New Wacom Intuos Tablets

: Wacom has revised the ergonomics and functionality of their new Intuos3 range of graphic tablets, which are due for release from today.
Designers have focused on three key areas: productivity, performance and customisation, and the new Intuos3 tablets are easier to use and more customisable than previous models. The tablets themselves feature a new design, with a high-gloss transparent surface and improved grip pen. New non-dominant-hand input capabilities provide added functionality for the user’s other hand via an on-board set of completely customisable ExpressKeys and Touch Strips, which speed up workflow by providing quick access to frequently-used functions. The ExpressKeys link with modifiers, mouse clicks and keystrokes, while the Touch Strips can be used for zooming and scrolling or actions like changing brush sizes in Adobe Photoshop, without having to move to the keyboard.

Horizontal and vertical resolution has been doubled to 5080 lines/inch, with a report rate of 200 points/second via a 12 Mbps USB connection. The Intuos3 comes with three types of pen nibs, including three standard nibs, a stroke nib that simulates a brush-like response and a felt nib that gives a more ‘pencil on paper’ feel. Users can customise all aspects of the pen, mouse and tablet operation with the Intuos3 tablet driver and add optional accessories, such as the popular Airbrush, Ink Pen and a refined five-button mouse. A generous software bundle is provided, including Corel Painter Essentials and nik Colour Efex Pro2 standard edition. Intuos3 tablets will be available in three sizes, with active areas of 4 x 5 inches (RRP $349), 6 x 8 inches (RRP $549) and 9 x 12 inches (RRP $749). Full product details can be found at www.wacom.com.au.