Malcolm Owen
Wacom has refreshed its Intuos pen tablet range with new upgraded models, with the new small and medium-sized tablets boasting a smaller footprint and lighter weight than previous models, while also touting optional Bluetooth integration making some variants work wirelessly when used with a Mac.
The new Wacom Intuos pen tablets are entry-level offerings compared to the company's Intuos Pro and Cintiq models, intended for beginners starting to get to grips with the tool. Both the small and medium sizes offer an improved 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity when used with the included battery-free stylus, the Wacom Pen 4K, with a 7 millimeter reading height and a 0.25 millimeter digital tolerance in accuracy.
The Pen 4K is said to have an improved ergonomic design with an increased weight and a soft-touch grip. Replacement nibs are included in a compartment within the stylus, which also holds a nib extractor.
The models are smaller than earlier versions, but Wacom says they offer the same active tablet areas as their predecessors, measuring 6 by 3.7 inches and 8.5 by 5.3 inches for the small and medium sizes respectively. Across the top is the pen tray for storing the stylus, which also incorporates four express keys to quickly select functions or shortcuts in applications.
In this version, some models are being offered with Bluetooth connectivity built-in, instead of requiring a separate wireless kit. The Bluetooth models are claimed to offer a 60 percent battery life improvement compared to earlier systems, while still also to be connected to a Mac using a USB cable.
All versions are provided with optional downloads for related applications, including Corel Painter Essentials 6, Corel AfterShot 3, and in the case of the Bluetooth models, Celsys Clip Studio Paint Pro. While the small model offers one or two downloads out of the available selection, depending on whether it is equipped with Bluetooth, users of the medium-sized tablet will be able to download all three.
Where to buy
The Wacom Intuos Small costs $99 for the Bluetooth-equipped model and $79 without, while the Intuos Medium is offered with Bluetooth for $199 at Adorama, Amazon and B&H. All versions are available in charcoal black, but the Bluetooth versions have options for pistachio green and berry pink casings, depending on the region. When shopping at Adorama, sales tax will not be collected on orders shipped outside New York and New Jersey. B&H also will not collect sales tax outside New York and New Jersey; however, sales are reported in Colorado and Vermont (see here).
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10 Comments
They still make the best pens, IMO. And the “tooth” on their drawing surfaces are much better than glass, which is too slippery. Could be an interesting company for Apple to acquire to beef up their pro and prosumer offerings for artists, designers, architects, etc.
Do the new models fully support all the gestures? The older ones could be used like a mouse but not all the gestures.
I am not a fan of the Blizzard White Apple Trackpad. Still using the original Apple trackpad, but it will eventually need replacing.
Currently the only way to get a Black Apple Trackpad is to buy the Black iMac or drop $200 for a ColorWare model.
I tried the Wacom Pro tablet with BT and though is a very good quality product I found it very limited unless your focus is Photoshop, some illustration apps and maybe Zbrush. I ended up returning it and getting an iPad Pro with the pencil, way better investment. With apps like Procreate, AstroPad, Affinity and other is much more powerful and versatile too compare to a Wacom. Obviously the iPad is a higher price, but you get so much more functionality.