What to buy...

[Super Cameraman]

I want to buy something (don't ask why) but for some reason, I feel like I can only buy one thing, and I can't choose. Maybe someone here has one of these things and can tell me if it's really worth the money.

Graphire4 graphics tablet. I used to really be into doodling, and cartooning, and I'm hoping that if I get one, maybe I'll start a webcomic. Does it really make editing photos that much easier?

USB Music keyboard. I make music on my computer a lot, but I usually either use my normal keyboard, or a mouse. The problem is that cheap music keyboards don't get many good reviews.

External Harddrive. I'm running out of space fast, and I'm making a "big" movie over the summer.

Thanks!

(I almost said speakers, but I'm starting a new thread because I just remembered that it's a problem with my computer.)

SCM

[Felino]

But do you need any of these things?

If anything, buy a stick of ram or too.

[bicostp]

Graphire4 graphics tablet. I used to really be into doodling, and cartooning, and I'm hoping that if I get one, maybe I'll start a webcomic. Does it really make editing photos that much easier?

Yes. Yes it does. I couldn't be happier with my Graphire, even though the mouse is kinda crappy.

USB Music keyboard. I make music on my computer a lot, but I usually either use my normal keyboard, or a mouse. The problem is that cheap music keyboards don't get many good reviews.

If you already have a MIDI-compatible keyboard, get a USB MIDI box. I think I saw one for $50 once.

External Harddrive. I'm running out of space fast, and I'm making a "big" movie over the summer.

Then why the hell do you want an external drive?! They're slower and more expensive! Invest the money into a good internal drive from Tiger Direct or NewEgg, preferably SATA. If you need portability, get a SATA-to-USB adapter and bring the drive along with you. Hook it up to your computer's internal connector when you can, and on other computers use the USB adapter.

[Super Cameraman]

Yes. Yes it does. I couldn't be happier with my Graphire, even though the mouse is kinda crappy.

Well I already have a mouse... I don't really get how to use it though. Isn't hard because you're not looking at it while you draw? And I heard you can use it to type. Is that any good?

If you already have a MIDI-compatible keyboard, get a USB MIDI box. I think I saw one for $50 once.

I don't have one.

Then why the hell do you want an external drive?! They're slower and more expensive! Invest the money into a good internal drive from Tiger Direct or NewEgg, preferably SATA. If you need portability, get a SATA-to-USB adapter and bring the drive along with you. Hook it up to your computer's internal connector when you can, and on other computers use the USB adapter.

I guess I never thought of that. I think I'm out of room in my computer though. I already have three stuffed in there.

SCM

[Triton]

If you already have a MIDI-compatible keyboard, get a USB MIDI box. I think I saw one for $50 once.

you can get usb midi cables for like 25$ shipped on ebay now, mebe less. i would like a wacom tablet, have an artpad II but no pen

[HotDog-Cart]

Is this what your talking about?
http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/avcards/7db4/

Thats the only Musical Keyboard I know

[Super Cameraman]

Hotdog-cart... That's perfect!!! And dirt cheap! Has anyone seen this? Is it any good? The keys are pressure sensitive, right? Or am I reading that wrong? Also, is it midi or usb? I don't have an midi port.

SCM

EDIT: Wait, how many versions of this are there? The USB one is newer, but the PS/2 version has a pitch nob... And it looks clunkier... But a pitch nob!!

[nightwheel]

Well with this device you can use and MIDI-compatible keyboard with PS/2 cords and convert it to usb. You can find the device here: http://www.provantage.com/startech-usb2ps2~7STRT05K.htm

[HotDog-Cart]

Camera man the site says:

Product Features & Specs

Standard USB-compatible keyboard



So yes, it is USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible.

I've used it before and I was VERY impressed with it. Its amazing for what it does.

For the price of it, and the functionality, and Thinkgeeks fast shipping, its worth buying.

[Super Cameraman]

Well I got the tablet, and I FRIKKIN LOVE IT. I highly recommend it to anyone who is even considering getting a tablet, but has never used one. It's so easy!

Thanks for the info, Hotdog-cart! I sort of figured it was USB, but it said MIDI... And everyone, USB-MIDI adapters are great, but I don't have an MIDI keyboard! I have a cheap toy keyboard from the 80's!

SCM

[Electric Rain]

Well, if you decide you want a keyboard as well, this is where you want to look. zZounds is to musical equipment as NewEgg is to computer parts.

[Super Cameraman]

Well I'm getting better with the tablet and I'm so glad I bought it.

But about this Prodikeys thing... I really want to get it, but there are, I think, three of them. I don't know what one is good.

There's the first one.



It looks oddly shaped, but has pitch bend knob. It's PS/2.

There's this one.



It looks better, has the pitch bend, but it's still PS/2.

And last, this one.





It looks the best, I think, it's USB, but I don't know if it has the pitch bend. Is that it on the side?

SCM

[HotDog-Cart]

I think. Mine was an OLDER model which didn't have that. By pitch blend, do you mean when you press 2 keys down the sound of them mixes together and makes a "new" sound?

I'm pretty sure it has it. My old one does, but I cant seem to find it right now. :X

I'd say get the last one. Its the newest and looks the sexiest.

[ZN13]

It's pitch bend-it's a knob that you push around to "bend" the pitch around(like on a guitar) to make the pitch slightly higher or lower.

[Super Cameraman]

No, I mean the knob on the left that when you turn it up or down, the pitch of the note you are holding down changes a little. Like a whammy bar on a guitar.

SCM

EDIT: Didn't see the post above me!