Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

KrunchTime · 2016-02-29 13:13:46

I'm considering purchasing the Wacom Intuos tablet as a mouse replacement. Basically I envision using it like a large trackpad. Has anyone else tried using the tablet as a mouse replacement?

damo · 2016-02-29 13:28:25

I've been using the Intuos Pro M as a drawing tablet, but I haven't investigated the touch capabilities very much. Be aware that configuration on Linux is non-trivial - what a surprise!

I have been working on a collection of scripts (which don't include touch configuration btw) for the tablet, so if you want to investigate them....Wacom Intuos Pro M Configuration

The scripts are based on https://github.com/portnov/wacom-intuos-pro-scripts, which can access a gui config tool for the KDE desktop.

KrunchTime · 2016-02-29 13:56:07

damo wrote:

I've been using the Intuos Pro M as a drawing tablet, but I haven't investigated the touch capabilities very much. Be aware that configuration on Linux is non-trivial - what a surprise!

Thank you, that's good to know.

damo wrote:

I have been working on a collection of scripts (which don't include touch configuration btw) for the tablet, so if you want to investigate them....Wacom Intuos Pro M Configuration

I'm planning on getting the consumer model, but I'll keep this in mind.

twoion wrote:

Trackpad? Not having ever used one, but I heard that Wacom tablets are the type of tablet that are supposed to be used with a stylus. I think you want to look for things like the Apple magic trackpad, or another well-built trackpad unless you want to draw.

The Intuos tablet can be used with a stylus or touch. There's a button to enable/disable touch. For more info, checkout the fine videos by Aaron Rutten:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fEFbzK … 2472204957

www.aaronrutten.com

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-02-29 14:01:08)

brontosaurusrex · 2016-02-29 14:28:10

Using a newer pro (intuos) and an old consumer model on two different debian machines with zero config on both (I guess I dont care for wheels and stuff). It is not mice replacement for me thought.

Last edited by brontosaurusrex (2016-02-29 14:30:25)

pvsage · 2016-02-29 18:31:50

Unless fine motor control is an issue, I think a smaller trackpad that gets recognized & configured properly by synaptics out-of-the-box (like the kind that comes on a laptop; I'm sure they're available separately though) might be better. I considered it a joy to be able to use my thumbs on the pad and two fingers for the mouse buttons on my netbook. (I know I said it many times on the #! forums, but I really did think the #!/BL UI was a great fit with the typical laptop trackpad.)

KrunchTime · 2016-02-29 19:50:07

pvsage wrote:

Unless fine motor control is an issue, I think a smaller trackpad that gets recognized & configured properly by synaptics out-of-the-box (like the kind that comes on a laptop; I'm sure they're available separately though) might be better.

Unfortunately, there aren't any good trackpads available, other than the Apple Magic Trackpad 2, which I don't think is usable except on Apple products. Logitech did make one and they're still available on Amazon, but the reviews are mixed and I'm not keen on purchasing something that has been discontinued. I'm also more interested in a wired version as wireless can sometimes be sketchy. Both the Logitech and Apple offerings are wireless.

I should have been more specific in my OP. There are two specific models of the Intuos; the Intuos Draw which is pen only, and then the Intuos Art, Photo, and Comic which are pen and touch. The difference between the Art, Photo, and Comic is the software that comes with the tablet.

I tried searching using Wacom trackpad and that turned up better results about using the Wacom Intuos (Art, Photo, or Comic) tablet as a trackpad. I'm planning on purchasing one to try it out.

pvsage · 2016-03-01 07:01:56

KrunchTime wrote:

Unfortunately, there aren't any good trackpads available, other than the Apple Magic Trackpad 2, which I don't think is usable except on Apple products. Logitech did make one and they're still available on Amazon, but the reviews are mixed and I'm not keen on purchasing something that has been discontinued. I'm also more interested in a wired version as wireless can sometimes be sketchy. Both the Logitech and Apple offerings are wireless.

