Wacom Graphics Tablet

What’s the Best Wacom Graphics Tablet?

Looking for the best graphics tablet? So are we! There are plenty of choices, so we thoroughly reviewed the top brands and models and came up with what we think is the best combination of features, quality and value.
Ultimately, the ideal graphics tablet is the one that fits seamlessly into your own specific workflow. When considering your budget, remember that this is an investment that will help you to increase your productivity and unleash your creativity!
Check out the links below for our full detailed reviews, plus we’ve added updated info on where to get the lowest price on your new drawing tablet.

Best Overall – Our Top Pick!

 Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen TabletFrom digital painting to photo editing, the Intuos Pro is perfect for most creative endeavors. With 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, multi-touch, wireless capability plus so many workflow enhancing features, it gets our vote for all-around best graphics tablet.

Full Review: Wacom Intuos Pro Pen and Touch

     Posted by TGT Staff on January 25th · Share a Comment

The Wacom Intuos Pro Pen and Touch Medium Tablet (PTH651) is surprisingly similar to the previous generation Intuos5, but there are a couple of key differences, namely redesigned ExpressKeys and wireless connectivity. Are these seemingly minor improvements worth the investment? Please read our detailed review below as we find out…

Want to try the Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen and Touch Tablet?

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New Features in Intuos Pro Pen and Touch

At first glance, the Wacom Intuos Pro looks nearly identical to an Intuos5. The frame is covered in the same dark matte rubberized material and has the same sleek design. When comparing the Intuos Pro vs Intuos5 side by side, the only apparent change is that the ExpressKeys have been altered slightly. Whereas the Intuos5 buttons were smooth indentations, the ExpressKeys on the Intuos Pro are more flush and surrounded by a thin groove.

Compare Intuos Pro (left) vs Intuos 5 (right)

Though we didn’t really have any complaints about the old buttons on the Intuos5, we were surprised at how much more we liked the new design. Each key is now easier to press, and the tactile bumps are more pronounced, reducing the need to look down at the tablet to find the right button.
The other difference is that the Intuos Pro now includes a wireless adapter which was not part of the package with previous models. It works up to 33 feet away, and frees us from cords that get tangled or knock things off the desk. Wireless capability also makes it much easier to set up and use our tablets during meetings and presentations. Of course, if you’d rather have a wired connection, simply plug the single USB cord into your Mac or PC. The cord has a right angle plug that can be looped for right or left-handed users.

First Impressions

The entire tablet measures 15″ x 9.9″ x 0.5″ (380 x 251 x 12mm) and small marks indicate the usable drawing area of 8.8″ x 5.5″ (224 x 140 mm). In our experience, this is the most versatile size for most applications, such as hand-drawn illustrations or detailed Photoshop work. The surface has a bit of texture, giving it slightly more resistance than older Intuos tablets. (Tip: If you prefer a smoother surface, you might like this third-party surface cover. It will also protect your original tablet surface from wear and tear.)
The rubberized barrel of the Intuos Pro Grip Pen is well-balanced and very comfortable to use. There’s an eraser on top and a rocker switch on the side that can be set to perform functions such as click, right-click or double-click. The pressure-sensitive pen tip is designed to recognize 2048 levels of pressure and detect tilt up to 60 degrees. Those tech specs, combined with the tablet resolution of 5080 lines per inch, give us the ability to draw smooth lines that vary from wispy to broad in a single effortless stroke.

Intuos Pro pen stand and grip pen

When not in use, the pen rests nicely in the pen stand, which also opens up to reveal a little storage compartment for the nib extractor and replacement nibs. Ten extra nibs are included (five standard, three felt tip, one flex and one stroke) and there are a few color-coded rings that can be used to personalize your pen, which is useful in a multi-user environment. We’re also happy to report that the Intuos Pro pen and nibs are interchangeable with Intuos4 and Intuos5, and also compatible with newer Cintiq tablets.

