Most newer laptops include the required Bluetooth connection, or a Bluetooth adapter can be purchased for systems that do not have integrated Bluetooth. Bluetooth adapters can be found for less than $20 and connect to a USB port.
The Intuos4 Wireless is slightly thicker than the regular Intuos4 Medium--about 1/8 inch. The overall dimensions are about the same, making it a convenient size for carrying in a laptop bag. The tablet's active area is slightly smaller than the Intuos4 Medium (8 x 5 inches versus 8.8 x 5.5 inches). In addition to the pen stand, an optional clip-on pen holder is provided for attaching the pen to the tablet. Unlike the wired version, the wireless Intuos4 does not come with a mouse.
The battery pack is 3.7V, 1800 mAh Lithium-Ion, installed via an access door on the back of the tablet. It is charged by attaching the included USB cable to a USB port on your computer (or a powered USB hub). The tablet can be used while charging. This is a much more convenient charging method than that of the older Wacom Graphire Bluetooth model which uses a bulky power brick and AC cord.
Curiously, there is no estimated battery life listed on the box, in the User's Guide, or on Wacom's site, for how long the battery is expected to last on a single charge. There are several power saving features to extend the use time when the tablet is on battery power. The time to charge the battery is listed at four hours if the tablet is not being used, or up to twice as long if the tablet is in use while charging.
Update: I just received word that battery life is expected to be up to 18 hours of use, with some variance depending on individual usage. This is better than I expected, though a bit less than the 25 hours that was advertised for the Graphire Bluetooth.
The User's Guide warns about some scenarios which can lead to premature battery end of life, so it is important to remember to keep the tablet switched off when the battery is not being used, and to be careful not to allow the battery to become critically low. You can expect to replace the Li-on battery every 2-3 years.
The Wacom Intuos4 Wireless is priced at US$399 and is expected to begin shipping to the US and Canada in late February or early March. Post your questions below and I will do my best to answer them in my upcoming review. Meanwhile, I have updated the Wacom Intuos4 photo gallery with images of the wireless version, and you can read my Intuos4 review for more information on the corded version of Intuos4.
More Information:
• Wacom Intuos4 Review
• Wacom Intuos4 Wireless Images
• Wacom Intuos4 Web Site
Thanks for the update
Can it be used on a computer without Bluetooth?
(just simply by connecting USB?)
@yuk: Yes, it can. Tested myself by removing my Bluetooth adapter and using it via USB. But if you’re never planning to use Bluetooth, the non-wireless one is a bit cheaper.
Does the Intuos4 Medium Wireless tablet also come with a long cord so you can use either bluetooth OR USB input???
Yes, it comes with an 8 ft. USB cord.
What an amazing amount of information here!
If I have a Wacom Intuos4 Medium (wireless) and an acer laptop which is not bluetooth enabled can I just buy 2 bluetooth adaptors and plug one in the laptop and one in the intuos and use it without the usb cable??
Thanks
Woops In my question I should have said the intuos I want to use is a WIRED (not wireless) one. Can I purchase 2 bluetooth adaptors and use the intuos wirelessly?
Thanks
John, You can’t convert a wired tablet to wireless with a Bluetooth adapter, but if you have the wireless Intuos4, you only need one Bluetooth adapter for the computer.
Hi, if I were looking at buying a Wacom Intuos4 Graphics tablet – should I buy the wired or the wireless version? I don’t NEED the wireless feature, so I was curious if there was anything updated on the wireless version worth considering. The price is a big factor on the wired version.
Thanks!
Andrew