![]() These can be set statically with a configuration file, or dynamically with a command line tool, xsetwacom, that the X driver offers. We can change many of the parameters, like the screen area that the pad maps to, whether the pad maps to the screen (absolute mode) or the pen is used as a mouse (relative mode), the orientation of the pad, the threshold value for registering a click (pens are pressure sensitive), etc. ![]() Now let’s see how we can configure a device. If you have a newer model, you might need to update the Linux kernel and the components just mentioned. If you have an old pen tablet, you just plug it in and you are ready to go. ![]() The kernel driver is already integrated into the Linux kernel. The metadata library, libwacom, provides information about the connected Wacom devices. The X driver takes the aforementioned kernel events and translates into XInput events that are consumed by applications. The kernel driver takes the hardware-specific events and translates them into standard input events. The project includes a kernel driver, an X driver, and a metadata library. Honestly, my experience with the pen in Linux has been way more pleasant than what the official Wacom driver offers in Windows. The project is actively maintained and offers excellent support. Fortunately, Linux has communities, and one of them develops the Linux Wacom project. However great Wacom tablets are, sadly, Wacom doesn’t have Linux support. I didn’t even had to change the nib (tip of the pen)… as far as I can remember. So I’ve been using this pen tablet for 11 years now, I’m completely satisfied and I’ve never had a problem with it. I bought my first pen tablet in 2007 and it’s a Wacom Intuos3 6x8. The number one brand in pen tablets is Wacom. Of course pen tablets are not meant to replace mice, as they are not merely pointing devices, but since I wouldn’t call myself a graphic designer, I won’t touch the subject. You can interact with it for hours and never notice any fatigue. You have the total freedom in how you choose to hold and use the pen. With a pen tablet, you have a pen with which you interact and a pad which tracks the position of the pen. This tool is the pen… and for the digital age, the pen tablet. There is no point in trying to find that special mouse that can do the trick for you, as there’s been forever a tool that’s natural, perfectly fitted for the human hand, and offers the optimal control at your fingertips. I’ve also given trackballs a try, but things didn’t get much better. I’ve been disappointed in how I interact with my computer for a long time. I find them limiting and awkward, and any ergonomic ones are often questionable and, especially in my case, not applicable, as I am left-handed. But by far, my most valuable possession is my Wacom tablet. As a geek, I have bought many gadgets through out the years.
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