CA should have a Hardware Section!!

[Brashen]

It would be nice to have instead of people wandering where to post there questions, there would be a thread dedicated to what artists use whether traditionally or digitally.

Furthermore it will help people to decide on what to purchase instead of blindly buying whatever is at hand.

Vote yes or no.

[Elwell]

If nothing else, it would be someplace to put all the "what tablet should I buy" threads.

[corspufo]

AGREED.

Though, that question is easily answered Elwell. Wacom Cintiq 12WX. It's the most affordable Cintiq, "portable"ish, and it's got all the awesomeness of a Intuos 3. Woot.

[jadefoodog]

i think it would be usefull to post reviews on diffrent stuff like eisles and drafting tables

and to talk about our impressions on diffrent brush makers . altrhough im fairly certain everyone will recomend windsor newton, prismacolor , derwent, ans grumbacher or however you spell it

not to mention liquin and turpinoid

has anyone tried the new turpenoid natural ???

[Gory]

It would also be nice to be able to keep people up with the constantly evolving monitor technology. I sure wish I researched my monitor a bit more before I bought it. ;\

"New" Turpenoid Natural? I wasn't aware they changed anything. Or have you just not heard of it? It's only good for cleaning your brushes/floor. I wouldn't use it directly on any of your paintings. Horrible consistency.

For clarification, I'm talking about this stuff:


It's non toxic, so you can technically wash your hands with it. But I wouldn't. The stuff is very sticky and smells crappy. (Fresh orange scent my ass)

[Elwell]

Or the entire section could consist of one post saying
LEARN TO USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION, GENIUS

[alesoun]

Or the entire section could consist of one post saying
LEARN TO USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION, GENIUS

And they would?

[ArtZealot]

Meh, i think it's fine posting all of the hardware news and other stuff here in the lounge. Usually when i post about hardware, i'm wanting opinions on it and trying to see what everyone thinks of it. I would doubt that if there were a separate hardware area, that it would get as much traffic and thus as many opinions as it would if all hardware related stuff remained as something to be posted in the lounge.

[Bushido]

Maybe a sub-forum

[Jason Manley]

just hold on...working on something like this now. we are on it...


j

[Brashen]

As Bushido stated it could be part of the Lounge if traffic would be a problem..... But I highly doubt it. People really like their hardware for the simple fact that we are a very materialistic species.

Anyway I'm glad this is getting a positive response. Oh and thank you Jason!!

[egerie]

Even beyond monitors, tablets and stuff, you can stumbled upon some really nifty info in an inconspicuous thread about LIGHTING setups and stuff. (Incandescent bulb thread and Elwell's jibber jabber). To have everything in one place would be ace. But since Jason said they're working on something now... include not-so-obvious stuff too! Sitting types, lighting rigs, etc.

[tomwaits4noman]

Seriously
can't people just use google? instead of posting in CA

there are sites and boards dedicated to sofware and hardware reviews and technical support

on second thoughts if they are not going to use CA's search engine what hope do they have of using google

[Arshes Nei]

Even beyond monitors, tablets and stuff, you can stumbled upon some really nifty info in an inconspicuous thread about LIGHTING setups and stuff. (Incandescent bulb thread and Elwell's jibber jabber). To have everything in one place would be ace. But since Jason said they're working on something now... include not-so-obvious stuff too! Sitting types, lighting rigs, etc.

Actually, I had posted in the suggestions forum a while back that there should be a "Hardware/Art Supply Forum" that way people can also talk about various brands of paints, markers and tablets. I think the computer is a tool, so is a paint brush. One can be designated for Electronics, one can be for more traditional set ups too. Though the two can be mingled if you're talking about lighting, tables and other rigs.

[Portus]

Everyone knows that you can't do real art without a Cintiq, when you try a Cintiq an Intuos feels as clumsy as a mouse.

[JL.Alfaro]

Seriously
can't people just use google? instead of posting in CA

Sometimes its easier to relate to another artists perspective on the problem at hand. A lot of us are not techs, and most of the explanations given for problems in a lot of these forums (not all) are one step above the average understanding of pc architecture. Not to mention, a lot of the fixes provided publicly by anon, have to deal with base components of high importance relating to pc performance and stability. That can make anyone uncomfortable in messing with your computer's overall health, so having a familiar avatar, name or local artist guide you through it is always a plus...and reassuring. Not to mention, you could always send him a pm after you deleted sys32 like he told you to, and are now running on DOS.

