A few months ago, I published on this blog Wacom Buyer’s Guide which was meant to help graphic designers, artists and photographers find out which tablet is best for them. All the information in there is still valid, except that Wacom released on September 27th a new line of Bamboo tablets.
Although the previous models have been replaced by three brand new tablets with a new design, the products retain similar features, as you will see below. So here’s what new and how it compares to the old models:
Bamboo Connect
See it on Amazon – $70 to $80
Size: Small (Active Area: 5.8×3.6)
Sensitivity: 1024 pressure levels
Color: Black and lime
What’s changed: The Bamboo Connect offers the exact same active area and pressure levels as the old Bamboo Pen. It works with a pen and this model does not come with the multi-touch feature. The Connect is really a redesign of the Bamboo Pen with no new features (sorry pals). It’s sexier, that’s pretty much it. It’s USB wired. It’s a good tablet for starters and it’s sold at a reasonable price.
Bamboo Capture
See it on Amazon – more or less $100
Size: Small (Active Area: 5.8×3.6)
Sensitivity: 1024 pressure levels
Color: Black and silver
What’s changed: The Bamboo Capture is the equivalent of the old Bamboo Craft; same size, sensitivity and color but brand new design and wireless option. It offers multi-touch input as well as pen option. The price is lower than the Craft by about $20. Otherwise, it’s all the same.
Bamboo Create
See it on Amazon – more or less $200
Size: Medium (Active Area: 8.5×5.4)
Sensitivity: 1024 pressure levels
Color: Black and silver
What’s changed: Combining pen and multi-touch features, the Bamboo Create is the new Bamboo Fun. New design, new wireless option. Slightly pricier than the Fun ($200 versus $160), it offers very similar (read identical) features. The Bamboo Create is a good tablet for artists who are looking for a medium-sized tablet more affordable than the professional Intuos4.
Happy or disappointed?
Are you disappointed or happy with Wacom’s new release? I personally am pleased by the new design and wirelessness but that alone is not enough to really impress me. But since I already own an Intuos4, Bamboos there’s little I would want from a Bamboo. What do you think?