The Intuos 4 is the latest graphics tablet to hit Wacom’s professional range, but what does it have to offer?When you’re editing in imaging software it’s imperative to have precise control over your cursor movement and one of the handiest accessories that helps assist with this is a graphics tablet. From first glance you know the Intuos 4 is different compared to its predecessor, the Intuos 3. Placing the tablet in front of a keyboard shows off its new slimline design and shallow, sloping wrist rest. The sleek, black appearance, half matt, half gloss, presents an attractive finish, but it’s the improved feature set that makes it more user friendly.
Like the larger-sized Intuos 3 models, the Intuos 4 offers eight Express Keys. These are arranged into two groups of four on one side of the tablet and for the first time they have their own illuminated displays, which cleverly show the actual icon of the tool you choose to assign. This is a great feature, but unfortunately the illuminated displays are not part of the smallest Intuos 4 model, which has just six Express Keys. These are assignable in the same way, but the glowing icons have been left out.
One of the handiest new features is the multifunctional speed ring. It’s a bit like an iPod scroll wheel and allows you to zoom in, flick through Layers and control brush sizes at the touch of a button. It’s exceptionally good for speeding up editing workflow.
Elsewhere, Wacom has spent time refining the pen and brush control. The Intuos 4 offers better pressure sensitivity with 2,048 levels (double that found on the previous model), and there’s also 60º of tilt recognition for angled strokes. The pen reacts to the slightest pressure on the tablet, making it feel like you’re fully connected with the image you’re retouching. The pen comes with 10 extra nibs for different feels from felt tip to ballpoint, and these are neatly located in the pen’s stand. If you’re left-handed you needn’t worry, either, as the Intuos 4 is symmetrical so can be turned 180º.
The Intuos 4 is available in four sizes (S,M,L,XL) with prices starting from £199. If you’re in the market for a very high quality tablet it’s a great choice, but we’d be tempted to go for the M size to get the extra Express keys and the icons alongside. It is very expensive, but the natural feel, useful speed ring and customisable Express keys make it the most intuitive and comprehensive graphics tablet on the market.
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