How to choose the best Wacom pen tablet for your needs
All tablet models share the same key parts: a flat surface for input and a pressure sensitive pen. Other tablet advantages are efficiency and better ergonomics, making them an interesting option even for non-artists and general computer usage.
The Wacom Intuos 5 Touch Medium pen tablet is our top pick for all creative professional fields - such as design, video and photography - for use on LCD displays up to 30 inches. Check out our in-depth Wacom Intuos5 touch review.
Why use a pen tablet instead of a mouse
Working with a tablet is faster and more efficient than with a mouse. Your hand can travel from point to point on the screen in a single movement instead of repeated slides, as with a conventional mouse. It also allows more natural input for activities such as drawing and photo retouching. Having pressure sensitivity is very handy and most graphic programs can benefit from this input. Touching the tip of the pen on the tablet surface is the equivalent of a click, and the pressure (plus tilt, in more feature-rich models) can be used to vary stroke width, opacity, effect intensity, and other attributes. There are two buttons on the pen and either can be programmed for right click or other commands.
Holding a pen is also much more ergonomic than using a mouse, and most users with repetitive strain injury (RSI) or tendonitis suffer less pain when using a tablet. In my personal case, it completely cured a chronic pain I had in my right wrist. Working with a mouse requires repetitive muscle movements while the rest of the hand keeps still, creating uneven muscle fatigue. A pen, on the other hand, allows you to work in a more relaxed position and eliminates the forearm twisting that strains muscles and tendons. At the end of the day, it feels much more natural and relaxed.
Areas in which tablets don't work so well
There are a few areas in which tablets are not the ideal input devices.
Most games don't work very well with pen input, as their interfaces were originally designed for mouse control. Think about controlling a first person shooter with a pen. It definitely makes little sense.
In the architectural and engineering fields, there's a split: some users love it, some hate it, mostly because the mouse scroll wheel is very handy for zooming in and out on programs like Autodesk AutoCAD and Wacom tablets have that feature on the tablet surface, requiring putting the pen aside to use it. Pressure sensitivity is also ignored in those programs, neglecting one of the tablet's main features. On the other hand, the more ergonomic position and programmable buttons could more than make up for it.
Will touch devices kill pen tablets?
I doubt it. Without a major exercise in user interface design, my feeling is that we won't be able to achieve the necessary drawing precision with bare fingers to replace tablets. The two technologies are complementary and we're already seeing the new Wacom tablets incorporate touch gestures. This gives us the best of both worlds: bare finger touch and gestures for quick window transitions, icon and menu selections, with a pen for more precise actions where pinpoint accuracy and especially pressure sensitivity are indispensable.
Which tablet should I get?
Go Wacom, ignore the others
If you choose to buy a graphic tablet, invest in a Wacom model. There are some cheaper alternatives, but none of them has the same ubiquitous driver support, software integration, precision, and reliability as Wacom. No wonder they have over 85% of market share. Wacom pens use patented electromagnetic resonance technology, so they don't need batteries or any wires to function, reducing maintenance and weight for a more natural pen feel.
Tablet size and resolution vs. screen size
Tablet sizes should be relative to your screen size and resolution. The smaller the tablet surface, the less hand movement will be necessary to move the cursor on the screen. Having a tablet too small for your screen leads to a jumpy cursor and makes fine selections too difficult. A tablet too big for your screen feels slow, requiring too much hand movement, and may tire your arm muscles quicker.
Tablet resolution is also a factor. Wacom has two lines of tablets, Bamboo and Intuos. The former has half the resolution of the flagship Intuos5 line and this difference may be very noticeable, depending on your screen size. Given the same tablet size, the higher the resolution, the bigger the screen that can be used comfortably with it.
Bigger tablets, such as the 8" x 12.8" models (Intuos 5 Large, for example), are difficult to use along with a keyboard and tend to be more adequate for single task work where typing is secondary, for example video editing or drawing. If you are an illustrator and you are used to drawing with very long strokes, a larger drawing area may be necessary.
For dual display use, keep in mind that the overall screen proportion is much more horizontal than the tablet itself. Through the system preferences configuration panel, the tablet can be set up for different screen mappings, single screen mode or screen switching with a hotkey. The most natural way, in my opinion, is to keep the screen proportion exactly the same as the tablet surface. If you use dual displays, this means that some of the vertical area of the tablet would be inactive and that the horizontal resolution available will be mapped to a much bigger number of pixels—for example, 3840 x 1080 for dual 24" displays. This would require a larger drawing area than a single screen, and preferably a high end tablet such as the Intuos 5 Large model. An alternative that works fairly well is to use a smaller tablet and set up a hot key combination to switch the control between the two screens.
My favorite keyboard for use along with a Wacom tablet is the Apple Wireless Keyboard. Because it has no numerical keypad it has a smaller footprint and fits nicely at either side of the tablet. A full size keyboard may be too large to be used on the side of a tablet larger than an Intuos 5 Medium, leaving the tablet too far from the central seating position. Some users prefer to place the keyboard in front of the tablet. This position only works if you don't need to type much during the day.
Display resolution vs. Wacom tablet size
Pay attention to the tablet size you choose:
Having a tablet too small for your screen leads to a jumpy cursor and makes fine selections too difficult.
A tablet too big for your screen feels slow, requiring too much hand movement, and may tire your arm muscles quicker.
First days with your new tablet
Working with a tablet is a paradigm change and may require an adaptation period for hardcore mouse addicts.
All tablets work with absolute positioning, while mice are relative positioning devices. This means that you can slide your mouse several times to move the cursor across your screen, while on a tablet all you do is move your hand and position the pen tip on the corresponding point on the tablet surface.
This changes your eye vs. hand coordination logic and can be a little difficult the first time. In my case, I bought my first Wacom Graphire 4" x 5" model (replaced by the Bamboo line) after suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome for a good time. No matter what treatment or medicine I used, I always felt pain after using my mouse for extended periods, so adapting to a new input device was surely less painful than keeping the mouse.
My tablet arrived in the middle of a book design job and I delved straight into it, leaving the mouse disconnected. You can use a mouse along with the tablet, if you prefer, and Wacom also offers optional wireless mice that work on the tablet surface. But my reasoning was that the more I forced myself to get used to the tablet, the faster I'd master it. After two days of work, I was already comfortable with it and never used a mouse again in the 13 years after that day.
Bamboo vs. Intuos 5
Generally speaking, the Intuos tablets are Wacom's professional line, while the Bamboo line is more geared to home users. This doesn't mean that the Bamboo models are unfit for professional use. I've used a Graphire, the precursor to the Bamboo, for lots of years without any problem.
Two key differences separate Intuos 5 and Bamboo lines: performance and customization. Wacom Intuos 5 models have better resolution and sensitivity, and can recognize the pen tilt angle, unlike the Bamboo. The Intuos can also be customized in more ways, with eight express key buttons that can be mapped to application-specific profiles. For example, I have one of the tablet buttons mapped to the new tab command when I'm browsing the Internet.
The Wacom Bamboo Create (Bamboo Fun Medium Pen&Touch in Europe) is a reasonably priced tablet, but still very capable, even for professional work. This model would suit first time pen tablet users with displays up to 24 inches.
On top of that, the professional line is better built and should last longer under intense usage.
Intuos 5 advantages are:
- Better resolution - 5,080 lpi vs. 2,540 lpi.
- More pressure levels - 2048 vs. 1024.
- Intuos5 pens are tilt sensitive.
- Precision mode, unavailable on the Bamboo, lowers the pen sensitivity momentarily, making it easier to draw fine lines and detailed selections.
- More programmable express keys and more comprehensive customization options.
- Slightly slimmer profile.
- Available in larger sizes.
- Optional wireless mouse support.
Wireless tablets
While previous Wacom tablets had separate versions for wired and wireless, the current Bamboo and Intuos 5 lines make use of a simple dongle to provide wireless functionality. The Wireless Accessory Kit includes a battery module and transmitter to be connected to the tablet and a tiny USB receptor on the computer.
