Wacom Graphire4 4x5 USB Tablet
 | Wacom Graphire4 4x5 USB Tablet (Silver) Wacom Date: na — $90.99 — Electronics Rating: |
I've been looking into picking up a pen tablet for years now. I do a lot of photo editing and occasionally do some artwork so I figured it would be better to have something with more precision than a mouse. I've never used a pen tablet before, and I've never seen another brand of tablet other than Wacom, but I decided to take a chance with the Wacom Graphire 4 4X5 tablet and I have been extremely pleased with the results.
The major concern I had about this tablet was the size of the "active area". Like I said, I had never used a pen tablet before so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I drew out a 4X5 square on a piece of paper and it didn't seem to be that bad. Practically, though, the 4X5 area is more than enough when using the pen, and frankly I don't see why anyone would need a bigger area unless you were going to trace 6X8 photos or had some other special reason for the larger size. The tablet itself is compact and lightweight, and the colored plastic of the tablet is covered with a protective clear plastic on which you make all the contact. The clear plastic cover can be removed and replaced (if they sell replacements), but It doesn't look easy to break. The tablet has two configurable buttons on either side of a scroll wheel. The USB cable might be a bit on the short side for some (4+ feet), but for my configuration it is perfect. The pen is also lightweight and sturdy with two configurable buttons and two usable ends - one for drawing and one for erasing. The mouse is also well made, but is too big for the tablet and isn't easy to glide across the surface. I don't know why they would include a mouse in this package especially since it barely fits in the active area, but it is a nice touch and adds to the value.
Performance-wise, I couldn't be happier. This tablet has done everything I wanted and more. It takes some getting used to and can quickly tire your arm and wrist, but the precision and control that you gain is well worth it. The software for the tablet is excellent, letting you customize just about everything so you can get the feel and configuration that suits you. Some have purchased these as a replacement to a mouse, but unless you have a special medical condition that requires you to do so I would not recommend it. If you don't have a need for precise control and accuracy like in a drawing program or photo editor then a pen tablet probably isn't a good idea for you.
The Wacom Graphire4 has exceeded my expectations in every area, and suits my purposes for drawing and photo editng perfectly. Anyone who is serious about drawing, editing photos or artwork or any other application that needs precision should look into getting one of these pen tablets.
I give the Wacom Graphire4 4X5 a 9/10
PROS:
- Lightweight and compact
- Very easy to install and use
- Lots of options and configurations to suit your needs
- Lots of extra software
CONS:
- Pen doesn't quite fit in the tablet pen holder
- Mouse is too big to be practical
- USB cable is a little on the short side
- May cause some arm and wrist fatigue at first
Value:
- At first glance the $90 price tag can be a bit much, but even for casual users like me the package is well worth it when you take into account the accessories and the quality graphic and photo editing software included. I bought mine from newegg.com for $85 + shipping. Some places sell these for over $100, but don't pay more than around $90.
