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Wacom Intuos4 Graphics Tablet Review

Posted by John Pastor • April 21, 2010 • Printer-friendly • Feed • Share

wacom intuos4 1 Wacom Intuos4 Graphics Tablet Review

Graphic tablets have always been a staple in the design industry, from creating the latest illustration for The New Yorker or creating the next digital masterpiece. We're taking a look at one of the latest graphics tablets, the Wacom Intuos4. The Intuos line is one of the most popular tablets available and Wacom has made it even better with their latest iteration. We reviewed the previous model, the Intuos3, in 2006.

The new Intuos4 has a new Wacom Tip Sensor that essentially enhances the pen for finer brush strokes with accuracy. One of the key features is also one of our favorites that has come to the Intuos4. We're talking about the new ExpressKeys.

wacom intuos4 2 Wacom Intuos4 Graphics Tablet Review

Previously on the Intuos3, there were ExpressKeys on the left and right sides that were dedicated to certain shortcuts for an application such as Photoshop. However, it was somewhat difficult to figure out which button completed a certain task without looking at your System Preferences or Control Panel. On the Intuos4, Wacom integrated small OLED displays that signify which button does what and change according to the application you're in. The ExpressKeys are now on the same side to create an ambidextrous design that can be used for left- and right-handed users. Note: the smaller Intuos4 Small tablet only has six ExpressKeys and does not have the matching OLED displays.

The Intuos4 also has a new Touch Ring for controlling zoom, scroll, brush sizes, and canvas rotation all within the reach of your finger. This is especially great for adjusting brush size or opacity in Photoshop while keeping your other hand on the tablet. Also included is a five-button mouse that comes in handy when you don't have room on your desk for one.

Setting up the Intuos4 was seamless and we were up and running in no time. We tested the Intuos4 with a variety of drawing programs from Adobe Photoshop CS4 to Autodesk SketchBook Pro. I think that users don't find the advantage of a graphics tablet until they actually use one and build it into their day-to-day workflow. It's even great for those who can't draw because of how accurate it can be with photo editing. Dodging and burning a photo in Photoshop felt a lot more ergonomic and precise with the help of the Intuos4 and the pressure-sensitive pen.

The only downside we saw with the new tablet line besides the hefty price tag was the overly excessive amount of dust and lint that the glossy black finish attracts.

The Intuos4 from Wacom is available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes as well as a wireless version that is close in active tablet area to the medium version. The small edition costs $229 while the extra-large costs a whopping $789. Consumers looking for a small, beginner tablet may want to look at the Wacom Bamboo series.

Pros

  • New tip sensor adds finer precision.
  • New OLED displays ease use of ExpressKeys.
  • Touch Ring allows for fast adjustments.

Cons

  • May be expensive for some.
  • Dust and lint magnet.


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