Attention again, Art droids! Inexpensive gear!

[Simon Fraser]

"All graphics tablets are compatible with Painter, Photoshop, in fact even windows (you can use it instead of a mouse)."

I`m not sure I can agree with that, Windows XP has left a lot of older equipment high and dry, as has OsX. Be sure that what you buy is certified for the Os that you use or you may find that it`s unusable and there is no sign of a driver update to fix it. A lot of smaller graphics tablet manufacturers have given up in the face of the Wacom juggernaut.

"Painter is a great little program"

Painter is a HUMUNGOUS and greedy program, it`s a lot of fun though despite it`s somewhat contrary interface. Everyone uses Photoshop because it`s very effective and can do prety much anything you ask of it, with a bit of thought, even `natural media`effects. Painter can do many lovely things, but I have found it rather frustrating and when a deadline looms I tend to find myself going for the software I am most fluent with.

Simon F.