New Bamboo Stylus Pocket

Bamboo Stylus Pocket

 

Wacom just came out with a new Bamboo stylus that seems exactly like the old one except it can expand so it is smaller than the original. Wacom boasts that it can be stored in the headphone jack of your iPad or other touch screen device, but I can’t figure out how just by looking at it.

So far, I haven’t found any videos of the Bamboo Pocket stylus in use.

What do you think?

 

How to Choose a Wacom Tablet

A Simple Guide to Choosing the Best Wacom Tablet

Choose based on level of artist/ designer:

Beginner/ Entry level – Never used a graphics tablet. Only knows pen and paper.

Intermediate – Has digital graphics software experience and could benefit from using more than just a mouse to create.

Advanced/ Professional Designer – Works in the design field as a designer and/or animator. Already uses a tablet, but wants/needs something a step up.

 

Choose based on type of artist/ designer:

The Casual Artist – Likes to draw or paint in their free time, but wants more than a sketchbook.

The Casual Photographer – Wants to manipulate photos.

The Hobbyist – Enjoys arts and crafts projects. For example, scrapbook making.

The Serious Photographer – Wants to enhance, manipulate or alter photographs with precision.

The Serious Graphic Artist/ Designer – This person is an artist and might be using a beginner-type tablet. Wants to translate their classic skills into digital skills.

Kid-friendly

 

Choose based on budget:

High > $500

Medium $200 – $499

Low < $200

Also, check out the Wacom Inkling and the Bamboo Stylus for the iPad if you are looking for something other than a graphics tablet.

What qualifies me to review graphics tablets?
I’m a freelance graphic designer and I’ve been using graphics tablets for years.  I have experience using Wacom and non-Wacom tablets. Back when there were barely a handful of affordable tablets available, it was easy to decide on which one to buy. Today there are numerous graphics/ digital tablets available for novice to professionals and in different budget ranges.

I created this web site as a way for people to find and easily choose which Wacom tablet to buy. >> Read more in my FAQ here! <<

Wacom Pens / Stylus

Differences between the different Wacom digitizer stylus/pens

 

wacom cintiq 6d art pen digitizer pen

Wacom Cintiq 6D Art Pen – digitizer pen (ZP-600)

  • Offers 360 degrees of barrel rotation
  • Includes both hard plastic and felt nibs for different “feels”, and 1,024 levels of pressure-sensitivity
  • Patented cordless, battery-free technology for reliable and consistent operation
  • For use on Intuos3, Cintiq 21UX, Cintiq 20WSX & Cintiq 12WX tablets (not compatible with Intuos, Intuos2 or Intuos4 tablets)
  • Includes pen stand

Product Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 1.8 inches ; 0.5 ounces

wacom intuos4 cintiq grip pen

Wacom Intuos4 / Cintiq21 UX Grip Pen

The Cintiq 21UX Grip Pen features a new contoured barrel designed to minimize grip effort, reduce stress to your hand and wrist, and otherwise emulate the feel of your favorite writing instrument.

Featuring Wacom’s new tip sensor technology, pressure sensitive response begins at only a single gram of pen pressure. When combined with 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Grip Pen captures even the most subtle nuances of pressure. This cordless, battery-free pen puts two customizable side switches right at your fingertips and features a contoured barrel with a cushioned grip. The Grip Pen ships with the following accessories: 10 replacement nibs, a nib puller, and a weighted pen stand.

Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 3.1 x 2 inches ; 4 ounces

wacom bamboo fun pen

Bamboo Fun Pen

  • Great for digital drawing and painting, touching up photos, or writing in your own personal script
  • 512 levels of pressure sensitivity to more accurately mimic physical drawing
  • Compatible with all major software but This pen will NOT work with Bamboo tablets whose model number starts with CTL or CTH
  • Works with both Windows and Mac operating systems

Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.8 x 2 inches ; 0.8 ounces

wacom penabled tablet pc slim pen

Penabled Tablet PC Slim Pen (MP200)

Pen will work with any Tablet PC that uses Wacom Penabled technology.
Device Type: Notebook stylus (no pressure-sensitivity)
With a diameter of only .22, the Penabled Tablet PC Slim Pen has a tip and a single side switch. If this pen is not designated to be an exact replacement for the original pen, please do not attempt to insert it into the pen holder of the Tablet PC.

wacom stylus ipad

Bamboo Stylus for iPad (CS100K)

  • Elegant, high end design
  • Milled brushed aluminum
  • Unique smooth pen to paper feel
  • 25% smaller tip vs. competitor models
  • Ergonomic design with optimal in-hand weight and balance
  • Durable non-scratch rubber tip
  • From the leaders in digital pen technology
  • Replaceable rubber tips

Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches ; 0.2 ounces

Click here to read more about the Bamboo stylus for iPad.

wacom bamboo pen

Pen for Wacom Bamboo Craft (CTH461) & Bamboo Fun (CTH661)

  • Compatible with CTH461 and CTH661
  • Rocker-switch
  • Eraser
  • Pressure-sensitive

Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 2.0 x 0.05

wacom intuos4 cintiq21ux airbrush pen

Intuos4 / Cintiq21UX (DTK2100) Airbrush Pen

A true digital airbrush, the pressure-sensitive airbrush incorporates a pressure-sensitive tip and eraser, tilt sensitivity, and a finger wheel to control the application of digital paint. Comes with pen stand and nibs.

