An excellent device for use with a drawing or graphics package. as using the pen is a very natural method of drawing lines and shapes.

Description: A graphics tablet allows X-Y data to be input in much the same way as a mouse. You slide the stylus along the surface of the tablet which then inputs your movement into the computer.

But the arm and hand movement is more natural than a mouse for creating sweeping lines and curves.

A graphics tablet can often input pressure data as well by pressing harder or lighter on the stylus - this is often used in a graphics packa\sge to create thicker and thinner lines as you move along.

Advantage:

• Excellent for use with a drawing or graphics package to draw lines and shapes.
• Can input pressure data for use in a graphics package

Disadvantage:

• More expensive than a mouse, especially in the larger sizes.
• Not as precise as a mouse for menu control, so it tends to be an addition rather than a replacement- you can run both perfectly well by making sure the pen is off the tablet when you do not need it.