New Intuos4 professional graphics tablet delivers new proprietary pen technology and an elegant, ergonomic design loaded with new features.
CGSociety Hardware Feature
26 March 2009, by Paul Hellard
Wacom unveils the long anticipated Intuos4, a revolutionary new professional pen tablet delivering new features and unparalleled performance to professional artists. Inspired by members of Wacom’s professional community, the next generation Intuos is anchored by the Intuos4’s amazing new pen performance, capable of capturing the slightest nuance of pen pressure against the tablet surface, as well as offering 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Other innovative product modifications include a refined and intelligent industrial design that provides real advancements in looks, comfort and control. Specific workflow and productivity tools to savor include the shortcut and modifier keys with multiple customisable and application-specific profiles as well as the OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays beside the keys for quick reference.
All New Pen Performance
The Intuos4 Grip Pen features Wacom’s new proprietary Tip Sensor technology, offering users near-zero (one gram) starting pressure for the most natural feeling experience of any digital pen to date.
The Intuos4 pen delivers double the resolution of the pen’s pressure curve to further enhance feedback and expand the creative effects within software applications that support pressure sensitivity.
The Intuos4 Grip Pen also features a pressure-sensitive eraser and two customizable side switches (pen buttons) for setting commands such as double-click and right-click on the pen. For those who prefer a pen with a thicker barrel, a wide-body Intuos4 replacement grip is included with all Intuos4 pen tablets.
Breakthrough design
The ultra-slim Intuos4 pen tablet's new reversible (ambidextrous) design puts the 'shortcut' ExpressKeys in the ideal position for both right-handed and left-handed users. The ExpressKeys are conveniently located on one side of the tablet, making them easily accessible for the users’ non-dominant hand. To move from right-hand to left-hand operation, simply rotate the tablet 180 degrees and change the orientation of the illuminated icons within the Wacom Tablet Properties software.
Nick Pill, Art Director / Concept Artist at Rising Sun Pictures, was highly impressed with the unit when given a sneak preview.
His position at RSP involves designing props, creatures, environments and suppling finished film-ready matte paintings on feature films like ‘Wolverine’, ‘Harry Potter 6’ and ‘Terminator: Salvation.’
“I reckon the Intuos4 is an important professional upgrade and is an invaluable tool for my work,” he says. "I was particularly impressed that Wacom has turned the Touch Strip into a wheel on the new Intuos4."
Touch Wheel
“This Touch Wheel has a center button that changes its functions,” says Pill, “to either resize canvas, adjust brush size, rotate canvas (my favorite), and cycle layers. The last of the five settings brings up a customizable panel for prompting other applications, like email, web browser, music or whatever you'd like.
That was sweet and nicely designed. The major difference in the setup of the unit is the USB cable itself, which is removable at the tablet so you can choose to plug it in either on the right or left of the tablet,” said Pill. “This should help your work environment whether you are left or right handed, and most of all packs the unit up nicely if you travel with it.”
OLED Display
The Intuos4 has eight programmable application-specific ExpressKeys on either side. "There is an accompanying soft blue OLED display next to each key with a graphic to help you remember what you assigned to what buttons. You can also adjust the brightness of the OLEDs. Once assigned there are icons automatically updated on the tablet like the hand tool shows the hand symbol as seen in the Photoshop interface. Very nice touch," notes Pill.
Evan Shipard is a senior matter painter working on major feature films. He uses the Wacom tablets extensively in his work. In fact, he usually complements his Cintiq with an Intuos and uses the Cintiq as a second monitor. "This way," he explains, "I can focus on loose impressionistic concepts on the Cintiq and refined, detailed matte paintings with the Intuos."
Shipard has found the naturalistic drawing/painting process was most impressive. Images produced by Evan, like 'Red' (below), show his raw prowess, without any barriers. "There is no learning curve; it is very WYSIWYG. The combination of programmable buttons enables minimal use of the keyboard hotkeys when painting," he says. "The Intuos is essential for fine detail matte painting work and any digital operation that requires precision."
Intuos4 Innovations
A new weighted pen stand not only provides a convenient pen holder, but also functions as a handy twist-off storage compartment for a total of ten alternate and spare pen nibs. Standard, felt, stroke and flex nibs ship with the Intuos4, allowing users to simulate the feel of a variety of traditional art and design materials. “The new designed stylus pen was supported in a Batman style stand that with a twist opens to reveal an arsenal of different nibs to suit any situation,” adds Nick Pill. "I have never had the need to change nibs before. I'll be sure to go through the various and extensive new nib selection and see what they bring to the table."
Optional Mouse
If users have a task for which they prefer a mouse, the Intuos4 offers the most advanced, cordless, battery-free mouse that Wacom has ever produced as an optional accessory. A technology upgrade in the mouse allows the cursor to move based on both the direction and orientation of the mouse, delivering smooth and accurate tracking across the tablet surface. Each of the five buttons and the scroll wheel can be customised by the user.
Noteworthy Accessories
Intuos4 owners are encouraged to take advantage of some additional tools. For example, the Art Pen turns on the barrel rotation feature within such applications as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Corel Painter X to deliver natural brush effects, much like a calligraphy pen. The Intuos4 Airbrush offers users the ability to create and define paint patterns within certain creative programs.
The Intuos4 is available in most locations and comes in four sizes to meet varying workflow and workspace requirements – Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.