Time-saving Productivity Features

Like all Wacom drawing tablets, the Intuos Pro is packed with features that save time and boost productivity. Multi-touch capability means the entire drawing area works like a big trackpad, so it’s possible to use gestures like pinch and swipe to zoom in, scroll and rotate images. This is really useful since we don’t have to take our hands off the tablet to reach for a mouse or trackpad as often. That being said, it can occassionally mis-read an accidental tap or brush of the wrist as a gesture. Overall, we found this to be a minor tradeoff, but if you find that it bothers you, you’ll be glad to know that there’s an option in the settings to turn off Multi-touch entirely.
The Touch Ring is ideal to perform functions such as zooming, switching layers, and adjusting brush size. When dealing with video, it also works well as a shuttle dial for editing and compositing. Above and below the Touch Ring, the eight ExpressKeys (the small version has six) are ready to perform keyboard shortcuts, launch programs or open a frequently used file.
One of our favorite things about the ExpressKeys is that they can be programmed with application-specific functions.  For example, a button can be set to Undo in Photoshop, while that same button can be set to toggle displays in Sketchbook Pro.  For even more convenience, one of the ExpressKeys can be set to bring up the Radial Menu, a pop-up menu that gives instant access to things like media playback controls. This makes it easy to switch tracks & adjust volume for those of us that like to listen to music while we work.
A light tap on any button brings up an on-screen display showing the assigned functions for all of the ExpressKeys at once. This is handy since it can be hard to keep track of which button does what, especially with so many customizable options for different applications.

What software is included with Intuos Pro?

Wacom has included a bundle of several useful applications to get new Intuos Pro users started right away. The selection covers a variety of interests:

• Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 11 is a full-featured photo editing program that can easily transform your snapshots to art.
• Anime Studio® Debut 8 offers a good introduction to 2D animation. It includes a variety of drawing/painting tools, plus it can convert hand-drawn sketches or artwork from other programs into vector-based art that you can use to create your own animated cartoons and anime.
• Autodesk® Sketchbook® Express is a handy program for drawing and sketching. If you have tried the iOS or Android version, you’ll love how much more control you have with a pressure-sensitive graphics tablet.
• Nik® Color Efex Pro 4 Select Edition is a collection of 26 filters that can be applied and combined to create interesting photographic effects.
• Corel ®Painter™ 13 is a powerful application that provides a large range of realistic brushes and tools. Artists can simulate a variety of media such as watercolor, oil paint, charcoal, pastels and chalk. The included version is a 30-day trial, but Intuos Pro owners are offered the option to buy the full version for a discount.

Conclusion

Wacom markets the Intuos Pro Pen and Touch line more toward professional artists, photographers, video editors and designers, but users of all levels and creative backgrounds can benefit from this feature-rich tablet. There’s a slight learning curve for beginners, but the controls are well-designed and intuitive. If you’re on the fence about whether this tablet will work for you, our advice is try it and see how it fits into your own personal workflow. Is it worth the upgrade from Intuos5? We didn’t think so at first… but soon we realized that the redesigned ExpressKeys are actually a significant improvement. We appreciate the fact that Wacom responded to user feedback and revised the design accordingly. It’s also nice that the wireless adapter is included this time around. All in all, we figure that if the Intuos Pro continues to save us time and make our work more enjoyable, that’s an investment we are more than happy to make.

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Best Value – Multipurpose

Wacom Intuos Pen and Touch TabletIf you want the fun of a pen tablet combined with the functionality of a trackpad, try the Intuos Pen & Touch! This versatile tablet with multi-touch input lets you use finger taps and gestures to navigate and perform common functions. Ideal for crafts, scrapbooking, photo retouching and more. Good for beginners too.

Full Review: Wacom Intuos Pen and Touch Tablet

     Posted by TGT Staff on January 28th · Share a Comment

The Intuos Pen and Touch is one of the latest entry-level graphics tablets from Wacom. As long-time Wacom users, we wanted to know more about the new design of this tablet, and what other features is has to offer. Our in-depth review below reveals all the details of our experience with the Intuos Pen and Touch Medium (CTH680).

Want to try the Intuos Pen & Touch?

What’s new about the Intuos Pen & Touch?

Before we get started, it’s worth mentioning that this product line was previously called Bamboo, but the company has recently decided to consolidate all of their graphics tablets under the Intuos brand, while the name Bamboo is now used only for their stylus and touchpad products.
Along with the new name, there are a few other differences between Intuos and Bamboo Create (the previous generation tablet). The buttons are now positioned above the drawing area, rather than on the side, so it’s no longer necessary to flip the tablet around for right or left-handed use. Also, the included Intuos pen has been improved. The new barrel is more contoured and closer to the shape of the Intuos Grip pen that comes with the higher-priced Intuos Pro. Both the colored ring on the pen and the pen holder loop on the tablet can be swapped out to add a touch of personalization.

