Wacom Intuos4 (medium)

Pros: -Very short learning curve
-Extremely accurate and responsive
-Makes sketching on your computer very easy
-Slim and appealing design
-Good software included
-Completely changes the usability and functionality of photoshop

Cons: -Can be pricey
-instruction book does not fully explain all aspects

Summary: I just got this product and I normally do not review anything that I buy but I saw that there were no user reviews out when I was researching tablets. Let me first start out by saying that I am a college student (not studying graphic arts) and I am an amateur artist who is also into computers. I have never owned or even used a similar tablet before, so I don't have too much to compare it to besides other reviews I have read.

So with that said, I absolutely love this tablet. I have been using Photoshop for about 7 years now and have always had trouble trying to sketch things with my mouse (its nearly impossible) so when I heard about drawing tablets I was intrigued with the idea, and decided that I must buy one. First I was looking on ebay at the cheap (under $100) models and almost bought one right away. Then I started to do a little homework and read some reviews, and came to find that people were generally unhappy with the low end models. Almost everyone spoke highly of the Wacom tablets, especially the Intuos models. I was a bit shocked by the steep prices, even for the small 4x6 models sell for over $200, when the cheap ebay brands sell for less than $100 for a 12x9. But I really didn't want to go and throw away $100 on something that wasn't going to work the way I wanted. I also did not want to buy the small intuos4 for the fear that the active area would be too small and not allow me to draw freely. So I really focused in on the medium (5.5x8.9) model which retails for about $350. I liked what I read from people who reviewed other intuos tablets and started shopping around. And to my surprise, that very model is sold at my place of employment (a national consumer electronics retailer) and not only that, but with my employee discount, the price was over $100 less than sticker.. I purchased it without hesitation and I am very glad that I did.

First I installed the drivers and software included; Corel SketchPad and Autobook Sketch Book Express (I already have the latest version of photoshop so I didn't bother with the "elements" option. After that I wasted no time waiting to try it out, and right away I found it very easy and intuitive to use. I was originally concerned that it would be difficult to sketch without seeing what I was sketching on the tablet (like the $1500 Cintique model). I was amazed at how easy it is to draw while looking at my laptop monitor. I read reviews where people said it took a lot of getting used to sketching on the tablet vs pen on paper, and I completely disagree. I actually find it easier to do on the tablet, being able to hit a pre-programed button to go back and undo a line that didn't come out perfect instead of having to erase or start over with traditional mediums. Personally I am into car design, a lot, and have always enjoyed making new designs and sketches whenever possible. So I was very happy to find a product that enables me to sketch via my computer. like I said before, I am not a professional artist or graphic designer, it is more a hobby for me than anything. Some of the features I really like are; 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, allows you to vary the line thickness and darkness by pressing harder with the pen. I like the tilt recognition that changes the width and look of a line based on the angle of the pen. Also the programmable buttons with led labels are slick and make things easier especially the touch wheel that allows for quick zooming. I like that there is no lag when drawing and how easy it is to move the cursor by hovering the pen over the tablet. The different pen nibs that are included are nice and allow you to change the feel and performance of the pen.I like the pen itself, although it is a bit lighter than I was expecting, it's very comfortable and the eraser is awesome never mind the battery free operation. I don't want to sound like a Wacom sales rep but I really cannot find anything that I don't like or would change.

Overall this is an excellent tablet for anyone from an amateur artist like myself to a professional graphic artist to an architect using CADD software, the possibilities are endless. And looking back on my purchase, I would be just as happy if I ended up paying retail for it. I can see myself becoming a better artist using this tablet and that, to me, makes it worth every penny. I hope this review will help some indecisive consumers who are in the market for a product like this.