Instead of Bluetooth, the proprietary RF connection has better range and longer battery life, which varies from 6 hours on the Intuos 5 Touch Large to 15 hours on the small Bamboo models, like the Capture. The tablet can still be used during charging through a regular USB cable.
Performance wise, wired and wireless should be comparable. Previous models that used Bluetooth instead of a dedicated RF dongle had more lag and some freezing when switching between applications with specific tablet configurations. The current models have none of those problems. Buying the Wireless Kit is a great option if you have the habit of using the tablet on your lap or when working on location, specially considering the low US$ 40 price tag.
Wacom Wireless Accessory Kit ACK40401 compatibility
All Intuos5 tablets, Bamboo Capture and Bamboo Create models.
Wacom Cintiq vs. Intuos
The Cintiq family combines a pressure sensitive tablet with a slim LCD display, enabling users to interact directly on the surface of the screen and in a much more natural way. There are three models available: the top of the line Cintiq 24HD,the 21.3" Cintiq 21UX and the 12.1" Cintiq 12WX. All three can be used as main or secondary displays. The 24HD and 21UX models have very high quality LCD panels and can be suitably calibrated for color critical use.
The smaller model is not so well reviewed. Some users complain of jittery cursor response near the screen edges and inadequate display performance and viewing angles, an indication of a TN LCD panel in use, which is not recommended for applications where color accuracy is indispensable. Based on this feedback, we'd recommend the 12WX only as a secondary display.
The Wacom Cintiq line combines a pressure sensitive tablet with a slim LCD display, for an even more natural interface. This beauty here is the Cintiq 24HD model.
Our recommendations
For photography, graphic design, web design, illustration, and video editing, up to 30" LCD size:
Wacom Intuos 5 Medium (PTH650 model)
For less demanding creative work, general usage, and web surfing, up to 24" display size:
Bamboo Create (CTH670 model) (Bamboo Fun Medium Pen&Touch in Europe)
For an illustrator dream setup:
Cintiq 24HD
What to avoid
Small Bamboo models, such as the Bamboo Connect and Bamboo Capture, are too small for any precision work on higher resolution LCD screens above 1600px of horizontal resolution. They may be adequate for general use or handwriting recognition, but a medium size Bamboo Create is a better investment.
If multitouch support is important to you (and I believe it is!), keep in mind that the Bamboo Connect and Intuos 5 Extra Large models don't have touch input.
Usage examples
Check out this video for some examples of the Bamboo Create tablet in action.
Comments
Great review. Thank you!
ReplyThanks, very helpful.
keep it up
ReplyVery helpful! Thank you!
ReplyThank you very much :)
ReplyEXCELLENT REVIEW! Very comprehensive. Curious about what you think about the new Inkling?
ReplyIvy, I've not had a chance to test the Inkling yet, but it looks to be an interesting product for illustrators. The only possible deal breaker is that it isn't very precise, with +/- 5mm accuracy near the page corners.
For general work, a pen tablet is a better bet. If you are comfortable with a mouse and work primarily as an illustrator, I'd give the Inkling a try.
Cheers,
ReplyThank you for your information. It was very helpful, however I still have a couple of questions, since I am not very good a drawing.Can I also use a tablet for selective coloring of a photo, I mean, Is it possible to have the photo scan or copy to a tablet itself so i can fallow along the lines better...? If so which model would do this sort of task? Thanks again.
ReplyAndy,
You can trace your artwork by placing it over your tablet an drawing directly over it. The pen works just fine even without directly touching the tablet surface. Older models had a clear overlay that could be lifted, but current ones are fixed. You can always cover your artwork with a clear sheet of mylar or any similar plastic to protect it while tracing and make the pen slide easily.
For colorizing images, I don't think this is the best technique, tough. When you use the pen tablet, you develop eye / hand coordination just like with a mouse, mapping mentally each movement on the tablet surface to what you see on the screen. You can open your image in Photoshop or any similar application, desaturate it, choose a suitable color and brush size, shape and opacity and start painting with the cursor, controlling it with you hand movement. It is surely more intuitive in real world than I can describe it! You can also map the pen pressure and tilt (only Intuos4) to opacity, brush size and brush shape for more realistic results.
Both the Intuos4 and Bamboo models would work fine. Choose by your display resolution.
Thank you for your comment,
ReplyWhat is better? Bamboo Create or WACOM INTUOS 4 PTK440? Thanks for your great article!!
ReplyThat's a tough choice, Alessandro. If you want to use it for illustration, I'd choose the Bamboo Create for the larger size. It's easier to draw with longer strokes. For general usage or photo retouching, both are similar, but I'm usually more comfortable with the medium size tablets, like the Bamboo Create or Intuos Medium.
Thank you for your comment,
ReplyI'm seaching for the best available tablet to use with GIS products (saga GIS, GRASS, and ESRI ArcGIS 10). However, the wacom site and google did not really help.
Suggestions about a site where a comparison between models (maybe even of different producers?) is possible / presented?
Just for the record: wacom has an annoncement of the DTU-2231, which seems to sell as PL-2200 by now. However, techspecs and compatibility are more hidden than presented. And wacoms website is pure consumer bullshitting. I need more "professional" information.
ReplyAeon,
I've never used GIS applications personally, but I did some research to be able to reply to your comment. It seems that those apps have no support for pen pressure and tilt controls, so your main decision factor is resolution. The higher resolution the pen tablet is, the easier it will be to accurately select small data points on a map. For this reason alone, I'd go with the Intuos4 or Cintiq lines.
If you want the best possible and are comfortable working with a single display, buy a Cintiq. Nothing beats the feel of working directly on the screen. It's more natural and productive. The Cintiq 24HD is the newest and most sophisticated model of that line, sporting a 1920x1200px resolution.
The DTU and DTF interactive displays are more geared for industrial use. They offer less pressure levels and no customizable buttons. Given the small price difference - US$ 100 for the 21,5" models - I'd go with the Cintiq.
If a multiple display setup is a must, choose an Intuos4 Large model. Based on my tests, it has enough resolution to drive two 30" displays. The Intuos4 has a precision mode that slows down the cursor, making fine selections easier.
Wacom has a page dedicated to GIS professionals and also a YouTube video showing some examples of their products in use. It sure is marketing talk, but the video might help you to see how those pen displays work in action.
Keep us posted on what model have you bought and your experiences with it.
Cheers,
ReplyThanks, Fabio! That's a really helpful reply! We'll start discussing the issue in our budget meeting tomorrow, and I'll try to remember to post the outcome.
By the way, deeplinks to the wacom site do not work for me. (May be a cookie issue, though.) I end up every time choosing my region on the /globalsites.aspx That's web usability for you.
ReplyFabio,
sadly, I could not convince the majority of our lab members in the first hearing.
However, I found links I'd like to share here, since your blog was one of the first hits on my search.
Stackexchange was really helpful: http://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/10444/is-it-easy-to-digitize-in-arcgis-using-the-wacom-tablet
and via a post there, I found this blogpost:
http://letters-sal.blogspot.com/2011/05/digitizing-wacom-way.html
I'll try to find someone at another lab to lend us their tablet and try it out. Maybe, after a while, my labmates become accustomed. ;)
ReplyAeon, thanks for posting. For me, the ergonomic improvement alone is worth the investment. Hope you manage to get a pen tablet soon. The larger Bamboo Create is a great product for the money.
Cheers,
ReplyFabio - your review is very helpful. You give actual information which is what users are interested in when comparing models. Contrast your informative review with this extract from the Wacom website:
“Who uses Bamboo? Bamboo is for virtually everybody. For people who want to add a touch of personality to their digital life. People with friends and blogs and passion, people who like art and fashion. People who draw, document or design, People with a life – a social one, a creative one, a full one, a fun one or just an expressive one.”
… and so it goes on, with advertising videos that take up time showing happy smiling people using the products rather that concentrating of the actual features of the tablets.
