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graphics tablet.....kinda

Started by Endar Mar 24, 2006 at 7:00 AM 10 replies 1.1k views

Original Post

Mar 24, 2006 at 7:00 AM

Often when I'm sitting in front of the computer, I want to make a little diagram, or draw out a data structure to help myself figure something out, or just to solidify my understanding of it. And sometimes to take out some pieces of paper, spend 10 minutes searching for a pen that works, move the mouse pad and keyboard out of the way, and then if I want to look at something I have to move stuff around so I can get at the keyboard, etc, etc. With graphics tablets for drawing and the such, are there programs which will allow you to write handwritten notes and diagrams directly into the computer, without having to save them as an image file? If so, is it possible to do something like this, but without the graphics tablet, or with a really basic, cheap one? I'm never actually going to do graphics with it, was just wondering if this was possible.

benryves

Mar 24, 2006 at 7:27 AM

I've seen Microsoft OneNote used for that sort of thing, though only on a tablet PC - I assume it can work from a normal graphics tablet as well.

Penten

Mar 24, 2006 at 11:36 AM

Stand a whiteboard somewhere? I'm so getting one of those one day..

Densun

Mar 24, 2006 at 11:44 AM

Quote:
Original post by Endar
And sometimes to take out some pieces of paper, spend 10 minutes searching for a pen that works, move the mouse pad and keyboard out of the way, and then if I want to look at something I have to move stuff around so I can get at the keyboard, etc, etc.

Keep in mind that you'll have to move stuff around for a tablet as well. A piece of paper is probably easier to deal with.

Ouoertheo

Mar 24, 2006 at 12:07 PM

If you're using XP then this may be of some interest

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306906&sd=tech

CpMan

Mar 24, 2006 at 12:23 PM

Onenote works in this way very nicely

OrangyTang

Mar 24, 2006 at 12:24 PM

Quote:
Original post by benryves
I've seen Microsoft OneNote used for that sort of thing, though only on a tablet PC - I assume it can work from a normal graphics tablet as well.

OneNote is great (surprising really, as I find most MS office stuff far too clunky) and sounds exactly what you're looking for. I use it all the time on my tablet. [grin] The having all your notes better organised into sections/catergories and able to ammend/remove/update them is very helpful, and stops me leaving scraps of paper everywhere. Searchable handwritten notes is very cool too. At the very least give the trial version a go for a day or two.

Oberon_Command

Mar 24, 2006 at 1:07 PM

Quote:
Original post by Penten
Stand a whiteboard somewhere? I'm so getting one of those one day..

A SmartBoard would be better, then you could actually save the stuff for reference if you wanted to, and not worry about people erasing it or losing pens (you can just use your fingers, if you want to).

Penten

Mar 24, 2006 at 1:11 PM

Quote:
Original post by Oberon_Command
Quote:
Original post by Penten
Stand a whiteboard somewhere? I'm so getting one of those one day..

A SmartBoard would be better, then you could actually save the stuff for reference if you wanted to, and not worry about people erasing it or losing pens (you can just use your fingers, if you want to).

Looks practical but...somewhat pricy for a poor student..

Endar

Mar 25, 2006 at 9:24 AM

I have a small whiteboard that I just sit on my knees. The major problem is that it's pretty dodgy. Costs $10AU and it's got like a back of cardboard and the top is pretty much a piece of clear plastic like melted on or something so it looks like a real whiteboard. The thing is after a couple of weeks or a month, the plastic covering starts peeling off and then I have to go and buy a new one.

I don't want to get a huge whiteboard that I have to put onto a wall, and I don't think that they make "real" whiteboards small enough to sit on your lap.

But, does anyone know of a tablet that doesn't cost a whole lot? ie. can be used for writing and diagrams, but not necessarily for really complex graphics? I mean, it doesn't have to be able to sense 200 different pressure levels.

Oluseyi

Mar 26, 2006 at 4:51 PM

Wacom Graphire 4x5, $99.95

You can find a used one, or an older version (this is the Graphire4; look for the Graphire2 or Graphire3, for example) for cheaper on eBay or something.

AnonymousPosterChild

Mar 26, 2006 at 5:19 PM

Quote:
Original post by Oluseyi
Wacom Graphire 4x5, $99.95

You can find a used one, or an older version (this is the Graphire4; look for the Graphire2 or Graphire3, for example) for cheaper on eBay or something.

O___o

I got that exact model for $79 before rebate.

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