Wacom introduced their first cordless pen in 1989 and has since earned a reputation for producing high quality pen tablets. Surprisingly, it took Wacom nearly 20 years to create a second-generation refined tip sensor as embodied in the Wacom Intuos 4. With sensitivity level double that of its predecessor, slimmer footprint, and more ergonomically structured design, Wacom's newest pen tablet brings you even closer to the experience of drawing with real art materials.
Features - Hardware and Software
With increased pressure sensitivity from 1024 to 2048 levels, professional artists now have more accuracy with width and opacity of paint strokes. With the pen now reacting to light touch - 1 gram of pressure vs Intuos 3's 10 - artists can now make delicate shadings and handle detailed drawings better. The pen comes with shorter barrel for more balanced and solid feel.
Both the tablet and the pen have been redesigned to allow better drawing experience. The Wacom Intuos 4 comes with a wider 10 x 14.6 inch active area. The tablet still has the 8 Express Keys but the 2 touch strips are gone, giving way to single 4-way switchable scroll ring. The scroll ring lets you do the adjustments with your non-dominant hand while drawing.
Another added feature is the illuminated display, which shows you what exactly is the specific command for each button - no need to memorize button assignments.
The Wacom Intuos 4 features a more sensible ambidextrous design. With the new button layout, both left-handed and right-handed users can work with convenience. Right-handed users simply attach the USB cable on the right side port to reverse the controls to the left. Left hand users simply flip the tablet to 180 degrees then plug the USB cable on the port on the left side.
Instead of bundling creative software into a disc, Wacom now provides users with a key that gives access to various software options they'd like to download.
Pros
- The Wacom Intuos 4 is customizable, and you can sync programs on the table with applications on your computer.
- Ambidextrous design allows for convenient left or right handed use.
- Since pen is USB-powered, there's no cord to get in the way. The pen is also battery-free.
- It comes with a set of nibs. Nibs can be extracted using the extractor tool built into the pen stand.
Cons
- The new tablet, like the previous models, doesn't remember your presets. When you use a different computer, you have to program everything again.
- Intuos 4 is not compatible with tools and accessories of other Wacom models.
- Glossy finish easily retains fingerprints and smudge.
- Rubber at the bottom of the pen easily catches dust and lint.
What's in the box
• Intuos4 pen tablet
• Intuos4 Grip Pen
• Intuos4 mouse
• Pen stand
• Ten replacement nibs (five standard nibs, one flex nib, one stroke nib, and three hard felt nibs)
• Nib extractor
• 2.5m USB cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Installation CD (includes tablet driver software and electronic user manual)
Main Features
• 8 Express Keys
• 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity
• 10 x 14.6 inch touch area
• Illuminated display shows button assignments
• Comes with a glossy finish
• Available in 4 format models: Small, Medium, Large, XL
Key Features
• Ergonomic, ambidextrous design
• Customizable pen and tablet functions
• Responds to light touch
• Cordless, battery-free pen
Bonus Features
• Comes with a variety of nibs
The Bottom Line
Wacom Intuos 4 may come at a higher price than rival models on the market. Rivaling the experience of writing and drawing on ink and paper, the new Wacom tablet makes you less aware of the hardware and more on your work. It's no surprise that it has gained a huge following among architects, cartoonists, artists, and graphic designers. It is to drawing what Kindle is to reading.