I don’t want to “Step into a world of diverse digital expression”, I want to know how well a line on the tablet is reproduced on the screen, and if it is worth paying more for higher resolution in a tablet. As far as I know they do not have any videos showing this sort of thing, so I do not know if a small drawing on an Intuos4 is significantly better than a small drawing on a Bamboo. They should arrange for an illustrator to trace on the screen a small drawing on both machines and then show us jpg s to see if we think the difference is noticeable.
Yours is the only place I have found where you mention that you can trace a drawing by placing it on the tablet and you do not need the pen to touch the tablet. I was puzzled about this since reading that the Intuos3 have removable plastic sheets to place the drawing under, but this model has been discontinued. After you mentioned this I found overlay sheets on ebay for the Intuos4 which simulate different textures. I am not sure if they are transparent, but if they are not, you could buy the ones for the Intuos3 and tape them on.
You mention ‘virtual tracing’, which is different from real tracing, as the drawing is scanned first. I assume from what you say that this is a much better method. I would just like to add that by creating a new layer in the graphics program, the original drawing and the traced new layer are completely separate images, one on top of the other. Then you draw 'on the screen' by looking at the screen but with the pen on the tablet.
It is hard for me to decide between the new Bamboo Create £125 which includes Autodesk SketchBook Express, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Corel Painter Essentials, and Nik Color Filters, has but has lower resolution 2540 lpi,
And the:
Wacom Intuos4 PTK-640 Medium A5 Graphics Tablet £315 With 5080 lpi but no bundled free software
My question I would like to ask you is this: if I buy the lower resolution 2540 model and I find the lines drawn are not accurate enough, would it be possible to overcome this by mapping the 2540 model to only part of the screen? In other words, if you only use part of the screen so the cursor only moved around in, say a quarter of the screen, and you use the mouse to initially position the drawing in that place to work on it there, can you increase the effective resolution of the tablet?
ReplyStephenB, Thank you for your comment. I'm really happy to hear that this page has been useful for you and other users.
I'm not an illustrator myself, but I've worked closely with professional illustrators and also have traced lots of artwork and roughs using a Wacom pen tablet. As you said, there's a difference between drawing freehand directly on the tablet surface, tracing on a vector application - like Adobe Illustrator, and tracing over the original artwork by placing a clear overlay on the tablet surface.
If you want to draw freehand using the tablet or use a program to simulate natural media, like Corel Painter or even Photoshop, you'd be better served by the Intuos line. The higher resolution really shows in this kind of application and the pen tilt can be mapped to the brush dynamics, creating more natural results. The added levels of pressure are also most welcome.
On the other hand, if your final products are vector illustrations, the Bamboo Create would work just fine. On my design jobs, I usually scan a rough drawing, place it in a locked layer in Adobe Illustrator and then trace over it to produce a final drawing. Our Illustrator sometimes worked directly on the vector drawing, bypassing the pencil sketch altogether. In this application, you can rearrange the vector points and handles at any time and there are almost no freehand strokes involved, so tablet resolution matters less. Keep in mind, though, that a higher resolution pen tablet is necessary if you're working with multiple displays or a single big screen. I'm on a 30" Dell here and I sure feel the difference between a Bamboo medium and an Intuos of the same size.
It is possible to trace directly over the artwork, as you suggested. There's no need to buy a tablet specific overlay: any clear plastic would work just fine. Slightly textured plastics work better because they're less slippery. In my tests, the pen tracks just fine at up to 4mm from the tablet surface. In this case, resolution also matters and an Intuos would be preferable.
It's possible to map the tablet to only a part of the screen, effectively increasing the resolution / screen area ratio, leading to a slower and more precise pen feel. I don't' know, though, if this is practical, since you'd still need the mouse to work on the rest of the screen area. Switching between both devices all the time is tedious and I prefer to use the pen exclusively to do everything on my computer. The last time I've touched a mouse was more than 10 years ago and I don't miss it at all.
The Bamboo Create and Capture models have one important benefit that the Intuos line doesn't have, yet: touch input. Mac OS X Lion and future versions of Windows are optimized for trackpad use and I miss having this feature in my Intuos in OS X Lion. The scroll wheel is just so so. I'm not aware of any rumors, but I assume this feature will probably be added to the next Intuos5 line.
Keep us posted on your results with the new tablet and feel free to contact me if you need any other information.
Cheers,
ReplyFabio - thank you for the detailed reply. I intend to draw fairly small cartoon type drawings. Since you say "the higher resolution really shows in this kind of application" with the Intuos4, I think I will buy this one. In the past I would draw with pencil, go over with pen, rub out the pencil, scan the drawing, and clean it up using the mouse. I think my productivity should increase with the tablet.
ReplyI would like to start with a huge THANKS for everything you've mentioned and replied to. After hours of researching to make the same decision as StevenB (between Create and Intuos4) most reviews have been useless, and you are the only one to suggest placing the drawing directly on the tablet to trace — and I was playing around with a sketch of my own on a Bamboo Pen & Touch (my Dad's old one) last night. Didn't even think of that. Brilliant.
I was still very undecided until I read the second last paragraph about not being able to use the intuos4 as a trackpad. I love trackpads, (way better on the cramped hand,) and was about to be give the game point to the Bamboo CREATE — until I remembered it came with a mouse.
I guess I'll stick to a mouse a bit longer, and just use my pen as much as possible. I like the sounds of the durability of the intuos4 and to correct StevenB, (sorry,) it DOES come with your CHOICE of two free software products.
STEVEN B! (in case you didn't read the above…)
ONE THING:
The Intuos 4 DOES come with the bundled software! On wacom.com, in Products > Intuos > intuos4 Medium > …beside the Introduction headline there is a link 'What's New' and UNDERNEATH that 'FREE SOFTWARE' where it states "As part of this program, you can chose two applications from a selection of three valuable creative applications offered by leading software manufacturers: Adobe®, Autodesk®, and Corel®. Many of these applications also offer valuable upgrade programs which you can access through the Wacom Privileges Program. Additionally, you can choose to download two different plug-ins that give you additional brush tools and photo effects in Adobe® Photoshop® or Photoshop® Elements." followed by a quick description of each.
Lots of Love guys,
you saved my 22nd bday mistake… Thisclose to NOT biting the bullet and cashing in a little extra. ;)
Have a good night.
And remember… Christmas… THE INKLING ahhhhhhhhh <3 http://wacom.com/en/Products/Inkling.aspx
ReplyNikki, keep in mind that the Intuos doesn't come with the mouse. It's optional and costs $65. But you can always keep your old mouse. The tablet work alongside the mouse just fine.
The Bamboo Create is very similar to the Pen & Touch model. If you're satisfied with your dad's tablet, I'd suggest you to save some cash and buy the Create instead of the Intuos4 Medium.
Also, if you use a Mac with OS X Lion and have a LCD no bigger than 24", points for the Create: the resolution is sufficient and the multi-touch input is handy for Lion.
I think I've made your decision harder... Sorry. :)
Cheers,
ReplyNikki - thanks for the information about the bundled software. And happy birthday. After reading what you have said and what Fabio has said I think I will go for the Intuos4 even though it is more expensive.
Replyps. ...any thoughts on the Inkling? I just watched the video again and the fact that I dreamed about a product like this my whole life makes it such a hard decision!
ReplyHi, Nikki. First of all, thank you for the kind comments. ;)
I'm not so sure about the inkling. It's been marketed by Wacom as a sketching device and I think this is an appropriate approach, since it's not very precise, having +/- 5mm accuracy near the page corners.
It outputs vector artwork, which is a plus, but I'm not sure about the quality of it. The best way to draw vector shapes is to use the traditional bézier curves and I'm sure a freehand vector drawing would have an insane amount of points.
I'd get a traditional pen tablet instead, unless your work requires quick sketching and you're more familiar with drawing on paper.
Check out this two reviews with some real world usage examples.
DigitalArts
Robert Hranitzky
ReplyHi!
i found this review VERY helpful. I use a an older large intuos at work where i am a textile designer. since i work in fabric, my end product is about 44x36 in so i work at a high resolution.
