Bamboo (Small) Pen Tablet with Pen Only Review

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(More customer reviews)So i recently purchased a Genius tablet which i just returned and decided to purchase a Bamboo tablet instead. Now my goals for using a tablet are simple:
- Learn to use a tablet for graphic design\illustration
- Buy something that won't break after 2 weeks
- Buy something that can grow with me for a couple years
This tablet by far exceeds these very simple expectations and then some. I don't care about writing in documents, nor do i care about signatures etc... I care about using a tablet for one reason, drawing. From that point of view here's a list of pros\cons as they've applied to me:
Bamboo Pros:
- Small foot print absolutely ideal for on the go work or small spaces
- Very sturdy feeling! Genius tablet felt a little flimsy on my lap, this feels rock solid.
- Function keys up top are quite helpful
- Scroll wheel up top is awesome for zooming in\out great feature to have on the fly
- Pen holder is helpful so the stylus doesn't get dirty\lost\damaged
- Stylus is comfortable to hold and has a slightly "rubber" feel on the outside easy to keep a good grip
- Stylus comes w/ 2 buttons on the side that have assignable functionality
- Eraser on the top allows you to flip over & erase as you would a pencil
- Nib (tip of stylus that touches tablet) is replacable if need be (good since i've heard they can wear down over long periods of time)
- Stylus itself is battery FREE, AND, wireless, doesn't get much better then that
- Software is amazingly easy to install. Plugged in tablet, threw in CD, installed device drivers, didn't even have to reboot to use it. (A+ for Wacom having the easiest to install USB device i've ever owned)
- Easy to understand configuration software makes it very simple to customize the special function settings and stylus buttons.
- Movement is VERY smooth and fluid, i don't see any jitters at all while moving or drawing (and that's going through a USB Hub w/ 3 other devices connected to that
one hub, and a total of 5 other USB devices connected to this computer. All but 2 are currently in use)
- I can easily see this lasting me much longer than through my "beginners" years.
- Very sleek looking. (Lets face it looks go a LONG way w/ product happiness) Even the packaging was sleek, very remniscent of Apples product packaging, which in my experience has been some of the nicest in the industry.
Bamboo Cons:
- Small footprint = small drawing surface. Some may not like the smaller drawing surface! (It truly doesn't feel odd at all especially for a beginner.)
- Although the high gloss finish on top is very nice looking, it gathers dust real quick.
- Pressure sensitivity is only 512 levels it's slightly noticable but for a beginners tablet no worries.
- Eraser not pressure sensitive
- 2 buttons on stylus are VERY sensitive and they don't "click" like you'd expect. Just be careful it's easy to press one and not know it which can be frustrating.
That's basically it. I need it for one purpose, and thus far it's proving to absolutely exceed all expectations for that (and many other) purpose(s). So if anyone is thinking of getting into digital art, or if you're thinking of a gift idea for someone, this is absolutely my recommendation hands down!
Hope it helps,
Frank...

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With the natural feel of pen-on-paper, Bamboo plugs into your computer and makes it quick and easy for you to get your point across. Whether you're preparing a slide presentation or making a unique collage of your favorite photos, Wacom's newest line of pen tablets gives you more control with patented pen technology that puts the ability to personalize your work right in your hands. Now there's a simple, easy, and more natural way to bring your big ideas to life. Use Bamboo to transform your thoughts into powerful digital communications. Combine Bamboo with Mac Inkwell or Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 to handwrite email, enter text by hand anywhere typed text is accepted, navigate your desktop with a flick of the pen, and more. Precise control and 512 levels of pressure sensitivity on the pen Easy scrolling and zooming with finger-sensitive Touch Ring Patented, battery-free pen with customizable buttons for comfort and reliability Detachable USB cable unplugs from your computer and your tablet for easy storage and transport Resolution 2,540 lines per inch ExpressKeys -4 Includes one year warranty Approximate Unit Dimensions -7.88 (W) x 7.36 (D) x 0.3 (H)

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