Hello & Welcome!

I've written this guide to explain what a Wacom tablet is and to help you decide, which tablet is right for you.  I am an amateur digital artist and I enjoy using a Wacom pen tablet.  I hope you will find this guide useful and please feel free to contact me, with any further questions about Wacom tablets.

What is a Wacom Tablet?

Wacom pen tablets are a fast and comfortable way, to work with your computer. They allow you to input information, using a pen...instead of a mouse.  Alternating between the pen and mouse, reduces repetitive motion.  It's an easy and natural way to work.  Wacom tablets are pressure-sensitive, which makes them great for digital artwork and photo-editing.  You can also mark-up or sign your documents.

Wacom is the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and they work with all programs on a Mac or PC.  There are over 100 software applications, specifically designed to be used with a Wacom pen and tablet.  There is even an open source 3rd party driver for Linux based systems.  Most models offer a USB connection, buth there is also a Bluetooth wireless version...for people on the go.

All Wacom tablets are built using Wacom's patented "Penabled Technology".  This means that the pen and mouse will be cordless and battery-free.  Wacom's "Penabled Technology" is the choice of all major Tablet PC manufacturers, as it provides a more natural feel and superior performance.

Finally...nothing makes a pen tablet come alive like great pressure-sensitive software.  All Wacom pen tablets come bundled with software from some of the greatest software companies in the business.  So you can begin using your tablet right away...with nothing more to buy!

Which Tablet Is Right For You? 

People often email, to ask which tablet they should purchase.  I always recommend that they take a moment to visit Wacom.com and click on the "Which tablet?" link.  By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see which tablet is right for you.  I am also happy to supply some recommendations below:

For the serious designer, photographer & artist...I recommend an Intuos 3.

This model has the highest pressure-sensitivity and is available in 6 sizes.  It can be used to "paint and draw", detailed works of digital art and professionally edit photos.  The Intuos 3 offers ExpressKeys and Touch Strips for convienant keyboard shortcuts, scrolling, zooming, brush size control and more.  It also comes with this valuable software:  Adobe Photoshop Elements 4, Corel Painter Essentials 3, nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE and Wacom Brushes 2.

• The Intuos 3 4x6: Is the most cost-effective Intuos 3 and it was made for those working with a wide screen display or multiple monitors.  It's a nice model, for those who like to zoom in on their images and work in small sections.
• The Intuos 3 6x8:  Is our most popular model and works well for most users.
• The Intuos 3 6x11:  Is for those who are working with a wide screen display or multiple monitors.
• The Intuos 3 9x12:  Is for those who need a larger workspace.
• The Intuos 3 12x12:  Is for those who need a larger workspace and has a transparent overlay for easy tracing.
• The Intuos 3 12x19:  Is for those who are working with a wide screen display or mulitiple monitors and need a larger work space.  It also has a transparent overlay, for easy tracing.

For the amateur artist & photographer...I recommend a Graphire 4.

This model has half the pressure-sensitivity of the Intuos 3, but is wonderful for editing photos, annotating documents and creating digital artwork.  You can comfortably jot notes, sign your name, sketch quick diagrams, and communicate more personally.  It's available in 2 sizes and comes in your choice of Metallic Blue, Silver or White.  It also comes with this great software bundle:  Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3.0, Corel Painter Essentials 2, nik Color Efex Pro 2 GE, Evernote Plus, JustWrite Office 4.

• The Graphire 4 4x5:  Is our most cost-effective tablet.  It's a nice model, for those who like to zoom in on their images and work in small sections.
• The Graphire 4 6x8:  Is our most popular size and works well for most users.

For those who want wireless freedom...I recommend a Graphire Bluetooth.

This model has all the features of the Graphire 4...but it offers up to 30 feet of wireless freedom and is only available in the 6x8 size.  It also comes with this great software bundle:  Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3.0, Corel Painter Essentials 2, nik Color Efex Pro 2 GE, Evernote Plus, JustWrite Office 4 and ritePen 2.5.

• The Graphire Bluetooth 6x8:  Is only available in this size and works well for most users.

For those who need a Serial connection...I recommend an Intuos 2.

The Intuos 2 tablets have the same pressure-sensitivity as the Intuos 3 model, but they feature menu strip buttons, instead of Express Keys and Touch Strips and they are the only model to offer a Serial connection.  The Intuos 2 is being discontinued by Wacom, but you may be able to find some listings for this model on eBay (either new or used).  It comes in these sizes: 4x5, 6x8, 9x12, 12x12 or 12x18 and should include this great software bundle:  Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3.0, Corel Painter Classic, penPalette by nik multimedia and Wacom Brushes 1.0.

For those who want to work directly on their computer screens...I recommend the Cintiq.

Wacom's Cintiq interactive pen display combines the advantages of an LCD monitor with the control, comfort, and productivity of Wacom's "Penabled Technology". When you're using a Cintiq, you work with the pen directly on the screen. This allows you to take advantage of your natural hand-eye coordination, to work more quickly in any software application. There is little or no learning curve, because of this natural "pen-on-paper" work approach.  You won't find these expensive tablets on eBay very often...which is just as well, because you should probably purchase such a valuable item, directly from Wacom...to ensure a top-quality item and complete warranty coverage.

• The Cintiq 21UX: has a 21.3" high resolution screen and the MSRP is $2,999.00.
• The Cintiq 17SX: Has a 17" high resolution screen and the MSRP is $1,799.00.

For those who have a Linux based operating system...

There is an open source 3rd party driver for Linux that supports Intuos 2 & 3, Graphire 2, 3 & 4 and Cintiq as well as older Wacom tablets. Wacom is supporting the development of this driver by providing the programmers with necessary information and sample tablets for testing.  To find out more about the Linux drivers, please visit Wacom.com and type the term "Linux" into the search box (without the quotes).  You will be directed to a page that will tell you more about the Linux drivers.

If You Would Like To Donate Your Old Tablet To A Worthy Cause...

Through Wacom, your gently used pen tablets and interactive pen displays can help make a difference in someone's life. The "National Cristina Foundation" and Wacom have partnered to provide technology to people with disabilities, students at risk, and economically challenged adults and children. Your donation will be directed to schools and charities that specialize in training these people to lead more independent and productive lives.  Please visit Cristina.org to find out more.

I Hope You Found My Guide Helpful!

If so...please cast your vote below.  If not...feel free to contact me.  I will appreciate your comments or suggestions, on how I can improve my guide.

Thanks for stopping by!