Archive notice: This article was originally published on March 25, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
With Intuos4, Wacom introduces a pen tablet system for professional use whose new functions and unique performance offer designers, photographers and artists entirely new possibilities. The next-generation pen tablet, conceived around suggestions from creative professionals in the Wacom community, impresses above all with its innovative pen technology, which registers even extremely light touches of the pen on the tablet surface and recognises a total of 2,048 pressure levels.
The intelligent design provides not only an even more attractive appearance but also greater ease of use and improved control. Special tools also allow workflow and productivity to be optimised. These include programmable keyboard shortcuts and toggle buttons with integrated OLED displays showing the current function assigned to each button.
The Pen with Entirely New Capabilities
The Intuos4 Grip Pen uses Wacom’s new proprietary Tip Sensor technology. The smallest amount of pressure the pen recognises approaches zero (one gram). Its extreme sensitivity allows even the lightest touches to be used when writing, drawing and designing, producing the same writing and drawing feel, response and result as traditional pen and paper.
The Intuos4 pen also distinguishes 2,048 pressure levels, doubling the pressure-sensitivity resolution of the previous series. This improves Intuos4’s responsiveness and expands the creative possibilities in software applications that support pressure sensitivity. The Intuos4 Grip Pen offers a pressure-sensitive eraser and two freely programmable side switches that can execute commands such as a double-click or right mouse click. For users who prefer a pen grip with a thicker body, a replacement grip in a thicker version is available as an accessory.
The ergonomic design makes the ultra-slim Intuos4 pen tablet an ideal tool for creative work with digital media. Thanks to its new reversible design, all controls are optimally positioned for both right- and left-handed users: to switch from right- to left-handed use, the user simply rotates the entire tablet by 180 degrees and uses the Wacom driver software to align the illuminated icons accordingly. The ExpressKeys are located on one side of the tablet, allowing them to be operated comfortably by the non-pen-holding (non-dominant) hand.
The application-specific ExpressKeys allow users to place their most frequently used commands within reach of their fingers, making a significant contribution to improved workflow and higher productivity. The ExpressKeys are located immediately beside the working area – both practical and convenient, as this minimises the time users spend operating the keyboard. The illuminated OLED displays are new (not included on the Intuos4 S). They keep users informed of the current functions assigned to the ExpressKeys. Because assignments can be application-specific, the display changes as soon as the user switches to another application.
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Also new is the customisable Touch Ring. It can control up to four different functions in any application. A button in the centre of the ring switches between functions such as zooming, scrolling, adjusting brush size, moving the “canvas” and selecting different layers. The current position of an LED on the surface of the Touch Ring indicates the function being used.
Individual Software Package
Intuos4 users can choose between several high-quality software packages to suit their individual needs. Once the pen tablet has been installed, solutions from industry leaders such as Adobe, Autodesk and Corel are available to choose from. Intuos4 users also benefit from significant upgrades to the powerful, user-friendly driver software: new features include precision mode and radial menus. In precision mode, the display of the pen tip on the screen moves at a slow-motion pace, enabling particularly precise work. This function is active while the corresponding ExpressKey is held down. Releasing it returns the user to normal mode. The radial menus use a hierarchical menu display to allow frequently used functions to be activated quickly. Individual functions can be tailored to users’ needs or combined into groups.
Intuos4 Accessories
A newly balanced pen holder not only provides convenient and safe storage for the pen but also, when unscrewed, offers space for additional pen nibs and the nib removal tool. Intuos4 comes with standard, felt, brush and flexible nibs. These allow the drawing and writing behaviour of various traditional drawing tools to be simulated.
An Art Pen is also available, whose rotation function enables natural brush effects in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Corel Painter X – just like a calligraphy pen. The Airbrush, also available, allows spray patterns to be created and defined in certain creative applications. There is also the Classic Pen and a cordless, battery-free Wacom mouse.
“Intuos4 is a truly intelligent pen tablet, precisely tailored to the needs of creative professionals with significantly higher pen performance and numerous carefully considered details,” says Guido Möller, Product Manager Professional Products at Wacom Europe. “We listened closely to the professionals in our community and can now offer them – and everyone else – a sophisticated pen tablet full of new technologies and functions. This gives users even better opportunities to realise their creative ideas to best effect”.
Intuos4 is available from 25 March 2009 in four sizes, each meeting different workflow and workspace requirements: small (Intuos4 S: 224.90 euros), medium (Intuos4 M: 369.90 euros), large (Intuos4 L: 479.90 euros) and extra large (Intuos4 XL: 799.90 euros). All prices include VAT.
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