Product Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 2 inches ; 1 pounds

wacom intuos4 airbrush pen

Intuos4 only Airbrush Pen

A true digital airbrush, the pressure-sensitive Intuos4 Airbrush incorporates a pressure-sensitive tip and eraser, tilt sensitivity, and a finger wheel to control the application of digital paint. Note: The Intuos4 Airbrush works with Intuos4 generation tablets only.
Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches ; 0.8 ounce

wacom intuos4 cintiq21 classic pen

Intuos4 / Cintiq21 Classic Pen

The Cintiq 21UX Grip Pen features a new contoured barrel designed to minimize grip effort, reduce stress to your hand and wrist, and otherwise emulate the feel of your favorite writing instruments.
The Classic Pen has the same feature set as the Grip Pen, but has a slimmer profile that does not include a rubberized grip.

Product Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 2 inches ; 4 ounces

wacom intuos4 inking pen

Intuos4 Inking Pen

This pressure- and tilt-sensitive drawing pen was created to provide the immediate feedback of actual ink on paper. Simply place a sheet of paper on top of your tablet and your Intuos4 inking pen can both “draw” on the paper and digitally record the drawing on the tablet. The Inking Pen comes with “inking cartridges” and two standard pen nibs for standard pen tablet “inkless” input.

The Intuos4 Inking Pen has the same pressure sensitive tip as the Intuos4 Grip Pen, but does not have a digital eraser or the side switches. Note: When you purchase an Inking Pen, it comes with a standard nib in the pen. Use the nib extractor (silver ring) to gently remove the standard nib from the pen. Then insert one of the silver-colored cartridges that come with the Inking Pen. The cartridge tip has a waxy coating that you will need to rub off before you can begin inking. Note: The Intuos4 Inking Pen works with Intuos4 generation tablets only.

Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 3 x 2.1 inches ; 1 pounds

wacom intuos4 art pen

Wacom Intuos4 (KP701E2) Art Pen with Stand

In addition to pressure-sensitivity and tilt-sensitivity, the Art Pen is also sensitive to rotation. Rotating the barrel in supporting applications such as Corel® Painter or Adobe® Photoshop creates a unique effect. The Art Pen ships with both standard and chisel nibs. Ships with the following accessories: 10 replacement nibs, a nib puller, and a weighted pen stand.

Product Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 2 inches ; 1 pounds

wacom intuos4 pen accessory kit

Intuos4 Pen Pro Accessory Kit

The Professional Accessory Kit contains a number of tools that help you customize the feel of your pen.

The kit includes:

  • 1 Standard Black Nib
  • 5 Stroke Nibs, 5 Hard Felt Nibs
  • 5 Flex Nibs
  • 1 Wide Body Grip (no hole for the button)
  • 1 Standard Grip (no hole for the button)
  • 1 Side Switch Replacement
  • 1 Nib Removal Tool
wacom bamboo intuos4 replacement nibs

Wacom Bamboo Replacement Nib Set (Pen NOT Included)

  • 5  Replacement Nibs for your Digital Tablet
  • Includes Extractor Ring to Remove old Nib
  • 5  Replacement Nibs for your Wacom Tablet

 

Wacom Tablets and Photography

Are Wacom tablets useful for Photographers?

 

Cintiq 24HD with Canon EOS Rebel SLR

Some say yes and some say no. I am not a professional photographer, but I do find it handy to have a Wacom tablet when I want to retouch my photos. I remember using a mouse to edit, draw and paint in Photoshop and Corel, and I do not miss it!

The reasons for using a pen tablet are simple. The interface makes painting and drawing so much easier and faster. A pen is more natural and comfortable than a mouse. You’ll get less hand cramps! The pen has an eraser and side buttons which can be customised to deliver keystrokes, mouse actions and many other actions.

Thanks to the light-weight tablet, it’s very portable and can be set on your lap. With the accurate pressure sensitivity, you can make broad, calligraphic or detailed strokes and other cool effects. It can be awkward to switch between using a keyboard and tablet so Wacom makes it easier on you with buttons and a radial menu that is customizable.