I have decided to finally get a wacom for my home as well so i can work on personal textile and art projects, but i cant decide between the medium and large sizes. the medium seems better for travel and will work well, but im so used to my large tablet at work im scared to downsize.
any suggestions to help make my decision?
ReplyMarie,
The newest Intuos tablets have higher resolution and I'm currently using a medium one with a single 30" display. I'm sure the resolution won't be a limitation, unless you're running multiple big displays.
What would be different for you is the pen feel and drawing stroke length. The medium model will appear to have a faster pen and you'd have to use shorter strokes, compared to your your large tablet at work. It is possible to get used to this difference, of course, but it'll sure feel a bit different, specially if you do much freehand drawing.
Cheers,
ReplyI've been researching tablets all day. yours is the best review. Since you also do a great job in response, here goes.
(2) questions; software and size;
-Having a sketch tool with autodesk continuity would save the translation from hand work to autocad. Will you please comment on the idea of "sketch to finish" architectural drawing using these tablets.
-Above in the chart the extra large rates as good for CAD. Please elaborate on this. I often need multiple sketches in one view; sometimes related in position as in a plan/section study, at about 12x18 the extra large is right for this. Also I sometimes need to turn the drawing, would this happen electronically? Could this be problematic with the bigger size? Id go see one but in Cincinnati there are none on display.
Thank you for your time and attention, Luke Robinson.
ReplyLuke,
I'd suggest you to try a demo tablet in order to evaluate if it fits your needs. I'm not proficient in CAD and my work background is in design and photography. I've seen architects working with Wacom tablets and they used the tablet more as an input device directly in Autocad than a sketching tool.
You can always sketch using the pen tablet, place the sketches in a locked layer on your editing program and create the finished drawing over them. Having a tablet would free you from scanning those sketches and it's also a more ergonomic device than a mouse.
Regarding the size, the larger sizes are useful if you work with only the tablet in front of you and rarely has to touch the keyboard. It is also useful if you need to trace large artwork or sketches directly on the tablet surface.
Based on your description, maybe the Cintiq line would suit you well, if you have the budget for it. This would allow you to work directly on the screen.Take a look at this video here and see how an user is using a Cintiq tablet with Solidworks.
Thank you for your comment,
ReplyThis is an excellent article. I am in a similar situation to StephenB where I want a buy a tablet, but I only want one to suit my purposes and don't want or need to upgrade (funnily enough I too draw in pencil, ink, erase lines and then scan. I hope to ink directly on the PC to save mistakes on really good pencil work and not have to worry about erasing lines). I also wanted to choose between the Intuos4 Medium and the Bamboo Create and feel that maybe the extra pressure sensitivity (is 1024 really not enough?), tilt sensitivity, touch ring and expresskeys don't justify the huge leap in price between the two.
Which brings me to something that I have never found an answer for. Does tilt sensitivity really make a difference in terms of how the tablet senses the way you hold the pen? That was something that worried me as I would have to go for the Intuos4 if it is really much more accurate from pen nib to cursor compared to the Bamboo. I wondered if you had to hold it in such a way that seems unnatural just so the tablet senses its coordinates better. I haven't been able to try either tablet so I don't really know.
I'm a traditional artist trying hard to transition to digital, but I really don't have the money to try something and then upgrade, which is why I want something that is suitable for what I want it to do (cartoons, sketches, editing stop motion animation frames, etc. Currently have a 22" monitor) and stick with it to master it. I won't be using the touch features of the Bamboo (if that is the better choice), it's all about the accuracy for me more than anything else. I doubt even 2048 levels of pressure can handle even the lightest touch of a pencil on paper, so I believe the pressure is not really that important either.
I hope this isn't TOO long and I'd love to hear your suggestions!
ReplySyreeta,
The tilt control is useful only when you're trying to mimic traditional media techniques and only in programs that allow you to map the tilt to the brush shape (or any other dynamics), like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter. You can draw just fine without it and the pen pressure alone is sufficient to create a natural looking drawing stroke. The cursor accuracy depends more on the tablet resolution, but, unless you have a huge display, the Bamboo would work just fine. Refer to the sizing table above for some pointers.
Regarding the pressure levels, 1024 is plenty. Think about it: a 8 bit B&W image has 256 levels of gray and looks like continuos tone for our eyes. Keep in mind that you can change the tablet pressure sensitivity on the control panel and also combine it with the pen color, opacity and other dynamics in your drawing programs. This gives you an infinite number of combinations to suit your drawing style.
My bet: go with the Bamboo Create. I has an adequate size for your display and is a great first time pen tablet buy. I've used an older model, much simpler, called Graphire, for many years and upgraded only when I've bought my 30" display.
Cheers,
ReplyThanks a lot Fabio.
I had also emailed Wacom too to ask them and forgot to ask something else. Does the Bamboo Create's pen have a pressure sensitive eraser? I know the Bamboo Fun does (well in one of their videos it was mentioned), but there isn't a whole lot of info on specs like that.
I'm still a little worried about getting the Bamboo Create as I don't plan to upgrade after it (seriously too poor), so I'm wondering if the Intuos4 is really my only option. I would like to aim for a Dell U2410 monitor in the future which would add another 2" to my screen estate, plus I'm working on a type of special overlay with a small LCD screen that can clip onto the tablet (effectively turning it into a DIY Cintiq, but not voiding the warranty) could the Bamboo Create still handle that?
Sorry for the extra questions. By the way, the chart doesn't have the Bamboo Create on it yet. What is the maximum resolution you think it could support (monitor or otherwise)?
ReplySyreeta, the Bamboo Create is comparable to the previous Fun medium model, so it'd work just fine with any 24" LCD with 1920 x 1080px resolution, like the Dell U2410. I think this is a safe choice for you, go for the Create.
I'm not sure about the eraser. The Fun model seems to have a pressure sensitive eraser, but I'm not sure about the Create. Please let us know what Wacom replies.
I'm intrigued by your DIY project. Would love to hear more about it. Keep us posted.
Replyi have this page/article saved on my browser and check it everyday because of the questions that readers make and you answer about them tablets, well here I go now,
I´m a graphic designer from Mexico, I do a lot of illustration so I decided to buy a tablet, first tought in mind was the intuos4 but I kept searching, that´s how I ended up finding your site and article, for opinions.
the point of this is, I have saved enough money to buy an intuos4 medium (that´s the one I want) but lately in the comments I've seen you have recomended the Bamboo Create instead of the Intuos4, and that makes me doubt myself, what are the reasons you prefer the B.Create over the intous4m? is the intuos4 "too much"? can I get advantages from the differences of the intuos or is the Create enough?
it would help me so much if you'd answer!
& excuse my english if i messed up on any word!
ReplyHi, Pablo.
The Create is much cheaper than the Intuos4 and offers more bang for the buck. It is sufficient for most users' needs and has an unique advantage: touch input, which comes handy for use with OS X Lion.
If your display area is no bigger than 24" and you're going to use it for graphic design, mostly vector illustration and general use, the Bamboo Create would suit your needs just fine. I'm also a graphic designer and I've used the Bamboo precursor, called Graphire, for many years. I have an Inutos4 Medium now.
The Intuos is more robust, has better resolution, more accessories and tilt support on the pen. You can't go wrong with it.
If your illustration style is more like natural media and you use programs like Photoshop and Painter to simulate paper and ink textures, the Intuos may be better due to the additional resolution and tilt support.
Thank you for your comment,
Replythank you so much for your answer!
ReplyAt this moment I can buy the intuos 4 small, for 25 dollars less then the bamboo create! What would you do in such a case?
ReplyJohn, I'd go for the Bamboo Create. I prefer the medium sized tablets. The smaller ones require too little hand movement and that feels a little awkward to me. Buy the Create unless you have little desk space or require any of the unique features of the Intuos, like the pen tilt sensitivity or the customizable express button labels.
