Web Design

As a Graphic Design firm we are regularly asked for our feedback on the most common resources and tools for our industry. So, in an effort to be helpful we have committed to publishing a regular series of articles providing our feedback on any new software or hardware we acquire going forward. In an attempt to visually represent our approval or disapproval of a product we created what we call the “PeppeRank Rating” system. Most recently we acquired a NIB [new in box] Wacom Bamboo FUN CTE450S from a gentleman that had listed it on our local Spacecoast Craigslist. As you may know, we pride ourselves in our ability to be thrifty and resourceful. So we regularly scavenge the likes of craigslist, ebay and (our secret) in an effort to find great deals. It’s not at all uncommon to find brand NIB electronics (ie. got it for a Christmas gift and didn’t need or want it). One man’s returned gift, is on another man’s wish list. Besides finding great deals, shopping through community based resources like craigslist allow small businesses to network with people from their local community. Anyhow, I digress. Let’s move on to the actual review.

7/7 6/7 5/7 4/7 3/7 2/7 1/7

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Product: Wacom Bamboo FUN CTE450S Tablet
Suggested Retail Price:$99.00

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Let’s start with the Wacom’s packaging. Discussing the packaging might seem silly at first. However, a product’s packaging can actually have a significant impact on the consumers initial perception of a product and in today’s market, perception is reality. In the Wacom’s case, the packaging is a neutral point and can be summarized as Sleek and Simple. Not necessarily under or over done. Although the exterior is rather plain, it’s clean use of typography, a rich black background and it’s subtle use of vibrant color in the Wacom logo, still gives it an almost elite feel. Their packaging is similar to the packaging deployed by apple for it’s iPhone Touch. Inside the box all of the components were individually wrapped in anti-static sleeves and safely secured in a space saving carton molded insert. The software that came bundled with the tablet was clearly labeled, making driver installation a breeze. Collectively the entire process of unpacking the tablet and installing the drivers took less than five minutes.

Once the device was installed it was immediately put into use via a full scale fast draw color exercise. The Wacom Bamboo features a 4″x5″ scratch pad and despite it’s small measurements, it is extremely effective at navigating even the largest of screens. In addition to the pad, the tablet includes a battery free pen and mouse plus valuable software to enable you to create your world. In addition to the writing area, the pad has 4 user defined Expresskeys that provide short-cuts for the most frequently used keystrokes and a Touch Ring for one touch scroll & zoom. The battery free pen is size appropriate and feels similar to holding a standard Sharpie brand marker which should feel natural for most artists. Beyond the comfortable feel, the pen offers 2 user defined side switches that assist in further simplifying navigation. In terms of capability the Bamboo has exceeded all expectations and with 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, accurately mimics physical drawing.

In order to test just how user friendly this device truly is, we asked Jill to take it for a whirl using GIMP as the application testing ground. Having never used a tablet device before this, we looked to her for feedback on her experience with the Wacom as a first time user of a tablet device. Here is what she had to say, “I think it’s comfortable, a little akward at first but, I was able to adapt and get comfortable with it quickly, like literally in minutes. So there really isn’t much of a learning curve making it quite easy to use as a beginner. I want one!”

The ease of use that Jill describes, is considerably impressive when you consider just how powerful this device is in the hands of a professional. As part of this review I decided to take the Wacom through it’s paces by creating a digital rendering of a recent pencil sketch I did. The response of the Wacom is amazing, the pressure to opacity response felt incredibly natural. The pen itself sports 2 buttons with a teeter totter like action that feels very natural in term of finger positioning. In fact I’d have to say one of the biggest benefits to using a tablet are the ergonomics. Using a pen styled input device places the wrist in a more natural resting position reducing pressure on the nerves inside our carpal tunnel and reducing the risk of injury or strain associated with long term use of a traditional mouse. The zoom wheel is no exception to this rule. Its positioning is perfect and can be operated by simply extending your ring finger. Beyond it’s ergonomics the functionality of these features make working with the Bamboo feel almost instantly familiar and allows you to freely create as if you were scratching out a physical sketch.

PeppeRank Rating:

6/7