Wacom Intuos2 Platinum Review

Overall 5.00 of 5 view all 2 reviews

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phoenixtears
Columbus, GA

Sure the tools don't make the artist, but it sure can help!

Mommy, Baby-toting-breast-feeding-artist, rough with my stuff, a busy professional, a gadget geek, a graphic artist, technically savvy, pc user

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Pros

precise, Buttons on pen, Buttons on tablet, Protective cover easy to clean, easy to use, easy setup, great for detail work, high quality product

Cons

pricey, small pad, sometimes hard to adjust to

DEC

2007

    As an artist I've always believed that it's not the tools you use to create art it's how you use them, but a wacom tablet really allows the transition from classical mediums to digital mediums to be much more smooth. Having used a pencil and paper the majority of my artistic life, using a mouse was really difficult especially when it's an old ball mouse. But, with a Wacom Intuos2 I can have a baby in my lap and still preform all the tasks I need to without fussing over a mouse and trying to be detailed.
    So what makes a tablet worth so much money? A tablet works just like a pencil or a pen instead of a mouse, you put your tablet pen to the tablet and begin drawing on your program of choice, the intuos2 comes with a trial of a few of my favorite programs, but several other programs recognize all the nifty things tablets can do. Specifically, a tablet has pressure sensitivity, in other words, if you press harder down on the pen point the harder the line is (and in some cases wider), if you gently tap the screen only a small light line will appear. And, certain programs will recognize when you turn the pen over and use it as an eraser, which, I can't tell you enough is fantastic.
    Wacoms all come with a very hand removable plastic plate that can be washed with regular soap and water, which comes in handy when you're trying to feed the baby near your computer. (Oh dear that's messy!). But not only can it be cleaned it can be replaced for much cheaper than buying a new tablet when it gets scratched up, I wouldn't recommend using any tablet without this handy guard.
    The wacom pen is not only comfy to use, it's also very very detailed, although pricey if you lose it. Replacing a pen can cost anywhere between $35 and $50 depending if you upgraded to the three button pen or not. Also, after repetitive use, wacom pen tips get worn down (what can you expect? They're only plastic!) and need to be replaced, but pen tips are much cheaper costing only $10-$20 for a pack of 5 (They're only plastic!).
    Having used a mouse for two years my husband bought me the 4x6 Intuos2 in Blue, (which by the way is a very pretty shade of blue) for only $75 when a new one can cost you between $95 and $150 depending on the retailer. If you see one going for under $95 make sure that it's in good condition before you purchase it and that it includes the pen and the mouse that comes with it.
    That's right, the Intuos2 comes with a cordless, wireless mouse that if placed on the tablet works just like a regular mouse, but much much more sensitive to movement. Sensitivity on all the products, tablet, mouse, and pen can be adjusted in the control panel.
    Tablets are useful in many ways, but if you're not a hard-core computer person and don't really draw all that much, maybe tablets aren't right for you. Tablets, in all shapes and sizes are expensive, especially Wacom tablets because you get the most value (I believe). But if you're not going to use it, don't waste your money on it. BUT! If you have a son or daughter who's really into art, or if you yourself are looking to upgrade to the next level in digital art, I really recommend this type of tablet, it's great for starting out with tablets and seeing if they're worth the fuss.