Wacom Intuos3

As with all graphics tablets, the first thing to get accustomed to when using Wacom's Intuos3 is the idea that it is mapped exactly to your display. Wherever you put the pen down on the tablet, the mouse pointer will jump to the equivalent space on the screen. This can be quite disconcerting at first but, once you get your head around it, the tablet is surprisingly intuitive.

The Intuos3 connects via USB and is first and foremost a drawing tool, so it's not ideal for controlling Windows; it is possible, but you end up clicking the wrong button more often than not.

However, Wacom does supply its own mouse that works when sitting on top of the table. This is useful if you're limited on desktop space. The tablet also has four customisable buttons on either side of the drawing area, and if you turn the pen upside down it acts as an eraser.

The supplied Corel Painter Essentials is an excellent starter program for getting used to a graphics tablet. The pen is capable of varying levels of sensitivity so, depending on how hard you press down, you get a different weight of stroke, and Painter's brush-based painting is ideal for this kind of work.

The pen is capable of every weight from the lightest of faint dabs to full-on lines of colour, and it comes with extra nibs that simulate harder and softer 'real' pens.

Given that the pen is a more natural tool than the mouse, it's not too hard to get good-looking pictures with the Intuos3 although, if you're innately unable to draw, it's unlikely to improve your talents. The price might put it out of reach of many amateur users but, for those looking to take a step up into digital painting, it's a very good solution.

Contact: Wacom Europe 0049 2151 36140
www.wacom.com

Specifications:

• Supplied with drawing pen, holder and three nibs
• Tablet mouse
• Drivers and Corel Painter Essentials 2
• A5 drawing area
• USB

See also:

Wacom Graphire 3 Classic

Is the artist in you handicapped by your mouse? Try this pen-based input device instead.  12 Jan 2004

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