Replyfabio,
these reviews are very helpful but i am still lost i know nothing baout these tablets i am buying one as a gift for my husband he does alot of illustration and sketches but nothing professional he wants a tablet but gave me no information and i dont want him to know i am getting it for him. i am torn b/t the bamboo create and the intuos 4
ReplyHi, Amanda. If this is your husband's first tablet and he uses a single display no bigger than 24", buy the Bamboo Create. It's really good for the price. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyHi, im a little bit confused. I want to do some digital art (mostly paintings ) but i dont really understand how it works the relation between "Monitor size - tablet " i have a 23" widescreen Benq monitor nad i was thinking to buy a wacom capture. It will work good for what i want to do ? or do I need a create o intuos4 model ?
ReplyGlen, the Bamboo Create would suit your needs just fine and is perfectly adequate for a 23" LCD. Go for it.
Regarding the tablet resolution vs. display area ratio, think of it as two grid matrices mapped to each other. The tablet size relates to the display area, so larger displays require larger drawing areas and better resolution (the ability to differentiate more points), or else the cursor would feel less precise and jumpy.
ReplyYour reply come just in time because probably this week i'll buy my first tablet. Thank you for your answer now im more secure, i'll go with the bamboo create and lets see how it goes :) thanks again.
ReplyHello again Fabio.
I haven't forgotten you! I've returned to report that I currently have in my possession a Bamboo Comic (a Japanese Bamboo Create that comes with software for manga and stuff like that. It's also white and blue!). I am impressed with the construction of it (not flimsy AT ALL and the pen isn't very chunky as it looks), though I feel it is not as responsive and as accurate as I'd like. Since I can't return it (being from the land of the rising sun an' all), I was thinking of practising on it and at the same time saving up for a Intuos4 Small to compliment it.
I could use the Intuos4 Small for fine detail work that requires accuracy (like line art) and use the Bamboo Comic for work that requires more sweeping strokes and colouring larger areas. I still can't justify the cost of an Intuos4 Medium after I have spent he money on the Bamboo Comic, so I figure why not get the best of both worlds to fit my workspace and budget? Plus I don't think I have the space for the Medium as for some reason Wacom's tablets are getting bigger and bigger!
The Bamboo Comic fits just right on my desk (still bigger than I would like) and the Intuos4 Small will be similar in size. I tend to draw from the wrist (I generally work on mostly A5 size paper anyway), so I don't think the small active should bother me too much. Do you think this is a good idea? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Oh and as for the DIY Cintiq project, it flopped mostly because of insane jitter (a common issue that made the 12" Cintiq not so popular). I was planning to use an iPad LCD panel as the screen and while I got an image and everything, the signal from the tablet's pen was blocked in areas and jittered a lot!
Plus, I am unable to find FFC cables and connectors I need to extend a FFC cable that controls the LED backlight, so I'm completely stuck and can't bear to spend any more money trying. So I'm going to go the same route as everyone else and learn to use the tablet the way it was intended. Cintiqs are nice, but are completely out of MY reach! Hope to hear from you soon. :)
ReplyHi Dear,
Iam about to buy a Bamboo Pen here in Europe, and Im confused of the resolution thing...
Im using a 22" samsung TFT, with a 1650x wide resolution.
Now I have to choose between TWO Bamboo Pens, the older ctl-460 or the newer ctl-470. The older have 1270 lpi, and the new have double, 2540 lpi.
The problem is I have extremely low cash atm, and I have to touch my 2nd level savings (which I put off for extreme situations only) to buy the newer one. Ofc If I could, I'd buy the newer...
The question is: as a starting member of the tablet users (I used to draw and scan my arts), should I take the 2540 lpi, or I wont be experiencing any downsides if I stick with the 1270 lpi, older Bamboo Pen???
How should I count it? I mean 1270 line per inch. The working area is 5.8 × 3.6 inches...so the width can handle 5.8x1270 lines? Thats far greather than 1650, so from this view, it would be enough?
Im just guessing here, please help me :).
The review is marvelous, thanks a bunch!
Looking forward for your reply, have a nice day!
Daisy
ReplyHi, Daisy.
Both models would have sufficient, but not great, resolution for your current display, but the newer model would feel more precise. If you plan to do more freehand work, like simulating natural media, the higher resolution tablet would have a clear advantage. The newer model has also more levels of pressure sensitivity and touch input, which comes in handy for general computer usage and web surfing.
Why don't you try to buy an used or refurbished model? I don't know about the prices in Europe, but Amazon USA currently has the CTL460 refurbished for US$ 59.95, the CTL470 for $78.49 and, better yet, the larger CTH661 Fun Pen & Touch model for $114.95, which is a great price. You can also try eBay.
Cheers,
Fabio
ReplyOh, one more thing!
If the 1270 lpi would not be enough to fit fine on my 22" 1650x1050 screen, how could I (with which software, or settings) make the tablet work only a shrinked surface, not the whole screen, so the resolution would fit?
I have to mention that your review is just awesome, It helped a lot, and the comments were very useful too!
Thanks for your support Fabio!
Have a great day!
Daisy
ReplyThe bundled tablet driver allows you to map the tablet surface to just a portion of the screen, effectively increasing the resolution vs. area ratio. This setting is under the mapping tab of the Wacom control panel.
Another way to make better use of the tablet resolution is to zoom in your artwork and work on smaller pieces at a time. Also, if you're working with vector drawings (Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw, for example), you can zoom in and fine tune the bézier curves at any time, so the freehand precision matters less.
I'm think you won't have a problem even with the lower resolution model, although the new model and also the Fun Pen & Touch medium size would have better performance for the price.
ReplyDear Fabio,
Thank you VERY much for your reply, I am really reassured by your answer, I am heading for the lower resolution one, cos of the lack of coins.
I will try it out and devinitely post a comment here, for the future generations =). But I dont think many people will face this problem tho.
Again: Thanks a bunch, and have a great day Fabio!!!
Daisy
ReplyHello,
I just want to ask for an advice in buying my first tablet. I am an animation student and we use Intuos3 in our school, and I really love to make digital art/illustrations. I have a Dell 24" lcd and I am torn between Wacom Bamboo Connect or Create, so is it better to get the bigger one or the small one will do just fine? Thank you so much. And sorry for my wrong grammar since English is not my first language. :)
ReplyHi, Beth. The larger model, Bamboo Create, is a much better choice for illustration use, specially on a 24" LCD. I'd avoid the smaller models for any user other than general computer usage. Buy the Create. I'm sure you'll like it a lot.
Cheers,
ReplyLike many others I'm torn between the Bamboo Create and Intuos 4 (medium). The major difference between the two thats got me flipflopping is the "tilt" feature. The Create looks much more appealing to me since it has "touch" capabilities and better price. I don't mind the 1024 PL or not having quick keys. I would be using the device for graphic design & illustration on photoshop and illustrator. Does tilt allow you to make strokes that would not be possible without the feature or does it just make them feel more natural?
ReplyChris, the tilt sensitivity helps to make brush strokes more natural when you're trying to simulate natural media in bitmap programs, like Photoshop and Corel Painter. It's not a mandatory feature, since you can map all brush dynamics, including stroke shape, to the pen pressure, achieving very realistic results. I'm sure you won't be missing much by buying the Create.
ReplyHi Fabio!
I am wondering if the $100 difference between the Capture and Create is worth the bigger space, eraser button, and more programmable buttons.
I need the mouse/track pad capabilities as it's easier in Aperture with it, so Intuos is out of the equation for me.
I am a professional photographer who uses the liquify tool, dodging and burning (ie: free-hand coloring), frequent zooming in and out, and resizing of my paint brush often. I also use cloning and healing which needs an "option-click" that demands I go back to my keyboard, and my apple magic track pad can't do that. (Or can it???)
I need enough programmable buttons to allow me to "option-click" to "define the area" for cloning and healing, a button for resizing my paint brushes, and a button to automatically open my liquify tool. The zooming can be handled by the trackpad-like qualities I assume.
Now, I read somewhere that the pen for the Create has not only the eraser, but a programmable button on it as well. The Capture's pen does not have the eraser, but LOOKS like it might have a programmable button. I would be pleased with a programmable button as I could just click it and have it function as my eraser when needed. I REALLY want an eraser to be easy to access... but not $100 want it.
