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Wacom Software

The Wacom Control Panel provides application-specific customization options for the ExpressKeys and touch ring, as well as the pen buttons and multi-touch gestures. Compared to the slick, modern appearance of the hardware, the Wacom Control Panel always seems clumsy and utilitarian, but it does the job adequately.

Intuos5 introduces a new heads-up display as described above for quickly viewing ExpressKey functions.

By assigning "Show settings" to one of the buttons, you can open another screen overlay which shows all assigned functions for the ExpressKeys, touch ring, pen, and multi-touch. This screen also provides shortcuts for opening the Tablet Control Panel to change settings.

The Tablet Properties Control Panel now includes options for customizing the multi-touch behavior. Intuos5 supports several standard gestures which can each be enabled and disabled on a per-application basis. Touch input can also be completely enabled and disabled from one of the ExpressKey buttons. You can designate up to five additional gestures using three, four, and five fingers. I was expecting a bit more flexibility here--for instance, I would have liked to remap the swipe gestures for more than two fingers instead of being confined to the default behavior for these gestures.

Since Intuos4, the software offers a radial menu in place of the pop-up menu for quick access to commands in a more pen-friendly format. Also retained is the display toggle setting for use with multiple monitors, and a precision mode which drastically slows the cursor motion for improved control.

Intuos5 users also receive access to several creative software applications and other special offers including:

• Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 for Windows and Mac
• Anime Studio Debut
• AutoDesk SketchBook Express
• Nik Color Efex Pro 4 SE
• Corel Painter 12 90-day trial

Technical Specifications

• Windows and Macintosh compatible
• Color: Black
• Maximum data rate: 200 pps
• Multi-finger touch enabled
• Pen accuracy: +/- 0.01" (0.25 mm)
• Pressure levels: 2048
• Resolution: 5080 lines per inch
• Tilt Sensitivity: +/- 60 degrees
• 2-year warranty

Conclusion

Less-expensive graphics tablets are available from other manufacturers, but Wacom is deservedly the leader in this field. Wacom's advancements in technology, technical support, software features, and longevity as a company are unequaled.

The Intuos5 is not a ground-breaking improvement over the Intuos4. If you already own the Intuos4 and you're not interested in multi-touch or wireless capability, there is little incentive to upgrade. However, Intuos5 is a significant improvement over Intuos3 and it would be well worth the investment to make that jump.

If you spend long hours working with graphics software, a graphics tablet is an essential tool, and the Intuos5 is an investment that will pay off many times over. Non-professionals may prefer the less-expensive Bamboo pen tablets, but if you want the best, the Intuos5 is as good as it gets, aside from a Wacom Cintiq pen display.



Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.