Table to replace my old Intuos 3?

[Grotius]

I’ve been using an Intuos 3 (PTZ-930, with a 9" x 12" usable area) since 2006, and it still works fine. But I have two issues with it, and I’m wondering if anyone can recommend an upgrade. I’ve watched reviews of many recent Wacom tablets, and I’m not sure any fit the bill, but I’m interested in your advice. My issues with the Intuos 3 are:

1. First, it’s sorta big and unwieldy, and it makes it hard to use the tablet and keyboard at the same time. How do people arrange two big chunks of plastic like this? If I’m using the tablet, I hate having to pause and move my hands a couple feet or more to find a key on the keyboard.

2. Second, my tablet has a half-dozen ExpressKeys on the upper-left and another half-dozen upper-right, but I wish it had all 12 on the left side only, since I’m right-handed. In fact, I wish it just had more ExpressKeys.

I know there are ExpressKey remotes, but they have magnets on the bottom, and I don’t love the idea of having magnets near my PC.

I’m running Windows 10 with 12G RAM. Any suggestions on a new tablet? Thanks in advance.

[Spyndel]

@Grotius

First, it’s sorta big and unwieldy, and it makes it hard to use the tablet and keyboard at the same time. How do people arrange two big chunks of plastic like this? If I’m using the tablet, I hate having to pause and move my hands a couple feet or more to find a key on the keyboard.

I use my 9x12 tablet propped up in front of my monitor like an easel, and just sort of sneak my left hand around it to access the keyboard. I arrange both my zbrush UI, hotkeys, and tablet function to minimize the work my left hand has to do.

9x12 is a great tablet if you’re a multi discipline artist, or used to working with traditional media, as it allows more precision when drawing, and more natural, sweeping strokes. Zbrush doesn’t require that much tablet though, as the sort of things you do generally dont require that much precision.

@Grotius

Second, my tablet has a half-dozen ExpressKeys on the upper-left and another half-dozen upper-right, but I wish it had all 12 on the left side only, since I’m right-handed. In fact, I wish it just had more ExpressKeys.

I believe the new Intuous Pro tablets have that configuration (left side).

[Grotius]

Thanks for your reply. I’ll check out the Pro. And I’ll think about propping this tablet up. Right now I sort of rest it on my thighs, lol.

I actually do most of my art in traditional media (oils, drawing), so I like the idea of a big tablet area. But I don’t use my tablet for much other than ZBrush. If I get the urge to draw something digitally, the Apple pencil and Procreate are easier to reach for.