Regarding all those "What tablet should I .." threads, I ask my tire dealer what tires I should get for my car before I buy them, I also ask the rug guy what rugs are best for my home before I buy and install. So it makes sense to me, that if you are about to make an investment in a tablet partner, you should ask your local artists what their opinion is.

[JL.Alfaro]

Everyone knows that you can't do real art without a Cintiq, when you try a Cintiq an Intuos feels as clumsy as a mouse.

This statement is both false and true, in that order.

[Brashen]

JL.Alfaro that's my point exactly. I cant't believe some people when they say go Google it. That's like asking someone in the Critique section to Google how to achieve a painterly look with a certain brush!!

Oh and I prefer Intuos to the Cintiq...sorry.

[egerie]

Actually, I had posted in the suggestions forum a while back that there should be a "Hardware/Art Supply Forum" that way people can also talk about various brands of paints, markers and tablets. I think the computer is a tool, so is a paint brush.

Exactly.

One can be designated for Electronics, one can be for more traditional set ups too. Though the two can be mingled if you're talking about lighting, tables and other rigs.

I'm a bit hesitant when it comes to dividing stuff. Over categorising might make it more difficult to find the info, or form a barrier that could hamper discution or communication between the formats (whether it's a subforum or something else the crew is cooking).
2 cents worth two cents

[Pav]

I've been building a new machine, and had a lot of tech questions (mostly multiple hard drives configurations for PS speed), eventually I searched all the answers on Google, but it was a pain, as the majority of articles were not targeted at artists. I'd rather ask people here on a dedicated Hardware section, who use the certain hardware on a daily and have real life tips.

The CA search feature doesn't always work, because the tech information gets old fast.

[Peter Coene]

Seriously
can't people just use google? instead of posting in CA

there are sites and boards dedicated to sofware and hardware reviews and technical support

on second thoughts if they are not going to use CA's search engine what hope do they have of using google

I think some people probably check there but still ask around here. I mean, its one thing to see how a company explains its products, or the reviews that you can find made by people you don't know, but it is rather nice to be able to run it by a group of working artists who you know and have seen their work.

I think that having the forum for it will be a good idea, it should make it easier to check if the question has been asked before. Even with the search function things can be lost if the words in the search aren't right, or the replies might be old. I mean, the best tablet choice in 2003 might be very different from the best in 2008.

Anyways I saw Mr. Manley's reply that something of this nature is in the works and just want to say thanks and I look foreward to seeing it. (would click the "thanks" button but that doesn't seem to work with my old laptop and my nice computer is waiting for me to find a more permanent place of residence.)

[Black Sun]

Not to mention, you could always send him a pm after you deleted sys32 like he told you to, and are now running on DOS.

This made me lol.

I'm all for a hardware section. I would love to get feedback on different brands and products. I get a lot of "just buy a lot of different stuff and try it out" as if, you know, a broke college kid like me could afford that :/ (Hey mom? Can I have some money to buy oil paints....again?)

[Brashen]

Great to see positive responses to this and I'm actually excited to see how Jason and the guys will implement the thread!!

[Asatira]

I think something like this, maybe as a sub-forum of the Lounge or maybe even the Art Discussion forums, would be good. Everyone has made good points about computer related hardware, and some on traditional media. But I'd also like advice on other things, like storage ideas for materials. It's not something that comes up a lot, but finding out the best ways of storing media and tools and where to find the storage for sale (or to make) can be a little harder.

I also look forward to whatever Jason and the rest have planned.

[Grumbledook]

Seriously
can't people just use google? instead of posting in CA

on second thoughts if they are not going to use CA's search engine what hope do they have of using google

I use google to search the forum instead of the search function

i bet the majority of google users don't know how to use it properly

wonder how many on here know about the site:www.domain.com options for instance

[Bowlin]

I wouldn't mind seeing what types of SLR camera's people would suggest for taking pictures of traditional paintings.

Of course I could just start a thread. But if there was enough information on a hardware section, it'd be easier to search for.