Wacom Intuos4 Professional Pen Tablet

Reading this, or my previous Intuos3 review, one might say I am biased for Wacom’s products. Yet the quality of Wacom’s tablets speaks for themselves. I’ve used the Intuos3 for years now, it was my first pen tablet, and it has set a high standard for any tablet I would use or recommend.

The Intuos4 has exceeded my expectations and introduced the next steps up in tablet functionality. As was to be expected, Wacom didn’t disappoint. Despite the minor nuisances I came across, the Intuos4 has proven to be a stunning product and an excellent successor to the Intuos3. I love the wider active panel on the tablet as well as the new pen with its slim design and higher pen sensitivity. I’m still unsure about the pen nibs, though, and may update on those in the future.

Price-wise, the Intuos4 design series are somewhat costly, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The Intuos4 medium size, the tablet reviewed here, runs for $349.00 USD at the Wacom eStore. The price may seem steep, yet you get to pick a software bundle, which can total over $100 worth of software. Corel Painter Sketch Pad alone is priced at $119 USD on Corel’s website.

I do have to say that if you own an Intuos3 weigh the pros and cons before rushing off and purchasing the new Intuos4. I say this not to affront the Intuos4, because it is brilliant, but to give current Intuos3 users something to consider. If you use your tablet for general hobby use, basic drawing and photo editing, and not for professional purposes then the newer features might not warrant you to rush out and buy one; at least not today, anyway.

Intuos3 is still a great tablet. Of course if you want to upgrade to the next level and absolutely cannot live without the new features, especially the fantastic new pen pressure level, then by all means run and grab yourself one. I assure you won’t be disappointed.

For those just coming into contact with tablets, shopping around for a good one, I say look no further. The Intuos4 is a superb artist’s tool and would bolster any artist’s repertoire. I highly recommend it.

Pros
• Wonderful for any artist, professional to general users.
• Mac and PC compatible.
• Cordless/No Battery pen and mouse technology.
• Generation 2 technology, with 2048 levels of pen pressure.
• Programmable Quick Keys with LED lighted labels.
• Programmable Touch Ring.
• New pen base with tip (nib) storage.
• Removable USB cord.
• Great software bundle.

Cons
• Pen’s standard nibs seem to wear down fast.
• Tablet color can make smudges and dust highly noticeable.
• USB ports could possibly be bent or stripped out.
• New Mouse and Pen for the Intuos4 are only compatible with the Intuos4 series tablets.
• Bundled software available is dependent on buyer’s region. Check Wacom’s website for details.

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Wacom Intuos4 Tablet