What are the key features?

Redesigned Intuos Pen

Aside from new aesthetics, the Intuos pen tip still recognizes 1024 levels of pressure, making it easy to change line thickness and opacity by varying how hard you press. If you are familiar with iOS or Android apps, you’ll see how much more control you have with a pressure-sensitive graphics tablet. Plus the drawing surface is slightly textured, so it feels more like drawing on paper.
The pen nibs are replaceable, and a few replacement nibs are included in a small storage compartment on the back of the tablet. The eraser is handy for zapping out mistakes, and a programmable rocker switch on the side of the pen is useful to perform a right-click or double-click, which is much easier than tapping the tip of the pen twice.
We really like the multi-touch feature, which makes it possible to use the tablet as a large trackpad. Since it uses many of the same gestures as an iPad or tablet PC, using multi-touch feels very intuitive and responsive. It’s nice to be able to pinch and swipe to zoom, scroll, rotate and even switch applications without having to take our hands off the tablet.
The four ExpressKeys can be programmed to perform many functions, including keyboard shortcuts like Save or Undo. One of the features that new (and even-not-so-new) users often overlook is the Radial Menu, which gives fast access to navigation and media player controls. Any ExpressKey or even the pen rocker switch can be programmed to bring up the Radial Menu, making it easy to skip tracks or adjust volume in iTunes, or quickly switch to an email app with one click.

Which size should you buy, small vs. medium?

Intuos is available in small and medium versions, and new buyers often ask us which size is better. Although it depends on the situation, we usually recommend the medium over the small, mainly because it’s more versatile and allows for freer arm movements. A medium graphics tablet is generally big enough to work on details without having to zoom in like you would with a small tablet.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the actual drawing area is much smaller than the size of the whole tablet. The medium Intuos has overall dimensions of 10.8 x 8.7 x .4 inches (275 x 222 x 10mm) with an active drawing area of 8.5 x 5.3 inches (216 x 135mm). Relatively speaking, the whole tablet is roughly the size of a standard 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, while the drawing area is the size of that same paper folded in half.
The Intuos is fully compatible with both Mac and Windows, and easy to connect via the included USB cord. For wireless use, there is an optional wireless adapter kit available (sold separately for about $40).

What software is included?

Wacom has kindly included a great bundle of apps to help everyone get started right away:

• Adobe Photoshop Elements is a powerful application that can transform your pictures from snapshots to art. It’s one of the most popular programs for editing photos and graphics.
• Autodesk Sketchbook Express is an excellent program for freehand drawing and sketching.
• Corel Painter Lite has a range of brushes and tools that simulate traditional media such as watercolors, oil paints and chalks.
• Nik Color Efex Pro WE3 uses filters and overlays to add interesting effects to your images.

Our final verdict…

After reviewing the Wacom Intuos Pro Pen & Touch Medium, we think it’s a very good combination of features and value. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone new to graphics tablets, yet versatile enough that budding artists won’t quickly “outgrow” it as their skills develop. This is a very good tablet for drawing, painting and photo editing as well as hobbies such as scrapbooking and paper crafts. We highly recommend that you try it for yourself and let your creativity shine!

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Most Intuitive Experience

Wacom Cintiq 13HD Interactive Pen DisplayBy enabling you to draw directly on the screen, Cintiq offers a more natural, intuitive experience in a compact package. A word of warning though, once you try it, you may never want to use a regular graphics tablet again!

Review: Wacom Cintiq 13HD Interactive Pen Display

     Posted by TGT Staff on March 21st

The Wacom Cintiq 13HD is intuitive and fun, but it isn’t quite perfect. Is it worth the price? We reveal the pros and cons of this tablet in our full review below.

Want to try the Wacom Cintiq 13HD?