There are other tablet makers out there, but I prefer and highly recommend Wacom. I’ve tried other tablets in the past and was never fully satisfied. I feel like I wasted money when I should have just waited and saved up for a Wacom. The pressure sensitivity in the battery-free pens is the best I have ever used. I also believe Wacom stands apart because their tablets are extremely well-made.  The wide range of tablet options, sizes and features also make Wacom tablets stand above the rest.

Overall, I believe anyone who works with image editing, painting or illustration software should strongly consider a Wacom tablet.

Click the links below to read more reviews!
Overview

Intuos5

Cintiq 24HD
Intuos4
Cintiq 21ux
Cintiq 12wx
Bamboo

Click here to read more or buy a Wacom tablet on Amazon!

Wacom Graphire 3 and Graphire 4 Reviews

Reviews of the older Wacom Graphire tablets

If  you are not interested in the latest Wacom tablet models then you can opt for a Graphire tablet instead. They are no longer sold on the Wacom.com site, but can be found on other online stores such as Amazon.

The Graphire3 and Graphire4 are older models (released pre-2006). They offer some of the same abilities of the more recent Wacom tablets, but without the improved features, software or warranty.

Graphire4 Specs:

  • Pressure sensitive pen
  • Battery-free digital pen offers 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, two programmable side-buttons, and a pressure-sensitive eraser for easy fixes
  • Includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 3, Corel Painter Essentials 2, nik Color Efex Pro 2 GE
  • System requirements: Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP or Mac OS X v10.2.8+; 128 MB RAM; color monitor; available USB port; CD-ROM drive
  • Interface: USB
  • Active area: 4 x 5 inches (small) or 6 x 8 inches (large)
  • Dimensions: 8 x 8 inches ( small) or 10.95 x 10.39 x 0.71 inches (large)

The included pen is very smooth and you can remove the tablet cover in order to place a picture under it for tracing. Also available in a larger size (6 x 8 inches).

The tablet comes in two-tone gray with a matching mouse and pen (also available in metallic blue and white). The plastic cover has a built-in pen holder and can be easily removed. The Graphire4 is powered via USB with a 5-foot cord. Users looking for greater freedom should consider the wireless Wacom Graphire Bluetooth Tablet.

Pros of Wacom Graphire4:
Good for people with repetitive strain injuries
Scrollwheel on tablet
Two buttons on pen
Comfort grip on pen and mouse
Easy to set up
Inexpensive compared to newer Wacom tablets
The Graphire digital pen is interchangeable with the original Bamboo model’s digital pen

Cons of Wacom Graphire4:
Small active drawing area
Pen and pad need more buttons which are available on the newer Wacom tablets
Short cable
Comes with older software – will have to pay to upgrade
Harder to find

Graphire3 Specs:

  • Pressure sensitive pen
  • Battery-free digital pen offers 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, two programmable side-buttons, and a pressure-sensitive eraser for easy fixes
  • Rechargeable lithium polymer tablet battery provides up to 25 hours between charges
  • Includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 3, Corel Painter Essentials 2, nik Color Efex Pro 2 GE
  • System requirements: Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP or Mac OS X v10.2.8+; 128 MB RAM; color monitor; available USB port; CD-ROM drive
  • Interface: USB
  • Active area: 4 x 5 inches (small) or 6 x 8 inches (large)
  • Dimensions: 8 x 8 inches ( small) or 10.95 x 10.39 x 0.71 inches (large)

The included pen is very smooth and you can remove the tablet cover in order to place a picture under it for tracing. Also available in a larger size (6 x 8 inches).

Pros of Wacom Graphire3:
Good for people with repetitive strain injuries
Battery-free
One button on pen
Easy to set up
Inexpensive compared to newer Wacom tablets
The Graphire digital pen is interchangeable with the original Bamboo model’s digital pen

Cons of Wacom Graphire3:

Small active drawing area
Pen is awkward for onscreen navigation
Short cable
Lacking comfort grip on pen and mouse
Comes with older software – will have to pay to upgrade
Harder to find

Summary:
When compared to the Wacom Bamboo tablets available currently, I do not recommend buying a Wacom Graphire.
If price is your main concern and you want a very basic graphics tablet, then I recommend you opt for the Wacom Bamboo Pen (for precision editing) or Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch (not for precise editing). I found a Graphire3 for almost the same price for the Bamboo Pen right now on Amazon! So if you are looking to spend very little, it seems worth it to buy one of the latest Bamboo tablets instead.
Also, the features and software bundles are dramatically improved and you receive a one year warranty from Wacom when you buy a new tablet.

Click below for more info or to buy the Wacom Graphire and Bamboo tablets!