Can a tablet replace a mouse?

[Changepoint]

Please can you recommend a tablet that can be used in place of a mouse, for general use in OSX apps but is also capable in PS. I tried a Graphire a few years back and hated it, but probably admit to not persevering with it long enough. Can tablets completely replace mice?

[Sesshi]

I'm of the opinion No.

In various locations I have both the Cintiqs, Intuos in two sizes with the "mouse" as well - but I still have a separate mouse, and in most cases also a separate 3D controller. Obviously during drawing I'm using the tablet partly as a mouse - but full-time, no. I'm probably fussy but the 'mice' even if they work properly aren't properly weighted, the way they slide is wrong, etc. I guess it's a degree of what you're willing to put up with.

[FarSeide]

I agree Changepoint. I'm currently using Intuous 3 but I use MM when not in graphical app.

U will need a mouse...

[Mografi]

Yes, tablets can totally replace mice!

You need a good sized (and quality) graphic tablet and patience.
The Wacom Intuos is great and I am using the widescreen 6 x 11". The intuos has higher resolution and finer pressure sensitivity than the smaller and cheaper units.

I use one at home with a single 24" widescreen monitor, and one at work with 2 x 23" widescreen monitors.

I was stubborn at first. I had always used a small graphics tablet, but exclusively for painting/drawing in photoshop.

A lot of people I worked with used tablets exclusively and when I started to get repetitive stress injury from using a mouse too much I switched to just the tablet. I almost never get cramped or tired hands now or weird finger spasms or anything.

[Sesshi]

Perhaps this is an aspect of being able to choose. I've never suffered from mouse-related physical problems because the moment one is not working for me, I throw it away / fob it off on someone and buy another. Similarly with tablets - I currently use the A4 wide and the A3 wide versions of the Intuos on various computers. I still prefer a mouse but the point about a large tablet being suited for mousing is something I didn't think about - and something I'm not sure I agree with. I guess you'll have to try it.