Yiynova MSP19U Tablet Monitor Review

Yiynova MSP19U tablet monitor

Noah Bradley, the same guy who is running Noah’s Art Camp (an intensive 12 week course), has reviewed the Yiynova MSP19U tablet monitor.

yiynova tablet monitor back view

I had never heard of the Yiynova until I read his review. In short, he seems to love it and believes it is just as good as the Wacom Cintiq. It sounds like it’s not as sleek or “pretty” as a Cintiq, but it weighs much less and the cost is $1399 less than the Cintiq 22HD! I chose to compare the Yiynova to the Cintiq 22HD because that is the tablet monitor closest in size to the Yiynova.

yiynova tablet monitor side view

Bradley’s complaints about the Yiynova are not a big deal to him, but I can see how they might be major annoyances to some. For instance, there are no buttons, the software is lackluster, the adjustable angles are poor and the UI isn’t very good. To quote Bradley, “The drivers are a bit problematic and the software interface is kinda ugly.” He also mentions that the pressure sensitivity is not as customizable as he would prefer.

On the plus side, the screen is smooth (Wacom tends to be a little gritty), the colors seem to be brighter, it is approximately 12 lbs. as opposed to 33.7 lbs. (Cintiq 22HD weight) and the price is a huge plus at $600!

Would I buy this tablet monitor instead of a Wacom? I’m not sure. It does seem like it would be a decent alternative for a large touch screen tablet. My motivation would be the price. I think it boils down to aesthetics and cost.  I think I could put up with all the negatives if I can save $1400. However, I am very happy with my Intuos and don’t plan to upgrade any time soon. Although, I must admit, that’s mainly because I can’t afford a Yiynova or a Cintiq… Yet!

Click here to read more about the Wacom Cintiq 22HD on Amazon!

To read Noah Bradley’s review of the Yiynova MSP19U, click here!

Click here if you want to buy a Yiynova from Amazon!

My Cintiq 24HD Tablet Review is Up!

Wacom Cintiq 24HDYou can find it on this site at Wacom Cintiq 24HD review.

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

 

Why Buy Wacom Intuos4?

Reasons for buying a Wacom Intuos4 tablet over other brands.

There are some less expensive options when buying a drawing tablet and I researched them before deciding to purchase the Wacom Intuos4. My #1 reason for buying Wacom is quality. Wacom is a trustworthy company and known for their high quality products. The second reason is their great customer service. I called them before ordering my tablet from Amazon to see how they respond and they were excellent. They answered all of my questions without any negativity and helped me decide which tablet to buy.

Another reason to strongly consider a Wacom Intuos4 are the multiple sizes available. This is important because you are able to get the size you need to fit your work space without losing any power and usability. Each Intuos4 comes with the same software, pens and design. Sizes include extra large, large, medium, small or wireless. I know wireless isn’t a size, but I include it because it is a different size than the other tablets.

The software that is included with each Intuos4 is what I consider to be really good software. You will get Nik® Color Efex Proâ„¢ WE6, Wacom Brushes 3.0 and you can pick two out of the following: Adobe Photoshop® Elements 8 for PC and Mac, Autodesk SketchBook Express® 2010 and Corel Painterâ„¢ Sketch Pad. Granted, Wacom is assuming you already have Adobe Photoshop® which is necessary for Nik® Color Efex Proâ„¢. I think this is an acceptable assumption since most people using an Intuos4 are generally professional designers. I would choose Photoshop® Elements 8 and Corel Painter Sketch Pad out of the three available options. While I have nothing against Autodesk SketchBook Express®, I just don’t feel it is worth it if you don’t already have the other two programs.

I hope this article helps you decide whether you need/want to buy a Wacom Intuos4 tablet. You can read my full Intuos4 review here, Wacom Intuos4 Review.

