We are big fans of Wacom's pen tablets have been for a long time. When it comes to photo editing in programs like Adobe Photoshop or creating works of art in Corel Painter there is just no better way to work. But, pen tablets go well beyond just these two uses. With software available today you can write notes on your Windows and Macintosh desktop, annotate documents in Microsoft Office and other such programs and so much more. I hear from a lot of people that they have completely replaced their mouse or trackball with a pen tablet. While I haven't went that far I do use both the pen and the mouse that comes with the Intuos tablets.

Recently I added a second video card and a third monitor to my computer, the third monitor is a 22-inch wide screen monitor and so I was curious about the tablets that Wacom has released for people with multiple monitors or wide screen monitors. These include the 6x11-inch Product Shot and the 9x12-inch. I was curious to see if they made any great difference for those of us with wide screen and/or multiple monitor systems. They do, the extra width allows you to move between two monitors much more quickly and easily (2 monitors being the standard for multiple monitor setups, at least for now) and for wide screen monitors the wider tablet is a much better fit allowing for a much more natural movement. While all of Wacom's tablets let you map the tablet surface to just about any size screen, it is nice having a tablet surface that is much closer to the size and shape of the wide screen monitor, or dual monitors.

Wacom's pen tablets are very well made, in fact of all of the tablet brands I consider Wacom the absolute best. Not only are their products cutting edge in the world of pen tablets but you can also rest assured that any program that supports a pen tablet will not only work with Wacom's tablets but work the best with Wacom's tablets. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, Microsoft Office and more are all designed to work the best with a Wacom tablet. While there are other brands out there that may be a bit cheaper, the support they have from companies like Adobe, Corel and Microsoft can often times be hit or miss. In fact any problems you do have with these other brands and software compatibility leaves you having to deal with the maker of the tablet, in the end it is up to them to make their product work with whatever software you want to use. This isn’t a problem with Wacom tablets because when a company add pen tablet support it is always going to work with a Wacom tablet.

While the pen that comes standard with the Wacom Intuos 3 tablets are very comfortable and besides including the pressure sensitive pen tip end with pen tilt there is also a pressure sensitive eraser and a two button rocker button that you can custom program using the Wacom driver software. The tablet itself includes two sets of four buttons (also custom programmable) and two touch sensitive strips that you can program for zooming, and other such tasks.

If the standard pen doesn't do everything you need then you can try out the two optional pen accessories Wacom offers for the Intuos 3 line including an Airbrush Product Shot with finger wheel to control ink flow, it also includes a pressure sensitive tip and eraser. You also have the 6D Art Pen Product Shot that offers you 360 degrees of barrel rotation, tilt capabilities, 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, a large grip and both hard plastic and felt nibs for different feels. Both of these accessory pens are fully supported by Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter.

Features:

• Tablet Dimensions: 16.5" x 10.3" x .6"
• Active Area: 6" x 11"
• Pressure Levels: 1,024
• Resolution: 5,080 lpi
• Maximum data rate: 200 pps
• Accuracy: +- .01"
• Tilt range: +-60º
• Easy to use. It's easy to use a pen tablet because every point on the tablet has a matching point on the screen. When you move your pen over the tablet, the cursor moves in precisely the same way on the screen. Where you touch your pen tip to the tablet is where you click.
• Pressure sensitivity. With 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, you can control your software tools by changing how hard you press the pen tip on the tablet. Using pressure sensitivity, you can dynamically control things like exposure, brush size, opacity, and more.
• Intuos3 Pen Tablet. The sloping, contoured palm rest provides comfort while you work. Adjust your cord position vertically or horizontally for greater workspace flexibility. The eight-foot cable allows you to kick back while you work.
• ExpressKeys Strategically placed programmable ExpressKeys are “chordable” and can be used for mouse clicks, modifier keys, open/run applications, pop-up menus, and keyboard shortcuts.
• Touch Strips. Finger-sensitive Touch Strips allow you to quickly scroll, zoom, change brush size, and more.
• Intuos3 Grip pen. With 1,024 levels of tip and eraser pressure sensitivity, the Intuos3 Grip Pen fits comfortably in your hand with a cushioned and contoured grip for a natural feel. The pen has a programmable DuoSwith and tilt sensitivity. It also comes with multiple nibs for a variety of “feels.” Keep your pen handy in the included multi-position pen stand.
• Intuos3 five-button mouse. The Intuos3 five-button mouse is ball-free and optics-free for smooth, accurate tracking. It's ambidextrous low-profile design gives you just the right feel. Five programmable buttons and a finger wheel give you added flexibility and control.
• Intuos3 Driver. Tablet driver software allows you to create universal settings for your pen and tablet or alter your settings by application for maximum productivity. An intuitive interface gives you detailed control so you can work exactly the way you want, personalize the way your pen feels, access your favorite keystroke combinations or optimize your work environment with flexible mapping.
• USB connection. Quick installation to your computer with USB connectivity.
• Technology. Patented cordless, battery-free technology for a natural feel and superior performance.

What's Included in the Box

• Intuos3 6x11 pen tablet
• Intuos3 Grip pen
• Intuos3 five button mouse
• Pen stand
• Replacement nib set: 1 stroke nib, 1 felt nib, and 3 standard nibs
• CD with Quick Start Guide
• CD with tablet driver software for installation
• DVD with valuable software

Software Included

• Adobe Photoshop Elements 4
• Corel Painter Essentials 3
• Nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE

Needs

• Windows Vista, XP, 2000, 98SE, Me, or XP
• USB port
• CD/DVD drive to install driver and included software
• Color monitor
• Internet access to download the Windows Vista Driver (if applicable)