Wacom Bamboo Graphics Tablets

Pen input hasn't changed much from previous models--which means it's very good. All models in the Bamboo line offer 1024 levels of pressure and a resolution of 2540 lpi.

I like the texture Wacom uses on the tablet surface to give it a more authentic pen-on-paper feel, but many users have experienced excessive nib wear, which is likely a result of this "toothy" texture. Just as your traditional pencil wears down on a heavily textured paper, the Wacom nib wears faster on this surface than it would on smooth plastic. If this is a problem for you, you can do as one clever reader has done and line your tablet surface with a protective film.

Anyone who has used a trackpad or touch screen device will have no problem getting used to the touch input in the Bamboo Capture and Create models. It supports all the standard gestures for scrolling, zooming, right clicking, and so on. The Bamboo driver software allows you to customize the touch functions and enable or disable gestures for one to four fingers. By default, one of the ExpressKeys is set as a touch-toggle so you can turn off touch input when it gets in the way.

I didn't have any issues installing the Bamboo software, but I didn't care for the childish artwork animations that displayed while the software was installing. An instructional video demo would create a better impression and be a more practical way to entertain the user during installation.

As a consumer-level device, the Bamboo line does not provide per-application settings for the pen and tablet buttons, but everything you need to adjust settings for your comfort is there. In addition, you can assign a pop-up menu to any of the buttons and fill it with any additional commands you want to access quickly.

Bamboo Dock is a new software addition with the Bamboo line and is installed along with the driver. Bamboo Dock can be customized with several small apps and games including:

• Doodler, a simple scribble pad.
• Mood Tuner which plays music based on a color ring.
• Mona Lisa, so you can deface this famous work of art.
• Landmarker, a map on which you may draw.
• and more.

Most of these are rather silly and don't really add to the value of the product, but Bamboo Dock also includes a shortcut to launch tablet settings, and links for support and accessories. There is also a link for developers to learn how to create custom apps for the Bamboo dock. Presumably, more apps will be coming down the pike--perhaps some more useful ones.

Each of the Bamboo models also comes with extra bundled software, which does add to the value of the package. See my photo tour for details on what software comes with each Bamboo model.

Pros

• Pen does not use batteries.
• Ambidextrous design can be turned for right- or left-handed users.
• Tablet surface has a pleasant texture that feels like writing on paper.
• Wireless connection option for Bamboo Capture and Bamboo Create models.
• Compatible with Windows and Macintosh.

Cons

• "Toothy" texture of tablet surface may cause pen nibs to wear down quickly.
• Pen holder is a tight fit and can be awkward to use.
• Control panel does not allow for application-specific settings.
• USB cable is very short (3 ft.) and uses a proprietary connector on the tablet end.

I have reviewed a lot of graphics tablets over the years, and although there are some tablets that come close to Wacom in one area or another, I have not found one yet that matches the quality of Wacom in all areas--construction, software, ergonomics, innovation, support, etc. Wacom may cost a bit more than the other consumer-level graphics tablets, but they haven't disappointed me yet.

Wacom Bamboo Photo Tour

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.