Compare Prices: Graphics Tablet Top Picks
Wacom
Wacom is the most well-known tablet manufacturer, and they are well deserving of their fine reputation. Wacom makes graphics tablets for both Macintosh and Windows operating systems.Bamboo is Wacom's consumer line of tablets, replacing the older Graphire series. Bamboo is offered in two different styles--Bamboo and Bamboo Fun. The Bamboo standard tablet is intended for office and home use, while the Bamboo Fun is designed more for creative users. Both tablets offer the following common features:
- wide-format active area
- thinner body style compared to previous Wacom models
- a textured work surface that is designed to feel like pen on paper
- 512-levels of pressure sensitivity and 2,540 LPI resolution
- four programmable express keys and a finger-sensitive touch ring
- a 5-foot long detachable USB cable
- a two-button pen with stand
- one year warranty
- Mac and Windows compatibility
• Bamboo Review
Digital photographers and creative users will be more inclined to go for the Bamboo Fun model. Bamboo Fun comes in two sizes--small, with an active area about 6x4 inches; or medium, with an active area about 5x8 inches. It is also available in four color choices--white, black, silver, and blue. It comes with a two-button eraser pen, 3 replacement pen nibs, and a mouse that works on the tablet surface. Bamboo Fun also includes a software DVD containing full versions of Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 Win/4.0 Mac, Corel Painter Essentials 3.0, and Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 GE. Bamboo's suggested retail price is US$99 for the small size and US$199 for the medium size.
• Bamboo Fun Review
Intuos is Wacom's professional line of tablets. Intuos3 comes in 4x6, 6x8, 6x11, 9x12, 12x12, and 12x19 sizes and offers professional features and a variety of optional accessories. Intuos3 offers tilt control and 1024 levels of sensitivity, the highest sensitivity of any graphics tablet available today. The batteryless Intuos Grip Pen features a two-button switch, eraser, and cushioned grip. All Intuos3 tablets also include a ball-free, cordless and batteryless 5-button scrolling mouse. The menu strip of previous Intuos models is replaced with a set of programmable ExpressKeys and touch strips in Intuos3. Intuos3 tablets are bundled with Photoshop Elements, Corel Painter Essentials, nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE, and the Wacom Driver and Control Panel. Intuos3 tablets are only available for USB connections. Manufacturer suggested pricing on the Intuos line starts at $199. Additional accessories such as the airbrush or extra pens can be purchased for Intuos tablets. The ToolID recognition feature of Intuos allows you to program individual tools for specific functions. Intuos comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
• Wacom Intuos3 Full Review
More graphics tablet manufacturers:
Wacom tablets are top of the line, but if you're looking for other choices, there are some alternatives.
- UC-Logic / DigiPro - UC-Logic offers several models of affordable graphics tablet models in various sizes for both professional and personal use. All UC-Logic Tablets are both Macintosh and Windows compatible. UC-Logic graphics tablets are sold under the DigiPro brand name in the USA, and can often be purchased through the online technology overstock/closeout store Geeks.com.
• DigiPro Graphics Tablet Review
• Read or leave comments on DigiPro tablets - Aiptek - Aiptek Inc. was founded in 1997 and made a name for themselves with their HyperPen line affordable of graphics tablets. They also provide other peripherals for everyday consumers including PenCams, PC Cameras, and VideoPhones.
• Read or leave comments on Aiptek tablets - CalComp - CalComp offers desktop graphics tablets as well as large format digitizers for Windows and DOS. The DrawingBoard line is primarily designed for CAD users. The SummaSketch line offers a choice of pointing devices, including 2-button corded pen, 4-button corded cursor, or 16-button corded cursor. SummaSketch is available in 12x12 and 12x18 sizes and features a clear overlay.
- Dynalink - This Netherlands based company offers a 4x5 inch USB graphics tablet called FreeDraw for Windows and Macintosh.
- Genius - Based in Taiwan, Genius offers several models of graphics tablets Including NewSketch, ePen, and EasyPen.
- KB Gear - KB Gear has discontinued their line of interactive computer gear for kids and teens, which previously included the Pablo Internet Edition, Jam Studio, and Sketchboard Studio graphics tablets.
Compare Prices: Graphics Tablet Top Picks
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