New Intuos5 Launched Today!

Posted on March 1, 2012 by admin

Intuos5

Wacom launched the new Intuos5 in Europe today! It will be in the U.S. soon, but no date yet.

The most talked about feature is theÂ multitouch gesture support and “Express View” head-up display software and soft-touch feel. You will be able to create custom gestures while the head-up display shows current tablet settings on your computer screen. The gestures are similar to an Apple iPad where you can use 3 fingers to zoom in or out, for example.

The new Intuos5 will support all standard Windows and Mac multitouch gestures. The different tablet sizes are 13×8″,Â 6×8″ andÂ 4×6″.

With the new Wacom tablets avaialble, I suspect the Intuos4 tablets will go down in price. Intuos5 is currently priced atÂ Â£200 toÂ Â£430 in Europe.Â They come in threeÂ sizes, 13×8″,Â 6×8″ andÂ 4×6″.Â The small is priced at $229.95, medium at $349.95, and the large at $469.95. A pen-only version of the small tablet will also be available, but a price has not been confirmed yet. An optional wireless accessory kit is available to convert your Intuos into a wireless tablet to make it more convenient and comfortable.

I’m not sure how much better the Intuos5 will be compared to the Intuos4 model. So far, it seems like they are trying to keep up with technology by adding standard and custom gestures. Some people may argue that this new feature is not enough to make them upgrade. I can see how designers who are new to using a Wacom tablet and are used to using gestures will enjoy this new Wacom tablet the most. I want to keep an open mind since it launched today and there aren’t enough reviews yet, but based on what I know, I do not recommend upgrading yet.

How to Choose a Wacom Tablet

Posted on September 18, 2011 by admin

A Simple Guide to Choosing the Best Wacom Tablet

Choose based on level of artist/ designer:

Beginner/ Entry level – Never used a graphics tablet.Â 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 Versus a Tablet PC

Posted on August 12, 2011 by admin

Differences between the different Wacom digitizer stylus/pens

	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 / 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
	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
	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.
	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.
	Pen for Wacom Bamboo Craft (CTH461) & Bamboo Fun (CTH661) Compatible with CTH461 and CTH661 Rocker-switch Eraser Pressure-sensitive Product Dimensions: 7.9Â xÂ 2.0Â xÂ 0.05
	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
	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
	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
	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 (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 CorelÂ® Painter or AdobeÂ® 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
	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 Replacement Nib Set (Pen NOT Included) 5Â Replacement Nibs for your Digital Tablet Includes Extractor Ring to Remove old Nib 5Â Replacement Nibs for your Wacom Tablet

Wacom Pens / Stylus

Posted on March 5, 2011 by admin

Differences between the different Wacom digitizer stylus/pens

	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 / 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
	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
	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.
	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.
	Pen for Wacom Bamboo Craft (CTH461) & Bamboo Fun (CTH661) Compatible with CTH461 and CTH661 Rocker-switch Eraser Pressure-sensitive Product Dimensions: 7.9Â xÂ 2.0Â xÂ 0.05
	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
	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
	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
	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 (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 CorelÂ® Painter or AdobeÂ® 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
	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 Replacement Nib Set (Pen NOT Included) 5Â Replacement Nibs for your Digital Tablet Includes Extractor Ring to Remove old Nib 5Â Replacement Nibs for your Wacom Tablet

Why Buy Wacom Intuos4?

Posted on March 3, 2011 by admin

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 NikÂ® Color Efex Proâ„¢ WE6, Wacom Brushes 3.0 and you can pick two out of the following: Adobe PhotoshopÂ® Elements 8 for PC and Mac, Autodesk SketchBook ExpressÂ® 2010 and Corel Painterâ„¢ Sketch Pad. Granted, Wacom is assuming you already have Adobe PhotoshopÂ® which is necessary for NikÂ® Color Efex Proâ„¢. I think this is an acceptable assumption since most people using an Intuos4 are generally professional designers. I would choose PhotoshopÂ® Elements 8 and Corel Painter Sketch Pad out of the three available options. While I have nothing against Autodesk SketchBook ExpressÂ®, 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.

Wacom Graphire 3 and Graphire 4 Reviews

Posted on February 5, 2011 by admin

Reviews of the older Wacom Graphire tablets

IfÂ 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?

Posted on January 13, 2011 by admin

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
AdobeÂ® PhotoshopÂ® Elements 8.0 Win/Mac
CorelÂ® Painterâ„¢ Essentials 4.0
NikÂ® Color Efex Proâ„¢ 3.0 WE3
Offer for free photo album from Shutterfly

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:

AdobeÂ® PhotoshopÂ® Elements 8.0
NikÂ® 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.

Wacom Cintiq Pros and Cons

Posted on January 11, 2011 by admin

The pros and cons of Wacom Cintiq 21UX

PRO:

Stylus calibration – accurate pen motions and pressure sensitivity
No distortion when the pen touches the LCD screen
2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
Tilts and rotates
Bright monitor
Touch Strips

CON:

Aspect ratio is 4:3
Very large and heavy
Lack of multi-touch support
Price

The pros and cons of the Wacom Cintiq 12WX

PRO:

Light-weight
Portable
360 degree rotation
Touchpad plus monitor – Toggle between the Cintiq and your monitor

CON:

A lot of cables
Shaky cursor when you draw close to the edges
Minor lag when doing quick sketching

A Simple Guide to Choosing the Best Wacom Tablet

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! <<

Differences between the different Wacom digitizer stylus/pens

Differences between the different Wacom digitizer stylus/pens

Reasons for buying a Wacom Intuos4 tablet over other brands.

Reviews of the older Wacom Graphire tablets

Graphire4 Specs:

Graphire3 Specs:

Best Wacom Bamboo for Editing Images

Wacom Bamboo Fun

Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch

The pros and cons of Wacom Cintiq 21UX

The pros and cons of the Wacom Cintiq 12WX

Read more details about the pros and cons here: Wacom Cintiq 21UX Wacom Cintiq 12WX

Read more details about the pros and cons here:
Wacom Cintiq 21UX
Wacom Cintiq 12WX