Hello,

I've seen some large drawing white boards which connect to a PC and
whatever you draw on them can be scanned to a PC or printed to paper.

Those are large and expensive.  I'm building a small fast food
delivery management application which a quick drawing of the location
of the members is done via a very simple to use drawing tablet like
device suitable for labor to use and is affordable.  I would be
interested in more expensive versions which might be more robust, but
not for the prototype.

Priorities are in the following sequence:

1. Easy of use.
2. Cost.
3. Robustness.

Thank you.

/Lizardnation

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Request for Question Clarification by leader-ga on 17 May 2003 15:50 PDT

Hello lizardnation-ga:

How much do you think will your budget be? If you can give an estimate
of the cost of the drawing tablet that you think is justified, it will
help researchers.

Thanks.

---

Clarification of Question by lizardnation-ga on 17 May 2003 15:55 PDT

Hello Leader,

I have no idea, but I will be foreced to use the available ones.  The
cheaper, the easier the better. :-)

I have never been exposed to their prices, so I can't put a budget
limit on this.

/Lizardnation

---

Request for Question Clarification by serenata-ga on 17 May 2003 16:24 PDT

Hi, Lizardnation:

If I understand your question, you are not necessarily looking for
something separate FROM the computer, but a device attached to the
computer you could use to draw a simple map (using some drawing
program), and then printing it out for the drivers?

Have you see Wacom's Graphire 2? It's small (takes up a small space),
and very robust, at least from all the art groups who use them.

 - http://www.wacom.com/graphire/index.cfm

Is this the type of device you're looking for?

There are similar on the market if this is what you're looking for.

Serenata

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Clarification of Question by lizardnation-ga on 17 May 2003 16:40 PDT

Hello Serenata,

That's looks good enough.

Though, from the image it doesn't look all that robust. What do you
think?

Good start, lets look for something along the lines of this device. I
don't need a mouse, so there's a savings opportunity. :-)

/Lizardnation

---

Request for Question Clarification by serenata-ga on 17 May 2003 18:05 PDT

Hi again ... 

This is a Wacom tablet, which comes in a lot of sizes and Wacom has an
outstanding reputation.

I use an Intuos 6x8 tablet myself - and it's my second Wacom tablet,
only because as I upgraded my system, my old tablet, which lasted for
6 years, wouldn't upgrade to my new system.

I'm an illustrator and work in graphics a lot. This Intuos I have here
has been taking a slamming for the last three years with no problem. I
so seldom use my mouse, I'm not even sure I know where it is at the
moment.

Don't let the looks fool you, these tablets work, take abuse and have
been around for a while. They have a nice guarantee, too.


However ... Best Buy just introduced the Aiptek tablet for $149.00.
 - http://www.aiptek.com/index2.php

Unfortunately, those who would use it regularly are already saying
it's wobbly and goes out on them too fast (within weeks).

Here's the latest post on the AIPTEK from a users group I belong to:

 "Stay far away from the Aiptek tablets,  I've seen thread after
thread in
various forums about them stopping working after a short while,  and
even
though they claim a higher resolution than the Wacoms at the low price
point,  they aren't up to wacom quality.....    Once again the old
saying
holds true,  you get what you pay for.... Rick"

but an actual user says in answer to that post:

"I own an Aiptek tablet. I have the HyperPen 6000.
I bought it because of the price, but I can't find that much
difference
between it and the Graphire. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for
anything. I don't like the cordless mouse that comes with it though.
Debbie"

That's anecdotal, but I've not heard a lot of feedback on it at all.
The posts go back and forth, some like it, some hate it. I can't
recommend it either way, because I've just used Wacom for so long.

There's also a NSIS Easypen ... I don't know anyone who has one, nor
was I able to find any rants or raves about it.
 - http://www.nisis.com/index.html

If you want a recommendation, I say go with the Wacom. They've been
around long enough, their customer service is exemplary. You know,
real people, real 800 number, real referral elsewhere if you can save
money, etc.

Otherwise, the tablets are out there and if the price is good enough,
and it IS abused, beaten up and otherwise treated like luggage by
airline baggage handlers, a good warranty should be able to get you a
new one.

Hope this helps,
Serenata

---

Clarification of Question by lizardnation-ga on 17 May 2003 19:09 PDT

Hello Serenata,

I like your response and the recommendation, would you please post it
as an answer so I may rate the question?

If it's not too much trouble, would you be able to point me to an
online store with a good price on a unit.

Thanks!

/Lizardnation

Hello again Lizardnation:

Thanks for your clarifications - I am betting you will be pleased with
the Graphire2.

I just purchased one as a gift for a friend of mine directly from
Wacom. I purchased one of their refurbished models (these are the ones
that are used by sales reps, etc., as demos, at trade shows, etc.) -
they carry the same warranty as a new in the box model with no
restrictions, the nice part is that they're $20 less than list price,
so there is a savings there.

Wacom's refurbished unit information can be found here:
 - http://wacomdirect.wacom.com/wacomdirect/reftablet.asp?

This is a pretty up to date inventory, by the way, because there were
no blue models in stock on Tuesday when I ordered hers (I got her a
ruby red instead).
Also, Wacom has a $10 handling charge on its products it sends out the
door, so that will raise your price to $89.95. The good part is, that
handling fee covers any way you want it delivered (ie., Fedex
standard, overnight,  USPS, Pony Express, whatever). I was able to pay
that to have it sent Fedex overnight.

Retailers Carrying Wacom's Graphire2
====================================

There are several 'name' retailers who carry Wacom products in stock.
Some of the names you may recognize are:

 * Circuit City
 * ComnpUSA
 * Fry's Electronics
 * Software Express

A complete list of retailers carrying Wacom products (and I can almost
guarantee all have the Graphire2 in stock) can be found here:
 - http://www.wacom.com/wheretobuy/retail.cfm
This also has regional stores which I didn't list, as I am not sure
where you are located.

Dealers with demo tablets are listed here:
 - http://www.wacom.com/wheretobuy/demo_dealers.cfm

If you're willing to wait and have a favorite computer shop you use,
Wacom always has a special price for retailers. Maybe your favorite
shop will order it for you at their price.


Online Places to purchase a Graphire2.
=====================================

I did a check on Google's froogle.com on where to buy the Wacom
Graphire2 for less than the listed price of $99.00. I found the
following:

Buy Micro - $83.22
 - http://www.buymicro.com/default.cfm?loadlist=049282

MP Superstore - $95.00
 - http://www.mpsuperstore.com/computer/indexMy.htm?discr21872.htm

ShopperWiz - $76.64
 http://www.shopperwiz.com/shopdisplaydetail.asp?id=49287&Ref=FROOGLE&ts=20030517&Key=092658920

BuyCom - $79.64
 - http://www.buy.com/retail/product_jump.asp?sku=10310633


For the best price and any accommodations
=========================================

Wacom is located in Vancouver, Washington. Their hours are 7:30 - 5:00
pm Pacific time, and their site lists this toll free number:
 (800)922-9348

What I did was call and asked for the best price and fastest delivery,
explaining I didn't mind a refurbished model from Wacom, but I did
want it delivered by Thursday.

She checked her database, gave me details (there were some prices
offered at less expensive rates, just couldn't guarantee the overnight
delivery).

I made my choice based on the information they furnished. They really
do have a pleasant customer service department, and they're eager to
help. (They could give Microsoft lessons in Customer Service).

Good luck with your purchase, I really think you'll like your choice.

Serenata

Great job, very detailed, real life experience and beyond the scope of
the question! :-)

/Lizardnation