Bamboo tablet with GIMP

phasmid · #1 (**permalink**) 22nd October 2007, 23:47

Just some info GIMP users should consider if you want a graphics tablet. I got a Bamboo tablet the other day. Not the "fun" package but I read the same issues apply to that one too. It works fine for every app except GIMP. I think its a GTK problem. A few things happen,
1. When opening GIMP an error comes up,
GIMP message
Error while parsing 'C:\Documents and Settings\user\.gimp-2.2\devicerc' in line 12: unexpected character `(', expected string constant - fatal parse error
2. After a few minutes of stylus use the cursor freezes. It can be shaken off by flipping the pen eraser/stylus to the pad or using the mouse.
3. GIMP detects input devices, stylus eraser tablet are the important ones, plus 4 more erasers for me

4. Any settings changes to the extended input devices is not saved by GIMP. If you want the same changes, they have to be set every GIMP startup. Changes such as screen/window pad area.

These instances are being discussed in the WACOM and other forums.

Its useable but a real pain. No patch or remedy yet. Just a matter of time but something to consider when purchasing. Bamboo Fun does come with photoshop elements. I think GIMP is better than elements.

adlabs6 · #2 (**permalink**) 23rd October 2007, 00:14

I have never had good luck with my Wacom Graphire 2 and GIMP. The biggest issue I had is the Wacom stylus not giving a continuous registration while making smooth strokes, but instead making squared off input. I was able to solve this by using a newer Wacom driver, but that driver makes my WinXP slow to load up unfortunately.

Between GIMP and Elements (I have v2), I still choose Elements due to the better brush mangement for my purposes.

phasmid · #3 (**permalink**) 23rd October 2007, 09:31

Just got the Bamboo. Bamboo Fun has the Elements, mouse and Corel Painter Essentials. Twice the price. Worth it?
Just got so much experience on GIMP, starting over again on Elements. Does Elements have all that is needed for skinning (IL2)? Probably not all PSP filters/add ons will work in Elements?

I can trade up if its worth it.

adlabs6 · #4 (**permalink**) 23rd October 2007, 11:01

Eh, don't know if it'd be worth twice the price. I hardly ever use my Wacom mouse. I bought Elements 2 separately anyway.

Yes Elements (at least v2) has all that's needed for skinning IL2, and I even do FS2004 with ease. I cannot say about the PSP filters.

Actually I'd agree that GIMP is ahead of Elements overall, in terms of features... especially with path tools! It's just the brush controls that I don't like in GIMP. You may have noticed that I built and uploaded a special GIMP brush set that allows easier size and type choices, and it does help me alot.

Oh, and another thing. I've noticed that the user interface of the newer versions of Elements seem to be increasingly 'simplified', so that I actually have a hard time recognizing it as Photoshop Elements from the screenshots! I've really wondered if these newer versions are even capable of what most skin or profile artists will need. Right off the top, if the layers and brushes aren't fast and easy to access and manage... then I'd say no.

phasmid · #5 (**permalink**) 24th October 2007, 06:13

Yup. Latest tablet driver, latest stable GIMP 2.2.17, latest GTK.
With your brushes installed on my GIMP it is possible to do the skins. Without the brushes, GIMP becomes less useful for skinning. You have my gratitude. Its good that people with little money can still dabble at digital art. Ill stick with GIMP for now and reserve the tablet for fine detailing, nose art and brush strokes. Its a pain but still useful. Maybe GIMP 2.4 will correct.