First Impressions

When we turn on the Wacom Cintiq 13HD Interactive Pen Display (DTK1300), we’re greeted by a crisp, clear 1080p LED screen that is capable of reproducing 16.7 million colors. Since it is an IPS screen, the viewing angle is nearly 180 degrees (178 to be exact) so colors are displayed accurately even when viewed from the side.
The drawing surface has a nice texture that simulates drawing on paper. It’s smooth, but not slick, and has a slightly matte finish that has the added benefit of reducing glare, reflections and fingerprints. Pen strokes are fluid without any lag, even at the edges of the screen. The pressure varies smoothly and there is no noticeable parallax (the distortion effect that makes it feel like the pen tip is offset from the image due to the thickness of the glass).
The smooth silicone finish of the Pro Pen feels good and well-balanced. The stylus tip can recognize 2048 levels of pressure and has tilt-sensitivity that can be customized to taste. The little color rings can be used to personalize the pen so it can be identified quickly, which is useful in a multi-user studio. We also find that the rings come in handy when using two pens each with a different nib — for example, one regular and one flex — to easily distinguish between the two without having to look at the tip.
Besides the usual pen holder, the Cintiq also comes with a surprisingly nice pen case to carry the Pro Pen and other included goodies — colored rings, nib extraction tool and and nine spare nibs. The fact that the pen box is not included with the larger Cintiqs shows that Wacom is emphasizing the portability factor of the 13HD.

More Features

Unlike the Cintiq 12WX which had a set of buttons on both sides of the tablet, the 13HD only has one set of controls, but the entire tablet can be flipped around for right or left-handed users. The four ExpressKeys and Rocker Ring come conveniently pre-configured, but they can easily be customized to perform practically any shortcut or keystroke. The buttons have a satisfying click to them and also have raised tactile bumps to make them easier to find by feel.

ExpressKeys and Rocker Ring

The Rocker Ring is a large 4-way switch with an additional button in the center and each direction (up, down, left, right) can be programmed individually. As long-time Wacom users, we have mixed reactions about this feature. Frankly, some of us prefer the Touch Ring on the Intuos Pro or even the Touch Strip from the Cintiq 12WX, where the “sliding” control makes it easier to zoom in and out or change brush sizes in Photoshop. Although the Rocker Ring can still perform these functions, it takes a few more clicks to achieve what can be done with a slide of the thumb on the Intuos Pro. It’s not a dealbreaker for us, but it does take some adjustment. Wacom also chose not to include multi-touch, which might have been a useful feature considering the lower-priced Intuos Pro and even the entry-level Intuos Pen & Touch both offer that capability.

Setup and Portability

The new 3-way cable makes setup pretty straighforward and simple. On one end there’s a plug that goes directly into the tablet, and on the other end there are three connectors: HDMI and USB plugs go to the laptop or computer and the power line gets connected to the “wall-wart” style power adapter. The Cintiq is compatible with both Mac and PC, but it’s important to install the correct driver for the pen to interact properly with the screen.

We like the way the stand can be adjusted to four different positions — flat, 22°, 35° or 50° — so it’s easy to find the angle that’s most comfortable. The small rubber feet on the bottom of the stand keep it from sliding around on the desk, or the entire stand can be detached if you prefer to hold it or use it on your lap. If you do use it on your lap, we have to warn you that the Cintiq 13HD will get warm after prolonged use, but not uncomfortably so, and not nearly as warm as the Cintiq 12WX.
As we mentioned earlier, Wacom seems to be emphasizing that the Cintiq 13HD is portable. For the most part we agree, especially compared to the Cintiq 24HD, which weighs over 60 lbs. Even the old 12WX weighed 4 lbs plus required a large power brick, a separate video converter box & a tangle of cables. By comparison, the 13HD weighs only 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) and although it’s not something we’d want to carry around all day, the pen case and 3-way cable do make it easier to pack up the tablet when necessary.

Our conclusion…

The long-awaited Cintiq 13HD has met or exceeded our expectations in nearly every way. Technology-wise it is certainly miles ahead of the aging and outdated 12WX (which was excellent back when it was first released, but that was several years ago). The screen is sharp and clear, and the whole tablet is sturdy and well-designed. It’s compact and light enough to be portable (or at least semi-portable). Most importantly, the pen-on-screen functionality performs beautifully. Drawing directly on the screen feels completely natural, compared to the extra eye-hand coordination that a regular graphics tablet requires. For beginners and casual users, the price tag of the Cintiq may be a barrier, but serious artists and creative professionals will immediately recognize the benefits in both workflow and productivity. All in all, highly recommended.