the less-expensive Graphire4 line. In general, Intuos3 is best for graphics professionals and Graphire4 is best for personal use, but the following breakdown of advantages and disadvantages should help make the differences clearer to you.
You really can't go wrong with a Wacom tablet, but some people have a hard time choosing between the professional-level Intuos3 product line and the less-expensive Graphire4 line. In general, Intuos3 is best for graphics professionals and Graphire4 is best for personal use, but the following breakdown of advantages and disadvantages should help make the differences clearer to you.
Poll: How do you use your graphics tablet?
Do you use the tablet exclusively, or switch between the tablet and mouse?
Do you use the tablet exclusively, or switch between the tablet and mouse?
Dual Monitors... with a Twist!
I recently splurged to upgrade my two 17" LCD monitors to two new 20" monitors and I am really enjoying it. Considering that the monitor is the piece of computer equipment we "interface" with the most, I think the investment is well worth it. It's especially nice having the color match between the two screens now.
I recently splurged to upgrade my two 17" LCD monitors to two new 20" monitors and I am really enjoying it. Considering that the monitor is the piece of computer equipment we "interface" with the most, I think the investment is well worth it. It's especially nice having the color match between the two screens now.
PANTONE huey
PANTONE huey Review from Desktop Publishing Guide Jacci Howard Bear: "It's a simple little gadget (colorimeter) that sits on your desktop continuously monitoring light conditions and adjusting your settings as necessary to maintain a calibrated monitor -- CRT or LCD. Optionally, you can set it for manual adjustments only."
PANTONE huey Review from Desktop Publishing Guide Jacci Howard Bear: "It's a simple little gadget (colorimeter) that sits on your desktop continuously monitoring light conditions and adjusting your settings as necessary to maintain a calibrated monitor -- CRT or LCD. Optionally, you can set it for manual adjustments only."
Printers and Scanners
Printers and Scanners Guide Barbara Krasnoff offers buying advice, reviews, and tips for printers and scanners.
Printers and Scanners Guide Barbara Krasnoff offers buying advice, reviews, and tips for printers and scanners.
PC Hardware Reviews on Desktops, Laptops and Components
PC Hardware and Reviews Guide Mark Kyrnin helps you make informed decisions when buying desktop and notebook computers and choosing which components you need for your system.
PC Hardware and Reviews Guide Mark Kyrnin helps you make informed decisions when buying desktop and notebook computers and choosing which components you need for your system.
Computer & PC Peripherals
Computer Peripherals Guide Shane McGlaun offers reviews and advice about removable storage, video cards, CD and DVD drives, monitors, drawing tablets, keyboards, mice, and more.
Computer Peripherals Guide Shane McGlaun offers reviews and advice about removable storage, video cards, CD and DVD drives, monitors, drawing tablets, keyboards, mice, and more.
Focus on Macs
All about Macintosh hardware, peripherals and software.
All about Macintosh hardware, peripherals and software.
Digital Cameras
Digital Cameras Guide Michael Carr provides buying advice and tips for choosing and using a digital camera.
Digital Cameras Guide Michael Carr provides buying advice and tips for choosing and using a digital camera.
Multiple Monitors
I've been using multiple monitors for at least 5 years now, and I couldn't bear the thought of using a single monitor! But if you're still trying to decide if multiple monitors are right for you, check out this article from PC Hardware Guide Mark Kyrnin where he weighs the pros and cons of multiple monitors and tells you what you need to get it set up.
I've been using multiple monitors for at least 5 years now, and I couldn't bear the thought of using a single monitor! But if you're still trying to decide if multiple monitors are right for you, check out this article from PC Hardware Guide Mark Kyrnin where he weighs the pros and cons of multiple monitors and tells you what you need to get it set up.
CRT vs. LCD Monitors
Which monitor is the best to buy?
Which monitor is the best to buy?
Portrait Monitor Advantages for Desktop Publishing
In word processing and desktop publishing, the portrait or full-page monitor has distinct advantages. The bulk of the material - books, newsletters, fliers, etc. - that we produce has a portrait orientation. With these vertical monitors it's easier to see the entire page without scrolling and without zooming out so far that the content is unreadable.
In word processing and desktop publishing, the portrait or full-page monitor has distinct advantages. The bulk of the material - books, newsletters, fliers, etc. - that we produce has a portrait orientation. With these vertical monitors it's easier to see the entire page without scrolling and without zooming out so far that the content is unreadable.
Two Monitors Are Way Better Than One
How to improve your productivity by using a dual-monitor setup.
How to improve your productivity by using a dual-monitor setup.
KaVoom! Software KVM Switch (Win)
"Operate all of your computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse."
"Operate all of your computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse."
KMremoteControl (Mac)
"KMremoteControl lets you use the keyboard and mouse on one system to 'remote control' other systems."
"KMremoteControl lets you use the keyboard and mouse on one system to 'remote control' other systems."
Light Strokes OptiPaint System
"Up till now, the only way to get real brushstrokes into a computer would be to paint them on paper, let them dry, and scan them in. Not exactly interactive. Now with the OptiPaint system, you can paint with real brushes in real time. Create expressive designs in seconds that would otherwise take hours to imitate."
"Up till now, the only way to get real brushstrokes into a computer would be to paint them on paper, let them dry, and scan them in. Not exactly interactive. Now with the OptiPaint system, you can paint with real brushes in real time. Create expressive designs in seconds that would otherwise take hours to imitate."
ScreenRecycler (Mac)
"Most Mac users have a spare computer sitting right next to their main computer on their desk. ScreenRecycler now enables you to use this spare computer as second display for your Mac. You can even use an idle machine for that purpose." ScreenRecycler is currently a pre-release beta.
"Most Mac users have a spare computer sitting right next to their main computer on their desk. ScreenRecycler now enables you to use this spare computer as second display for your Mac. You can even use an idle machine for that purpose." ScreenRecycler is currently a pre-release beta.
Stardock Multiplicity (Win)
Multiplicity is a new program that lets you control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse.
Multiplicity is a new program that lets you control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse.
Synergy (Multi-Platform)
"Synergy lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems, each with its own display, without special hardware. It's intended for users with multiple computers on their desk since each system uses its own monitor(s)."
"Synergy lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems, each with its own display, without special hardware. It's intended for users with multiple computers on their desk since each system uses its own monitor(s)."
Teleport (Mac)
"Teleport is a simple utility to let you use one single mouse and keyboard to control several of your Macs... Simply reach the edge of your screen, and your mouse teleports to your other Mac! The pasteboard can be synchronized, and you can even drag & drop files between your Macs."
"Teleport is a simple utility to let you use one single mouse and keyboard to control several of your Macs... Simply reach the edge of your screen, and your mouse teleports to your other Mac! The pasteboard can be synchronized, and you can even drag & drop files between your Macs."