Are graphic tablets worth it?

[MissMegano]

Because they are REALLY expensive. I'm thinking about getting one, but I have no idea as to which is the right kind for me. My price range is only around $50-100, but at that price, are they still quality? What's the least expensive tablet that would work for an artist? I don't want it to navigate my computer screen or to write- just to draw. Also, can anyone give me some pros and cons of investing in one?

Any help would be appreciated so, so much.

>If this is in the wrong place, sorry in advance.<

 

[Gerri Shin]

speaking as an owner of 2 Wacom tablets. I would say they are definitely worth the price. I used to use one of the 4x6 Graphire 4 tablets and it served me very well for the two years I used it, now it's being put to good use by one of my friends who does a lot with photos. I have moved on to the 6x8 Intuos tablet. I love it beyond words. t has worked without a glitch in both Windows and now Mac.
For your price range I would look at either the Graphire series or maybe even a Bamboo. (the intuos models start at $250 for the 5x7)

Edit: If you are really used to just a regular pen in your hand I would also recommend adding a Classic pen to your list. all Wacom tablets come with a pen, but it's usually the grip pen that you might feel out of place using.
and here's a link to the wacom site

 

[MissMegano]

Thank you!
Will a 4x6 tablet limit me with the size I want to draw with? And how much did it cost you? How much does Bamboo cost?
And thatnks for the pen tip. I would feel really wierd using a chunky pen.

 

[Gerri Shin]

well the 4x6 will be fine depending on the screen res you use. If you use anything from 1280x800 or lower then you should be fine.
When I bought my Graphire it cost me roughly $104 (including tax), however that was before they switched all the graphire's to be wireless. Bamboo's start at about $79 USD which isn't bad considering their usefulness. I just looked at their estore and it seems they've since discontinued all but the 6x8 graphire's and it's a little out of the price range you specified.
This being the case I would advise you to go with a bamboo. they seem to have taken the place of the Graphire series I bought a couple years ago. I would also advise going to a store like best buy where they have a demo model out for you to gauge how you react while using it.