I use my 15" MacBook Pro, and a 24" display to edit. I need to be able to sit on the couch a distance from my computer and hold the tablet comfortably in my lap while editing (for my back and wrist problems). Would the bigger size of the Create help make it more steady on my lap?
Thank you for writing this article. It has really helped me to understand these tablets far more than any other article I have found thus far. I will be directing fellow Photographers and Graphic Artists to this site in the future!!
Thanks,
Becky
ReplyThough I did just read this "All told, the lack of an eraser is a big downside on both the Bamboo Capture and the $20 less expensive Bamboo Connect. It essentially removes the ability to work as a drawing tablet for many people, and you don't get a second programmable button on the pen that you can swap for the eraser function either. " here... http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397406,00.asp
REALLY hope that's not true.
ReplyOops, but then I read THIS... "To our surprise we saw, during our tests, that the Bamboo Capture’s pen didn’t come with an eraser; getting it replaced isn’t possible. But don’t panic: either one of the 2 buttons on the pen or 4 keys on the tablet works as a way to switch to eraser tool."
Read more: http://www.blitzreview.com/gadgets/wacom-bamboo-capture.html#ixzz1hcoucGH6
ReplyHi, Becky.
The Create is the only Bamboo model that has an eraser on the back of the pen. In my opinion, the larger size alone is worth the price difference. The Connect and Capture models are too small for use with a 24" screen and inadequate if you want to extend your laptop's desktop to both the internal 15" screen and the external LCD. For you usage I highly recommend getting the Bamboo Create CTH670 model.
Cheers,
Fabio
ReplyThank you VERY much!
ReplyHello,
Needless to say, you're review of Intuos4 vs Create is the most objective, in depth and up to date out there. Thank you for taking the effort to put this together.
I'd be grateful if you could elaborate the difference with respect to the bundled software and its bearing on the price. There just isn't enough information about what version of Photoshop is included in each of teh products. Wacom seems to have taken a less than helpful, ethical even approach of just putting the name of the software e.g. Adobe Photoshop Elements and no version number. Both on the product boxes that I checked at Best Buy and on their website.
PE 8 to 9 or 10 is itself an $80 dollar upgrade. Not to mention they've identified security risks with 8 and stopped supporting it. So its a significant factor when considering the purchase, especially for someone looking to get all the tools and apps in one go and get cracking out of the box.
After much research and no luck I finally went and bought a Bamboo Create (CHT670 - as you stress :)) yesterday. Immediately after billing I opened the package to see the version of software and voila, it has Adobe PE9 (can't expect 10 as its Adobe exclusive as yet). Tonnes of stuff to do with it. Tried things out till late early AM. It is good and feels "sufficient".
And then the devil of doubt stepped in. Just to find better pen usage practices when I started researching all products, Intuos4 Small suddenly seems like a better choice. It can manage free hand art and Vector aided design equally well as the reviews suggest, owing to the higher pressure levels and tilt recognition. Intuos4 Small costs the same as Create. The active area is lesser but it would suit my wrist oriented style I theorized. So since this morning I've been frantically trying to find out what the software bundle deal is. The Wacom website says 9. Went to the store again and was about to pick up the Intous4 when I just double checked with the cashier and it turns out it had 6.0! And here's a cautionary note for Intous4 Small buyers. There are two prices out there - 199 and 229. I'm not sure when the switch happened. But the 199 model seems to have PE 6, which can leave you with heartburn when compared to PE 9. So if there's anybody out there who has recently bought the I4 Small model please let us know what's the deal you got. May you live in interesting lines. Thanks.
ReplyHi
Everyone that I read about is into drawing and illustrating. I want to begin by using a tablet for writing and having it convert to word. I hate typing and do alot of work that requires using paper sources and have to always look back and forth to type. Feel like I will write faster than I type. Also do alot of powerpoints.
But I would like the options that would allow for the drawing etc. if I learn more and can advance into that.
Thanks
ReplyHi, Diane.
I've never used my tablet for handwriting recognition, but this is one of the uses mentioned on the Wacom site and I know lots of people use the pen tablets primarily for this task.
Since the pen won't be your main pointing device, you don't need a very large or high resolution tablet. I''d suggest you to buy a Bamboo Capture model, which is the cheapest one that has touch input in addition to the pen. It's an inexpensive model, costing around $95 at Amazon.
Keep us posted on your experiences and feel free to share them here on the site. I'm sure other users have the same question.
Cheers,
ReplyHi! Thank you for very comprehensive overview! Still I`ve got some questions. I am a graphic design student and I am looking for a tablet for digital painting as well as photoediting etc. I am little bit confused, which one to buy. First, is it bad idea to buy a used one? I mean of course it depends how it has been stored, but maybe its not so big difference between them...?
Secondly, I can`t afford to buy Intuos4, but I was wondering between Intuos3 (probably used) and something from Bamboo. Both of them has 1024 pressure levels and similar price. What would you recommend?
Moreover, I read form recent comments that you were recommending Bamboo Create, but in some reason, in the Wacom Europe web-page there are just Bamboo Pen & Touch, Bamboo Fun and Bamboo Pen. Do you now if any of them is equivalent with Bamboo Create? Or which one of them is worth to buy?
Thank you so much in advance!
ReplyHello! The Create is the newer model that substitutes the Fun Pen & Touch. You may find a killer deal on the discontinued model, so look around.
Those Wacom tablets do not wear fast and last for many years, so you can find an used one in good shape. The only parts that show wear are the pen nib, which is designed to be user replaceable (look for new nibs at the Wacom website) and the rubber around the pen, that gets nasty after some years. You can always buy a new pen and it's not that expensive, but this may offset the difference between an used and a brand new model.
I have one good argument for buying the Bamboo Create, though. It has multi touch support and this is very handy for scrolling web pages and using gestures in Mac OS X Lion and the upcoming Windows 8. I'm sure the next Intuos5 line will have this feature, too. For this reason alone, I'd buy a Bamboo Create or the older Fun Pen & Touch large model - CTH661.
Cheers,
ReplyWord of warning to any who are thinking of buying the Inkling. It was a teriible product and i could not get it to work properly. i spent a month calibrating it and finally had to send it back. Don't waster your time!
ReplyHi, thanks for this review. I'm a teacher exploring the possibility of using the Bamboo tablet as an alternative to the chalkboard and have found (using a borrowed one CTL 460K and SmoothDraw3) that even at relatively slow writing speeds it produces poor results when I have to lift the pen to cross an A or a T. When watching screencasts of Sal Khan or others who are proficient on the tablet, this just doesn't seem to be an issue. They are writing quickly and clearly getting good results even though they are lifting the pen and putting it down quickly. Can you tell me why this might be happening? I'm working on a good DELL with System 7, so I don't think it's a processing issue on the computer hardware side of things. Thanks!
ReplyRandy,
This might be a shot in the dark, but have you tried the latest drivers downloaded directly from the Wacom website?
Another suggestion is to make sure the tablet is connected directly to the computer USB port, without any hub or USB extension, since this might impact the USB transfer rate.
ReplyHi. Thanks for taking the time to reply back to everyone! I found your comments useful...but I have some questions as well. I'm pretty much a beginner to tablets but at my previous company that I worked with we were given tablets and I picked it up pretty fast with them. I believe the ones we had were the Bamboo Pen & Touch (with the red pen holder on the side). It really was a small tablet, when I was drawing in Illustrator I noticed I kept going off the edges of the tablet...kind of like how I'd draw on paper. I'm not sure what size monitors we had, they weren't huge... probably 22" or around that. I was able to adapt to it, however I hated how I would have to pick up my pen when I wanted to continue drawing a smooth stroke. And I noticed I kept wanting to erase with the back of my pen! LOL!
