The Wacom tablet has long been the gold standard for external graphics tablets for graphic artists and others. The tablets can be used for a variety of purposes that need precise control over the screen that only a pen can provide. The company’s Intuos4 line of tablets has received a new addition that may appeal to mobile professionals needing to make use of a wireless peripheral.
The new Intuos4 wireless tablet is the same as the medium wired version that has been available for a while. This model has a small (8×5 inch) active area that provides a Wacom pressure sensitive active digitizer for use with the pen. There is also a wireless mouse accessory that can be used with the tablet for standard mouse control.
The new wireless model connects to either Windows PCs or Macs via Bluetooth, and uses a rechargeable battery that is charged via USB. The tablet can be used while charging, a nice touch. The ability to work wirelessly could be a boon to mobile workers wishing to cut the cord for simpler work sessions. I know my brother the draftsman has long wished for a wireless graphics tablet to make use with a notebook. I’ll have to ask him if he thinks this is worth the $399 price tag.
It is… the wired version is only around $50 cheaper and the weight seems to be the same.
I noticed no mention of battery life, though.