Benefits of Using a Graphics Tablet

Posted on August 17, 2010 by admin

A graphics tablet is an excellent tool to have next to your laptop. It is made up of a graphite tablet that connects to your PC. You use the special tablet pen to “write” on the tablet. Your movements are copied directly on the graphics program on your laptop. This negates the need for scanning drawings onto your PC.

A graphics tablet is mainly for artists who need to draw designs directly onto their laptops. The tablets work with any type of graphics or illustrator program. Artists can bring the tablet along with them right inside their laptop cases – but remember to bring the pen along! It won’t work without the special pen. A graphics tablet can also be used like a regular mouse. The pen becomes the “mouse” that you can use to move your cursor around, type, scroll, and surf the web. There are even buttons on the tablet that act like mice buttons. You can use the pen to open programs, right-click on items, and more.

You won’t ever have to worry about the pen running out of energy, because the tablet connects directly to your laptop with a USB cable. The pen does not use an energy source – it is strictly an object used on the touch sensor tablet. These graphics tablets are compatible with both Windows and Mac computers and can be used interchangeably between machines. It is very easy to set up, just simply plug it in, load the software, and start using it.

This tool does not come cheap, but you can find great deals on eBay. It is a tool any artist needs to have by his or her side. The nice thing is about a graphics tablet is that you don’t need any special skills to use it, which means children and adults can enjoy it equally.

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How Does a Touch Screen Work?

Posted on August 3, 2010 by admin

A touch screen seems like a magical invention, but it really only uses scientific principles. In fact, it works much the same way a mouse does. All touch screen work with three tools: the touch sensor, driver, and controller. The screen needs to have “brains” in order to work, so it is paired with computer or computer-like devices behind it.

Touch screens were invented back in the 1960s. Today, there are three types of touch screen sensor technology. Some companies coat their screens with a thin metallic layer that responds to changes in electric currents. Other companies prefer to have a screen that can recognize pressure. Lastly, the last method recognizes when the laser inside is disrupted by physical touch.

The touch sensor is a glass surface that is composed of a sensitive surface. The screen is then laid over a basic display screen. The touch sensor uses electricity to send a signal to the display. Each time you touch the sensor, it activates the display screen. A device’s controller is the electronic card behind the screen. It houses the data in the device. Finally, you need a software driver to use the touch screen. The driver files combine the touch screen with the electronic card so they work in unison. Most touch screen items can be accessed with a single tap of the finger, but others require the use of a special stylus.

Pressing a touch screen is just like pressing a mouse, only the clear screen allows you to see what you are doing. Touch screens are also much more breakable than non-touch screens. They are prone to getting scratches easily, so keep your touch screen device in a holster when you are not using it. You need to protect your touch screen device with plastic screen protectors and hard cases.

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Wacom Tablets Excellent Tools for Artists

Posted on July 15, 2010 by admin

Wacom tablets, including Bamboo, Intuous and Cintiq, are an excellent tool for artists. The tablets are smaller than a keyboard and connect to a laptop with a USB cable. Using a special pen, the artist can “draw” on the tablet and transfer the images to a blank document. She can also use the pen as a “mouse” and browse web pages, click on icons, and generally use the pen and tablet in place of a traditional mouse.

The feel of the tablet melds with your hand and adjusts to your hand’s temperature. It will feel like you are writing on paper, which means every nuance, adjustment, and degree of touch is interpreted by the tablet. The tablet’s sensitivity will pick up on your hand’s every movement to create the work of art you are trying to make. You can use the tablet and pen to shade drawings and control line thickness and boldness.

You don’t have to use any special software with the Wacom tablets. Simply pair an ordinary “paint” or graphics arts program like PhotoShop or Corel with your Wacom tablet and pen. There are very few tools associated with the Wacom tablet. It is truly a “plug and play” type of device. Install the driver software, plug in the tablet, and start using the pen! Just be sure you don’t lose the pen, because it’s not connected to anything, and you need it to use the tablet.

The Wacom tablets are a gift to graphic artists and illustrators. No longer do they need to draw on paper and then scan the image into their computers. Now, they can simply “draw” right on the computer screen. Create cartoons, write handwritten notes, sketch and doodle over and over again. Erase the designs you don’t like and simply start drawing again with no wasted paper, ink or dull pencils!

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Apple Magic Mouse Navigates with Invisible Buttons

Posted on July 2, 2010 by admin

You have probably never seen a mouse like the Apple Magic Mouse. It is sleek, glossy white, and has multi-touch controls for expert usage. The Magic Mouse is bundled with every sold iMac desktop computer, but you can buy it separately any time. The mouse is beautifully designed and has Apple’s classic icon branded on it. This mouse, unlike the Mighty Mouse predecessor, is thinner and smaller, but it weighs more due to the batteries inside.

Not only does the Apple Magic Mouse look futuristic, but its features are versatile. A right-handed or left-handed person can use it with equal ease. You may be wondering where the buttons are located. The Magic Mouse actually relies on touch sensitive technology instead of regular “clicking” buttons. All you need to do is tap the mouse where the buttons are supposed to be and they will do your command. Some people may find this design uncomfortable, because they are used to having a molded mouse with buttons they can feel underneath their fingertips. The Apple Magic Mouse will take some getting used to!

The mouse uses AA batteries that you can conserve by switching off the power button when you’re not using it. It even has a light that will blink when your batteries are running low. When you’re not using the mouse but left it on anyway, the mouse will go into a power-saving mode to conserve the batteries. There is no need for wires – the mouse connects to the Mac via Bluetooth, and only works with Macs.

If you want a mouse that matches your Mac computer, you may enjoy using the Apple Magic Mouse. However, if you prefer the reassurance of a button’s click under your fingers and molded features to hug your palm, then you may have a learning curve ahead.

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Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control

Posted on June 14, 2010 by admin

If you are seeking the ultimate universal remote control, the Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control is it. This is a serious all-in-one remote for almost every digital device in your home. If you have a few different A/V equipment items, you know how annoying it is to lose one of your remotes. They get lost, break, and it can be difficult to determine which remote goes with which device. A universal remote control consolidates everything, organizes your devices, and gets rid of the clutter.

The Logitech Harmony remote control is customized especially for HDTV systems. You can choose the aspect ratio with a few clicks of a button, which makes switching between television formats and wide-screen DVD formats a snap. One nice feature about this Logitech remote control is the LCD screen. You can choose a wallpaper background and customize icons and text. Put your top eight icons on the LCD screen for quick access.

You won’t have to worry about changing the batteries on the Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control. The reason is that the controller comes with a docking station that recharges it between uses! This helps you stay organized and remember where to put the remote when you leave the room. One overnight charge will give you a week’s worth of use, and the on-screen battery indicator tells you when you need to recharge it again.

Not only does it function well, but it looks good, too. Sleek black and silver, with a comfortable hand grip. After awhile, you won’t even have to look down at the menu to find the buttons, since they are designed to guide you by touch. The Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control is the recipient of numerous awards from design companies. This alone should entice you to purchase this amazing device!

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