For quick info I'm a graphic designer but I also do digital illustrations and would like to experiment more with drawing/painting digitally on the computer. I used to do it the traditional way...draw, then scan images and color in Photoshop. The laptop I have at home though is a Macbook Pro 15"... I've never hooked up a tablet to it. Would be it difficult to use with it?
I'm not sure what size I'd need or if a small Bamboo would be sufficient. I'm pretty sure I'd like a bigger size though, but I'm on a budget. Are there any old models like the Create?! I was also wondering if pens are interchangeable or not...or does it have match for that specific model? I'd just love that pen with an eraser!!! Although I suppose I could get by without one. It takes a long time to erase freehand strokes in Illustrator though...
Also can you explain the above chart, maybe this is a stupid question...but what do the two different bar colors stand for?
And thanks for the suggestions... do you know anything about this older model? http://www.epinions.com/Wacom_Bamboo_Pen_Tablet_MTE450?sb=1
ReplyNm...you don't have to answer the older Create model question. I see that you answered it previously. :)
ReplyAlison,
The tablet size is dependent on the monitor size and also on the personal preferences of each user, as you have experienced. Some people draw with broader strokes and adapt much better to the larger tablets.
The smaller tablets have less working area. When this area is mapped to a large display, each point on the tablet surface corresponds to a big area on the display. If the actual resolution is not enough, the cursor feels too fast, jumpy and less precise. The orange bars on the tablet size vs. screen size graph mean that while that screen size is not perfectly matched, it is useable for that given tablet model.
A Wacom Bamboo Create would work fine with your laptop. Just dowload the latest drivers from wacom.com and plug the tablet in the USB port. It's really that easy and there's little fo configure. If you'd like to draw in bitmap program, simulating natural media, like Photoshop or Painter, then you'd have various configurations in the programs themselves to map the pen dynamics (pressure, tilt, etc) to the various brush variables, like size, opacity, scattering, etc.
By the way, the Create has an eraser on the pen. Handy, for sure!
If you want a bigger model, your only option is the Intuos line. Wacom has just released a new model, called Intuos5. Maybe you can get the outgoing model - the Intuos4 - for a better price. A large Intuos4 would be great for you. Hope you manage to find one for a good price!
Thank you for your comment,
Fabio
ReplyThanks for the reply!
I think I'm looking at a Bamboo one right now (maybe an older model) since I'm on a budget but I really want a tablet. Intuos are so out of my price range right now...even the older models except maybe Intuos2. Would an Intuos2 work on my macbook? Also since I'll be working primarily on a 15" screen (unless I go buy a bigger monitor) would a big tablet really matter (besides personal preference?)... your chart makes it not seem like it does. I think a medium sized tablet might be okay for me but I wouldn't go small. Would you consider 6 x 4 to be a small size? Or a 5 x 3?
Thanks for your help!
ReplyAlison, Amazon has the older Bamboo Pen & Touch model refurbished for $130. I think this is a great price for a very competent medium sized tablet. The size is plenty for your 15" MacBook Pro and this is the same tablet you used at your previous job. The Intuos2 is too old and I'd avoid it.
Fabio
ReplyOkay. Thanks very much for your help and opinion! :)
ReplyThe CTH661 (13" overall product) is actually a lot bigger than the one I used at work (9"), so I'll most likely go with this one if it's more bang for the buck. :) Thanks!
Replyis there any sketch tablet with display in the active area?
ReplyMary, the Wacom Cintiq line incorporates the pressure sensitive tablet directly the the display, allowing you to sketch on the screen surface.
ReplyAnd Mary it costs you thousands of dollars.,.,so don't depend upon the gadgets,.,.,always independent on ur skills........!
ReplyDude, my PC resolution is 1280*1024,,,,,,,& i didn't even touch a graphic tablet yet + my drawing skill is newbie......but i love these tablets,.,.,.,which is the best recommendation u can give me......?
Plz reply......!
ReplyGet a Bamboo Capture for US$ 90 and be happy. :) It'd be perfect for you.
ReplyExactly the information I was looking for. Thank you!
ReplyThanks for your detail information!
I consider to buy a wacom table for teaching (such Khan's style) but I wonder, small size is comfortable for writing or not?
should I invest in one A5 (medium) size for teaching activities?
many thanks,
ReplyHello, Thanh.
I think a small model would be suited for this use. You'll probably be writing only small words and notes, so the larger surface won't make much of a difference. The smaller ones are also more portable and easy to carry around.
I'd choose the Bamboo Capture model, which is the least expensive that has multi touch support.
Thank you for your comment
ReplyHi!
Thanks for this review! Is very helpful but i still have a quesion. Last night i spent hours Doing something in illustrator (using a mouse) and after a while my hand was hurting me so bad! So i have decided to buy a tablet. I read your review And i really liked the intous5. However i am on a budget (about 200-250usd). I found too small the small intous5. But i really dont know whats the best for me..i would like a medium size...
Do u think That there is an older intous model better that the bamboo Create?
ReplyDaniela,
In this case I'd recommend you to buy the Bamboo Create. It's a very capable pen tablet and I'm sure it would suit you well. This model has a surface area about the same size as medium Intuos.
Alternatively, you could look for an used Intuos4 Medium model, but I think the price is too close ($270 range) to the new Intuos5 Medium to make it worth it and used tablets always show some signs of wear. For example, the pen nibs wear out, the tablet surface gets scratched and the pen rubber grip gets dirty and more sticky over the time. Replacing those items is possible, but would drive the price closer to a new one.
Replywhat is the difference to a digital artist between the bamboo pen/docking station and the bamboo create... besides the price?
ReplyDonna, the Bamboo Create, model CTH670, is the only model in the Bamboo line that has a medium sized working area - 8.5" x 5.4" or 21.6 cm x 13,7 cm. This means it can be used with higher resolution displays than a small model, like the other Bamboos: Connect, Splash and Capture. It is also much easier to draw or retouch images on a larger area. This is also the only model in the lineup that has an eraser in the pen. In my opinion, the price difference is well worth it.
ReplyI've been using my Wacom Graphire 2 for years and love it but it's not going to last forever and I'm weighing my options. The comparison you made between the Intuos and the Bamboo Capture are exactly what I needed. Thank you!
ReplyVivian, you won't believe the difference when you get a newer tablet. I've moved from a Graphire 2 to an Intuos 4, having used a Bamboo Create sporadically during this time. My Graphire clearly didn't cut anymore for the Apple Cinema 20" LCD I had at that time. It is great to have more precision and also some of the niceties of the newer models.
The Bamboo Create is the natural heir to the Graphire. You can buy it with confidence and I'm sure you'll love it.
Thank you for your comment,
Fabio
ReplyI've read the majority of the comments and just when I think someone has asked the question I want answers to, I don't quite get the answers.
I'm working with a 17" laptop and using it for digital painting, photoediting. I was looking at the Capture, but you continuously suggest the Create. Besides the lack of eraser and the size difference would I be wasting my time on the Capture?
ReplyMainly I'm asking if I would outgrow the Capture too quickly (as I'm just a beginner)
ReplyHi, mab.
The Bamboo Capture and Create are very similar, except for the size and lack of eraser on the Capture pen. This may be a shortcoming if you're heavily on digital painting.
If you have the budget, in my opinion, the extra size alone makes the Bamboo Create worth the difference, specially for higher resolution displays like yours. Given that both tablets have the same resolution (2540 lines per inch), the larger active surface on the Create model gives it 220% more points mapped than the Capture.
On the real world, this means you can have much better cursor precision with the larger active area. This might not be noticed on smaller displays, but anything above 1440 x 900px clearly shows the difference, in my experience.
In any case, I'd rather have a smaller tablet than to work only with a mouse. It is this much better, really. If you're on a really tight budget, buy the Bamboo Create to get the hang of using a tablet and sell it on eBay later, if you feel the need for a larger working surface. It costs about US$ 90 at Amazon.com.
But keep in mind that the Bamboo Create is currently at US$ 138 for a factory refurbished model, with warranty, also at Amazon. This is a super deal and I think much better value than the smaller model.
Hope this helps you!