This is the kind of thing I was thinking of:
http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Browser-Bu … DJDBV215WR
I must admit I'm perplexed by the slim pickings in this particular category though, and it looks like almost all the ones at Amazon (other than the Apple and Wacom offerings) are from the same manufacturer. Anyway, I'm eager to hear how the Wacom one works out for you.

Unia · 2016-03-01 07:47:01

I just came across this: http://who-t.blogspot.nl/2016/03/libinp … pport.html

Might be relevant for you, Krunchtime.

KrunchTime · 2016-03-03 03:40:59

pvsage wrote:

This is the kind of thing I was thinking of:
http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Browser-Bu … DJDBV215WR

I took a look at the Adesso offerings. Those devices are too small in my opinion. The Wacom tablet is larger than what I need, but there doesn't appear to be anything else.

@Unia: Thank you.

I received my Logitech Performance MX wireless mice yesterday. I am SO glad to have a hyper scroll wheel again and the mouse feels great in my hand. Unfortunately, Logitech doesn't make one for left-handed use and the shape of the mouse definitely precludes being used left-handed, so I've also purchased the Logitech Anywhere MX, which is shaped such that it can be used left-handed or right-handed, although the buttons on the left side of the mouse would be difficult to use left-handed. I'm not a big fan of buttons on the side of a mouse, so not being able to use them left-handed is not a deal breaker for me.

I am going to hold off on purchasing the Wacom tablet and see how switching hands with my Logitech mice works out. I plan to switch on a weekly basis instead of monthly like I did with the Logitech Trackman Marble mouse.

I also purchased an aluminum mouse pad. My Performance MX mouse just glides on that thing, but it transmits cold to my wrist, which I find uncomfortable at times. I'm wearing an Under Armour wrist band which helps somewhat, but not enough.

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-03-03 03:49:21)

pvsage · 2016-03-03 13:38:43

^ Maybe a pad with a padded wrist rest, like this? Supposedly elevating the wrist helps alleviate tendon pain.

KrunchTime · 2016-03-05 02:03:36

^ I don't know...I've read that wrist rests aren't good to use because they compress the tendons in your wrist.

I ended up purchasing some 3M mouespads with a hard surface and foam backing; much better, although my wrist still bothers me a bit during mouse use. I'm wondering now if I should buy a combination keyboard and mouse tray. I currently use my keyboard and mouse on top of my desk, which causes me to have to use both at an upward angle and is a no no based on what I've read about computer use ergonomics.

pvsage · 2016-03-05 07:25:35

^ Yeah, forearm angle is important too, as is keyboard angle. Is raising your chair an option?

KrunchTime · 2016-03-05 17:31:47

pvsage wrote:

Is raising your chair an option?

I just tried it. I was close to the max height before, so raising it to the max didn't matter much. Perhaps if it would go another 1.5 inches or so, it might work, but then I'd be concerned about my feet being comfortably flat to the floor.

Now I think I have tendonitis in my right elbow. Must be from using the mouse, which is weird because I've used a mouse for years without any elbow issues, although it has been awhile. Tendonitis is weird...you don't get any warning before it hits. I was rubbing lotion on my legs (dry skin) when the pain hit. Must be old age getting to me.

Last edited by KrunchTime (2016-03-05 17:35:49)

#1 2016-02-29 13:13:46

Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#2 2016-02-29 13:28:25

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#3 2016-02-29 13:56:07

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#4 2016-02-29 14:28:10

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#5 2016-02-29 18:31:50

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#6 2016-02-29 19:50:07

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#7 2016-03-01 07:01:56

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#8 2016-03-01 07:47:01

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#9 2016-03-03 03:40:59

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#10 2016-03-03 13:38:43

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#11 2016-03-05 02:03:36

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#12 2016-03-05 07:25:35

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

#13 2016-03-05 17:31:47

Re: Wacom Tablet As Mouse Replacement

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