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Product Name: Wacom Intuos2 4"x5" Tablet USB
Date: Monday, November 18, 2002
Author: Iroc
Provided By: Wacom Technology Corp.
Page: 2 of 2
Using the pen and mouse is another ergonomic joy. The Grip Pen looks as if it was manufactured in a wind tunnel. It is streamlined from tip to tail and each removable part blends in with the pens shape. Let's say you have a hard time avoiding the Duoswitch rocker button, well you simply remove the Duoswitch, unscrew the tip, swap out the rubber grip and replace the tip. In the package you will find the Duoswitch delete grip, a replacement Duoswitch and five extra tips for replacement as each one wears out. Removing parts also helps out when you want to clean your pen, for example you can remove the rubber grip and give it a wash and then wipe down the plastic pen, reassemble it, and now it feels brand new again. You can store the pen in either the plastic case it was packaged in or use the pen stand included. The pen stand protects the tip and holds the pen quite well. If you nudge it, the weight in the stand will return it to the upright position. It takes an all out bump to knock it over. The 2D Mouse at 2540 dpi blows regular mice away. It features a felt bottom that glides across the tablet as smooth as an optical mouse. Each of the three mouse buttons can be programmed with many different functions. The pen's Duoswitch can be programmed in the same way.
Working in Photoshop with the pressure sensitive pen I don't have to constantly change the brush size. This saves time and movement when going back and forth to the tool options menu. I found it very easy to start drawing with the pen and as I got use to it I just made minor adjustments to the tip sensitivity thru the control panel. Since the pen can fully replace your regular mouse you don't have to switch back to it to perform other tasks while you are in a graphics program. Tilt sensitivity is available in some programs. The tablet senses the tilt and bearing of the pen tip and eraser. This is useful for creating natural strokes with various program tools.
Each tool has a unique id. This ToolID makes it easy for another person with a different pen to use your tablet and retain personal settings for each pen. The tablet will know which pen you are using instantly without anything more than picking it up and using it.
Here's a list of the bundled software ...
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
This program is like a smaller version of Photoshop. It has some nice features, tools and the same Photoshop interface feel.
- Corel Painter Classic
This is fun if you want to use traditional media like paints, pens, chalks and such without the mess or having to own them all. Some tools are felt tip marker, palette knives, water color and liquid.
- nik multimedia penPalette
Digital image enhancements thru Photoshop.
- PenTools
A set of plug-ins for image editing and creative design.
Plus there is a long list of tablet enhanced software on their site. These programs work with pressure sensitive tools and support Wacom's extended features too.
Wacom offers many accessories to go along with the Intuos2 line of tablets. You can check them out at their website to see what they offer.
Lastly, the question most of you are dying to know is how it works since its battery less and cordless. Well I called their Washington state technical support office and spoke to one of their friendly representatives. I should note that it only took a minute or two of hold time before I was connected to the technician. While he couldn't go into too much detail he did say the pen and mouse have no power source inside them. You can think of the tablet as a radio transmitter and the pen and mouse as antennas. When one of the antennas gets close enough to the tablet's surface they are able to perform all the various functions. The pen is able to function a little more than 1/4 inch above the surface. So there you have it, the whole process basically runs off of radio waves.
Specifications
- Tablet Dimensions: 8.9" x 8.3" x .3"
- Tablet Interface: USB 1.1
- Active Area: 4" x 5"
- Pressure Levels: 1024
- Resolution: 2540 lpi
- Max. data rate: 200 pps
- Accuracy: +- .01"
- Tilt Range: 50º-60º
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Conclusion
Wacom definitely has a great product here. Whether you're a beginner or a pro this tablet will open up a new dimension of creativity and ease of use. I would have liked to see a printed manual, but the PDF manual is included.
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