Cheers,
Fabio
ReplyHi,
I just bought a Bamboo Create from Amazon and did not see this post before that, i has not arrived yet. At this point I have a 32 inch TV connected to my PC 1360x768 screen resolution, its a samsung widescreen connected through HDMI. I wanted to use sketchbook pro 6, corel painter 12 and photoshop mostly for architecture work persentations and other drawing. I can see that I might have problems due to the fact that I'm using a Bamboo create. Will I be needing a new monitor (smaller) what are the odds? I did not buy an Intuos because I found it very expensive for the type of usage I will give to it.
Thanks in advance,
ReplyOscar, you'll be fine. The main factor that dictates the tablet size is resolution, not screen size. A Bamboo Create can handle a 1360x768 px resolution screen just fine. I'm sure you'll love your new tablet.
Thank you for your comment,
Fabio
ReplyGreat! Thank you Fabio. I'm still waiting for the tablet that I ordered on Amazon through Electrobrands and Fedex just lost the package... They said they will send another unit to me.
THanks again,
ReplyHey Man,
Great review, this is really really helpful information :)
I had a scroll back through the previous comments but couldn't quite find the question that I have.
I am going to buy the INTUOS 5 but I am still unsure about which size to get, I would be using it with a 13" Macbook Pro (Early 2011) and so from your info graphic above, am I right in assuming that the small size would be the most appropriate? Or would it be the medium?
Thanks again pal,
Cheers,
Jeff
ReplyHello Jeff.
The medium sized Intuos5 is the most versatile model, even though the small one has plenty of resolution to work well with your screen size. You may want to add a second LCD in the future and the extra area of the medium model may come in handy.
Let me add two more variables to your decision: if you'd like to use it to draw, the small model may be too tight for your brush stroke. On the other hand, since you're using a laptop, it is much easier to carry around than the medium one. By the way, Wacom makes a nice carrying case for each model.
Cheers,
Fabio
ReplyHey Fabio, thanks for all the in depth comments you have provided here, very informative.
Just a quick question on the Bamboo Pen & Touch; I purchased the medium version of this drawing tablet and I used it oh so briefly with my 20" old iMac before it died.
I am now a little torn as to which model to purchase, as the 21" pretty much locks you into the spec once it leaves the factory, and while I can see it lasting OK, the 27" looks like a more flexible option for similar money. Could that tablet size work OK with a new 27" iMac, or is it highly recommended to stick with the 21.5"? I note the 27" is just outside your yellow bars on the recommendation graphic and I wanted to get your thoughts.
The 2 resolutions are: 1920x1080 and 2560x1440.
ReplyOh what a great review!
All my questions are solved.
Thanks.
ReplyThank you for your kind words, Aaron.
ReplyI need help please!
Which is better? Wacom Bamboo Splash or Wacom Bamboo Crafts? Which has a bigger working space?
I use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop & InDesign CS6 & i'll mainly need it for Digital Artwork used in graphic advertising & print. I'm a beginner.
ReplyMiriam, both tablets have the same hardware and specs. The only difference is the software bundle. They're capable models, but I'd recommend you to spend a little more, if possible, and get a Bamboo Create. It has a larger working area, making it a more versatile model, specially if you use a display above 23 inches.
ReplyIm torn on either getting the wacom bamboo capture or create? I work off of my laptop 11.6" is that too small for me to get a tablet?
ReplyDre, the Bamboo Capture is sufficient for your laptop screen, but you might want to use it with an external display in the future. In that case, the Create is a much more versatile model.
ReplyThanks for that excellent review. I was very confused by all the models that Wacom has.
ReplyHi Fabio,
After reading your analysis and everybody's comments I made up my mind to purchase a Bamboo Create but then I found it is not available in Europe. It seems everything has to be renamed, adjusted or whatever to justify increased pricing!! However, what I hope you will be able to advise is whether the Bamboo Fun M Pen and Touch is the nearest I can get to the Create or is it the same?
Thanks
ReplyJohn, the corresponding model on the new lineup is the Bamboo Fun Medium Pen&Touch. It seems that the new lineup names were not yet launched in the US and other countries in the Americas. Other than the nomenclature, the hardware is the same and there are only some small differences in the software bundles.
Thank you for your comment,
ReplyThanks Fabio. Why these things have to be remarketed and renamed in different parts of the world i know not
ReplyThanks so much! Everything I needed to know x
ReplyHi Fabio,
I would be grateful for your help in deciding which tablet+pen to buy. I would use it for drawing illustrations. I'm using 17" display and resolution 1366x768 if that's relevant.
Thank you a lot
Best regards
Dominika
ReplyDominika, I'd buy the Wacom Bamboo Create (Bamboo Fun Medium Pen&Touch in Europe). It has more than enough resolution for you display and would work very well for vector or natural media illustration.
Thank you for your comment,
ReplyHi Fabio!
I have found your review and the subsequent thread very helpful. I primarily work in video, After Effects, etc. I have had the opportunity to try both the 13HD and 24HD Touch Cintique models. I've never used a pen tablet before, but can see the benefit and the precision they provide. I really like the Cintique, who wouldn't?, but I'm trying to decide if the Intuos 5 would be better suited for video work. I do prefer a full arm approach to my work so the larger format is what I am considering over the medium. What would you recommend? Thank-you very much!
ReplyHi Mickey.
I think the large Intuos5 would be perfect for you. Maybe even better than the Cintiq, since it'd allow you to work on a larger display, like 27" or 30", or multiple monitors, which is killer for video editing. Developing hand to eye coordination isn't that difficult and I'm sure you'll feel at home with the Intuos in a few days. You can find my in-depth Intuos5 review here.
Cheers,
ReplyPS: And the Intuos5 has touch support and programmable gestures than can be programmed for commonly used commands. For example, a four-finger swipe down could invoke a particular shortcut in After Effects. Take a look here for setup tips.
ReplyI don't know much about tablets but I it looks like they may be the answer for a project I'm working on. I would like to be able to record the process of making a drawing by children (stroke by stroke, etc.). Do these tablets allow for that? If so, do you think learning to use the tablet for basic drawing and colouring could be a time-consuming proposition for Grade 7-age kids?
ReplyHi, Vid.
I think a pen tablet would be perfect for you application. I imagine kids in this age would have no problems developing the eye to hand coordination necessary to use a pen tablet.
A medium sized model is advisable, since it's easier to work with a larger drawing area. The Bamboo Create CTH670 is perfect. Also take a look on the Monoprice tablets. They're much cheaper than Wacom's and would work fine for less demanding work.
I have no experience with the recording process. Maybe you could use a screen capture program and then import the results into a video editing application, to speed it up, for example.
Thank you for your comment,
Fabio
ReplyDear Fabio,
Thanks so much for such a detailed review and comparison and for all your time in dealing with these queries!
I wonder if you can help me decide. I'm completely new to tablets and am mainly working on video editing, but also some graphics design and illustration. I have a 27inch Mac display. Ideally I would like multitouch functionality (but not essential) and currently use an apple trackpad instead of a mouse. I may want to add a second display in the future. UK based.
I can't decide which model - is the intuos5 the best for me? Or is there a better option? Price needs to be reasonable, but is not the most important factor here, as my organisation is buying for me and I think they can stretch to the Intuos 5.
Many thanks for your advice,
Bob
ReplyPs - I forgot to add, I also do quite a bit of photo editing, using Aperture and photoshop. Thanks!
ReplyHello Bob.
I think the medium sized Intuos5 is the right pen tablet for you. The small model or the Bamboos don't have enough resolution to drive a 27" display, let alone multiple displays.
The Intuos would work fine, but you might want to configure one of the ExpressKeys to switch between the two screens. This would allow you to keep the tablet mapped to a single display at a time, using its whole area for better precision. With two displays, you give up some of the tablet's area in order to keep its proportion the same as the combined screen size. It's important to test both configurations - single screen at a time / full screen area mapped proportionally to the tablet's surface - and see which suits you better.
Here is my complete Intuos5 review.
Cheers,
Fabio
Reply