 

Bamboo Stylus for Apple iPad

Now the Bamboo stylus is designed for the iPad!

wacom bamboo ipad stylus

I really like the stylus for the Bamboo models and especially now that there is one created to be compatible with the Apple iPad. There are even applications made specifically for the iPad:

  • Penultimate – note taking
  • Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile – sketching
  • Good Reader – file manager
  • Adobe Ideas – add your own touches to an image
  • Doodle Buddy – simple doodle pad
  • ArtRage – painting

wacom bamboo stylus photoThe Bamboo stylus is a sleek and simple design. It feels very natural – like holding a pen or pencil. It is also compatible with the iPhone4 and has limited support for the first generation Samsung Galaxy Tab. And there are plans to make the Bamboo stylus for the iPad compatible with other touch screen devices in the future.

The tip of the stylus is 25% narrower in diameter than other graphic tablet pens (6mm versus 8mm). This made it easier for me to make precise and finer lines than other graphic tablet pens. I especially noticed a difference with my handwriting.

Wacom Bamboo Stylus for iPadLike all Wacom tablets, it takes a little time to adjust to using a pen on a graphics tablet, but once you do, you won’t be able to tell you aren’t writing on paper.

I’m excited about this new Bamboo/iPad pen! No more finger marks on my iPad/ iPhone4 and it will be much easier to take notes and sketch on the fly.

 

Click here to buy the Bamboo Stylus for iPad from Amazon

Read the full Wacom Bamboo tablet review here

 


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!


Which Wacom Bamboo Tablet is Best for Image Editing?

Best Wacom Bamboo for Editing Images

Wacom Bamboo Fun

If you want image editing and aren’t concerned with price, I recommend the Bamboo Fun. It provides a large space which is what I prefer.

  • Touch – 7.5″ x 5.1″ (W x H)
  • Pen – 8.5″ x 5.4″ (W x H)

The Bamboo Fun includes more software and extras than the other Bamboo models:

  • Software DVD
  • Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 8.0 Win/Mac
  • Corel® Painterâ„¢ Essentials 4.0
  • Nik® Color Efex Proâ„¢ 3.0 WE3
  • Offer for free photo album from Shutterfly
  • Offer for free online store from Café Press

 

Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch

If you are more concerned with price, then I suggest the Bamboo Pen and Touch. It has a smaller drawing (active) area, but that is not a problem for most people. It just depends on your personal preference.

  • Touch – 4.9″ x 3.4″ (W x H)
  • Pen – 5.8″ x 3.6″ (W x H)

It comes without the extras and less software, but the two included are enough for great photo editing.

Software DVD containing:

  • Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 8.0
  • Nik® Color Efex Proâ„¢ 3.0 WE3

 

When choosing a Wacom Bamboo tablet it comes down to price and size. If you want a smaller tablet and to spend less then definitely buy the Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch. If you don’t care about price and want a larger tablet then I recommend the Wacom Bamboo Fun. My personal preference is to buy the largest tablet you can afford, but that’s just me.

 

Difference Between Wacom Cintiq Tablets

Comparison of the Wacom Cintiq 21UX and the Wacom Cintiq 12WX

There are several differences between the Cintiq 21UX and Cintiq 12WX. I’ve provided a list for those who want a quick reference.

Tablet Physical Size Display Area Weight Aspect Ratio Stand Adjustability
Cintiq 21UX 22.1″ W x
16.6″ H x
1.9″ D
17″ W x 12.75″ H 19 lbs
(8.7 kg)
4:3 ±180° rotation,
10° to 65° incline
Cintiq 12WX 16″ W x
10.5″ H x
67″ D
10.3″ W x 6.4″ H 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
with video control unit
16:10 Flat on desktop,
25°to 60°,
360° flat position on pivot
Tablet Screen Size Native resolution Pressure Levels Nibs Included
Cintiq 21UX 21.3″ diagonal (541 mm) UXGA (1600×1200) 2048 6 standard, 1 stroke, 3 felt
Cintiq 12WX 12.1″ diagonal (307.3 mm) WXGA (1280×800) 1024 3 standard, 1 stroke, 1 felt

Click here to read my full Wacom Cintiq 21UX review.

Click here to read my full Wacom Cintiq 12WX review.