Tablet PC for architects

[Island J]

I am considering purchasing a tablet pc instead of a laptop to do Architecture and 3d viz. But first I would like to get opinions on how well the pen tablet has been intergrated into the architecture and 3d viz applications.

 

Revit, ADT, Max/Viz although i would consider ArchiCAD or others.

 

Has anyone had experience with the pen tablet on these softwares? I am fast with shortcuts and the mouse but i really like to sketch and i am hoping that the pen can help boost productivity especially when I travel.

 

I am most curious about whether or not i can "sketch" to input walls or do i have to sketch in a paint program then import a jpg all the time?

[tuekappel]

if you are in doubt, you can allways try your luck with this one first:

http://www.wacom-europe.com/int/products/cintiq/index.asp?lang=en

[Island J]

Thanks but that is alot of money to spend and i don't have a clue if it works well with the programs i know.

 

I am hoping that someone has used a pen tablet for architecture since it theoretically should be a more natural input device than a mouse and can give some feedback.

 

I know there are cehaper tablet models and the devices are compatable with the software etc... But how does it function?

Do i click and drag, then dbl click to get a wall drawn?

Can i program shortcuts into the pen?

that sort of thing

[ecastillor]

I use a wacom tablet almost exclusively for PS....

 

For me, nothing beats the mouse and keyboard for Autocad or max.....

[Brian Cassil]

I would strongly encourage working with a wacom tablet, rather than a tablet PC. The tablet PC's aren't as capable, much more expensive, and use thier own OS which may not support all your programs. The only advantage they would have is that they are mobile, and it doesn't sound like that is your main concern. If inputing directly onto a screen is what you want, check out the wacom cintiq series.

[Island J]

Thanks for the replies,

The cintiq is way out there in terms of a budget.

 

What are the differences between the tablet and the tablet PC in terms of functionality. What can one do that the other can't.

 

Windows XP Tablet is the same as regular XP, it's just that you can use the screen as an input device. I'm just not familiar with the pen but i have used a digitizer on a large tablet b4 doing GIS.

 

WHat are options for customizing the pens. can i have five commands stored in the pen?

[Brian Cassil]

If the cintiq is out of your price range, then a tablet PC will be too.

[Island J]

$1800-2400 doesn't seem like a high price tag for such old technology?

Touch screens have been around for a very long time.

Supply and demand is one thing, but those prices are outrageous.

You can buy a computer for $500 and you get a combined flat panel and mouse for $2000?

 

 

The tablet PC is in the range of $900-$1800.

The tablet is from $200-$500.

Those are more reasonable, but at the same time, I haven't seen any reviews about using them for architecture. That's why i started the thread.

[vertexART]

I use a wacom tablet almost exclusively for PS....

 

For me, nothing beats the mouse and keyboard for Autocad or max.....

 

Totally same here...

 

Hey Island J, if U go with a Wacom, U can program pen's buttons and few others on the tablet itself. Though it will depend on what Wacom series U decide upon.

Hope it helps.