The popularity of using widescreen displays with graphics applications on the computer has led to the inevitable leap toward widescreen tablets. Recently, Wacom introduced the world’s first wide-format pen tablet aimed at photographers, designers, and artists who are using multiple monitors or a widescreen display. While this tablet (or any tablet for that matter) may not replace a keyboard, I have to say it comes pretty darn close.
The Intuos3 6×11 features an active area and aspect ratio that’s a great match to the screen aspect ratio of either a widescreen display or two standard displays used together. With the exception of its size, the wide-format Intuos3 offers all of the same features as the other Intuos3 sizes, such as 1024 levels of tip and eraser pressure sensitivity; two sets of ExpressKeys that can be used for mouse clicks, modifier keys, and keyboard shortcuts; and Touch Strips for quickly scrolling and zooming.
If I had to pick one thing to watch out for, it’s the actual size of the tablet. The footprint of the Intuos3 6×11 is 16.5″ wide x 10.3″ deep. You’ll need to make sure it fits in your workspace. As my primary device, I tend to keep my keyboard in front of me, with the tablet off to the side. Using that setup, I had to travel quite a bit to my right side to use the entire tablet. Because hard-core tablet users will inevitably welcome the extra tablet space, however, the size of the tablet is a real selling point.
PRICE: $369.95
FROM: Wacom Technology
PHONE: 800-922-9348
WEB: www.wacom.com
FOR: Mac and Windows
RATING: 4 1/2
