What is a Wacom Tablet?

Wacom pen tablets are a fast and comfortable way, to work with your computer. They allow you to input information, using a pen...instead of a mouse.  Alternating between the pen and mouse, reduces repetitive motion.  It's an easy and natural way to work.  Wacom tablets are pressure-sensitive, which makes them great for digital artwork and photo-editing.  You can also mark-up or sign your documents.

Wacom is the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and they work with all programs on a Mac or PC.  There are over 100 software applications, specifically designed to be used with a Wacom pen and tablet.  There is even an open source 3rd party driver for Linux based systems.  There are also models that offer USB or Serial connections and a Bluetooth wireless version...for people on the go.

All Wacom tablets are built using Wacom's patented "Penabled Technology".  This means that although the tablet will plug into your computer, the pen and mouse will be cordless and battery-free (except the Graphire Bluetooth model...which is completely wireless).  Wacom's "Penabled Technology" is the choice of all major Tablet PC manufacturers, as it provides a more natural feel and superior performance.

Finally...nothing makes a pen tablet come alive like great pressure-sensitive software.  All Wacom pen tablets come bundled with software from some of the greatest software companies in the business.  So you can begin using your tablet right away...with nothing more to buy!

Which Tablet Is Right For You?

My customers often email, to ask which tablet they should purchase.  I always recommend that they take a moment to visit the Wacom website and take the "Tablet Wizard Quiz".  By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see which tablet is right for you.  I am also happy to supply some recommendations below.

For the serious designer, photographer & artist...I recommend an Intuos 3.

This model has the highest pressure-sensitivity.  It can be used to "paint and draw", detailed works of digital art and professionally edit photos.  The Intuos 3 offers ExpressKeys and Touch Strips for convienant keyboard shortcuts, scrolling, zooming, brush size control and more.  It also comes with this valuable software:  Adobe Photoshop Elements 3, Corel Painter Essentials 2, nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE and Wacom Brushes 2.

• The Intuos 3 4x5: Is the most cost-effective Intuos 3.  It is a nice model, for those who like to zoom in on their images and work in small sections.
• The Intuos 3 6x8:  Is our most popular model and works well for most users.
• The Intuos 3 6x11:  Is for those who are working with a wide screen display or multiple monitors.
• The Intuos 3 9x12:  Is for those who need a larger workspace.

For the amateur artist & photographer...I recommend a Graphire 4.

This model has half the pressure-sensitivity of the Intuos 3, but is wonderful for editing photos, annotating documents and creating digital artwork.  You can comfortably jot notes, sign your name, sketch quick diagrams, and communicate more personally.  It also comes with this great software bundle:  Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3.0, Corel Painter Essentials 2, nik Color Efex Pro 2 GE, Evernote Plus, JustWrite Office 4.

• The Graphire 4 4x5:  Is our most cost-effective tablet.  It is a nice model, for those who like to zoom in on their images and work in small sections.
• The Graphire 4 6x8:  Is our most popular size and works well for most users.

For those who want wireless freedom...I recommend a Graphire Bluetooth.

This model has all the features of the Graphire 4...but it offers up to 30 feet of wireless freedom and comes with this great software bundle:  Adobe PhotoShop Elements 2.0, Corel Painter Essentials 2 and nik Color Efex Pro 2.

• The Graphire Bluetooth:  Only comes in the popular 6x8 size and works well for most users.

For those who need a larger tablet or a serial connection...I recommend an Intuos 2.

The intuos 2 tablets have the same pressure-sensitivity as the Intuos 3 model, but they feature menu strip buttons, instead of Express Keys and Touch Strips.  The Intuos 2 is available in these sizes: 4x5, 6x8, 9x12, 12x12 and 12x18.  They also offer your choice of a USB or a serial connection and come with this great software bundle:  Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3.0, Corel Painter Classic, penPalette by nik multimedia and Wacom Brushes 1.0.

For those who want to work directly on their computer screens...I recommend the Cintiq.

Wacom's Cintiq interactive pen display combines the advantages of an LCD monitor with the control, comfort, and productivity of Wacom's "Penabled Technology". When you're using a Cintiq, you work with the pen directly on the screen. This allows you to take advantage of your natural hand-eye coordination, to work more quickly in any software application. There is little or no learning curve, because of this natural "pen-on-paper" work approach.

• The Cintiq 21UX: has a 21.3" high resolution screen and the MSRP is $2,999.00.
• The Cintiq 17SX: Has a 17" high resolution screen and the MSRP is $1,799.00.

We don't normally carry the Cintiq tablets, but we can special order them and set up a private "Buy-it-Now" listing on halfvalue.  Please email us for a discounted price quote and estimated shipping times.  You may visit the Wacom website, to find out more about the features and specifications of a Cintiq tablet.

For those who have a Linux based operating system...

There is an open source 3rd party driver for Linux that supports Intuos 2 & 3, Graphire 2, 3 & 4 and Cintiq as well as older Wacom tablets. Wacom is supporting the development of this driver by providing the programmers with necessary information and sample tablets for testing.  To find out more about the Linux drivers, please visit the Wacom website and type the term "Linux" into the search box (without the quotes).  You will be directed to a page that will tell you more about the Linux drivers and give you links to the third-party websites.  Links to third-party websites are not allowed in halfvalue Guides or I would provide them here.

If You Need More Information...

Please take a moment to browse the listings in my halfvalue Store:  Discount Dragon

I provide detailed item descriptions and specs, for every Wacom tablet I sell.  If you need more information...or you're looking for a model that I don't have listed, please send me an email, via the halfvalue contact form.  Links to the contact form, can be found in upper right corner of this guide.

If You Would Like To Donate Your Old Tablet To A Worthy Cause...

Through Wacom, your gently used pen tablets and interactive pen displays can help make a difference in someone's life. The "National Cristina Foundation" and Wacom have partnered to provide technology to people with disabilities, students at risk, and economically challenged adults and children. Your donation is directed to schools and charities that specialize in training these people to lead more independent and productive lives.

Again, I cannot provide a link to a site outside of halfvalue.  If you want to find out more, you can email me for the link.