Wacom tablet as an alternative to using a mouse

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Hi

Im considering getting a tablet to replace using a mouse; I use Ubuntu Linux 99% of the time on the desktop.

I work full-time as a programmer/sysadmin so my main applications in the GUI are a text editor (gedit), email (thunderbird) and a web browser (chrome/firefox). I also spend a lot of time in terminal windows. In terminal im pretty much mouse free since I use keyboard short cuts to navigate so thats not much of a problem.

Ive been getting RSI type symptoms for a few years now and although using wrist supports for the keyboard and mouse and trying to consciously not use the mouse all helps, I'm hopeful that using a tablet might help as well.

So, does anyone have experience of using a tablet as a replacement to a mouse?

I use a 'bamboo' tablet sometimes for drawing online. It's ok for detailed work but a bit more hassle than its worth. It's not the same as using a pen on paper, so I wouldn't recommend it as an alternative to typing.

oh sorry i probably didnt make it clear. im not looking as an alternative to typing, just the navigating the desktops (i use 4 virtual ones)

Hmm, it might work then. I'd get a good one though, otherwise the accuracy and lag (from typing to seeing it on screen) will drive you nuts.

>although using wrist supports for the keyboard and mouse and trying to consciously not use the mouse all helps, I'm hopeful that using a tablet might help as well.

I haven't used a tablet, but I found that developing upper body muscles and good breathing habits cleared up my RSI. Collapsed upper body and especially trapezius correlates to shallow breathing and restricted oxygenation -- that's the theory, anyway -- which can all be reversed. YMMV.

They're big with Computer Graphics; they're highly recommended if you do that sort of thing. Otherwise, they take up a lot of real estate on your desk. Unless you have a pretty big desk...

they are great, in fact I have two, one at home and one at work, best buy ever, cured me from RSI (what an ugly pain RSI is!).

If you're getting RSI symptoms, this is serious, everything counts, from the keyboard, to your chair, your sitting position, your shoulders position, arms position, and of course the dreaded mouse (throw it in the bin! LOL). Google some advice and sit as recommended, and you'll notice that you'll get better.
I even HAD to learn how to use the mouse for a couple of weeks with my LEFT hand (and I'm right handed), while waiting for my Wacom to arrive.

To summarize: google RSI, GET one, even the entry model is a good start.

I use one quite a lot for Gimp painting and for query design. Mostly I really like it, but I find that the right-click button and RSI do not get on well together because it really stresses the forefinger. I have a big trackball too, which is the least RSI-stressing device I have found.

I've got big wacom intuos, and it's wonderful.
However, unless you're using it for drawing/artistic endeavors, I think it would probably be a waste of money. It's somewhat of a hassle to use as though it's a mouse (to navigate the desktop, etc).
I recommend trying one out. If you know anyone with one, or could maybe go to an apple store/best buy that sells tablets and ask to try one, I'm sure they'd let you if you told them you wanted to buy one.

Thanks for the advice folks

were i work we have 3 graphic designers and only 1 of them uses a tablet, the others despise them that one is on a Mac though although i did have a little go with it and it seemed ok but not being on my normal Gnome desktop and desk etc. made the experience a bit unrealistic. i guess it might take a 5-10 hrs of usage to really get a feel for whether i can stick with using one.

TBH its my career at stake here, if i cant operate a computer due to RSI Im out of a job so im prepared to try anything. i did see my Dr last year about the RSI complaints but he shrugged it off and said it was also likely to be the onset of osteoarthritis given my age and that i've been using computer keyboards for 30 years.

i did seriously consider trying to train myself to use left-hand for mouse, but wow it was slow going and slowed my ability to work down considerably and given the deadlines i have to work to...

So, im going to take the plunge and buy a basic one initially and give it a go. i will update this thread with my results

Good luck I hope it works.
Just watch out that you don't spend too much money. If you're not doing art and don't need pressure sensitivity, I'd recommend the bamboo fun tablet. It's very basic, and much cheaper.

I have a wacom tablet (2 in fact) but dont use it - its too hard to tell where your pen (mouse) is positioned on the screen - and kinda tricky to hold it at the right height for navigating without clicking- i use it very occasionally for drawing pics only

A touchscreen puter could be a better idea bit more expensive tho - or maybe a touchpad like laptops have...

that's why tablets have Mouse mode and Pen mode (the default mode). Mouse mode is where you use the pen as a mouse, that is, lots of moving the mouse.
Pen mode is where each area of the tablet is the same as the screen.

wendigo, BTW there's a new wacom tablet called "touch & pen", which can be used both as a pen tablet and as a touch tablet(no pen needed), cool thing I must say. And for the same price!


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UigPWJT_lFk[/youtube]
good stuff starts at 2:00

Last edited by computerlove on 14 Apr 2010, 9:06 am, edited 1 time in total.

I'm currently stuck using my bamboo tablet as my main method of input. I find it much more straining on my wrist then using a mouse. It's good for some things, but for other things it's just really annoying. It's good for use in applications like photoshop, until you want to cut out part of an image with certain pixel amounts, it's almost impossible to do that.

Yes I have been using them for several years. In fact, I wore out my old Graphire and switched to a Bamboo. I am an artist, so this is an essential tool for me. I don't think I could go back to a regular mouse. The Wacom tablets will work on Windows, Mac and Ubuntu- I have used mine on all three. I tried one cheaper brand because I tohught I needed a larger tablet, but it was not worth my time or money. Wacom are really the best and work right out of the box.

I find using the pen is very comfortable and no strain on the wrists or forearms. It just take s a little getting used to. Also, the Bamboo Touch has only a pen and a touchpad, no mouse at all. It may be a good choice for you. I have the mouse and pen.