Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is the first Wacom tablet that I know of to "cut the cord." The Graphire Bluetooth 6x8 provides unparalleled fun and utility to any user with a Bluetooth-equipped computer. I bought mine for two reasons: I have a Bluetooth-capable Thinkpad T43 so I didn't need a cable, and I'm developing some repetitive stress disorder, so using a pen is appealing.
This model is just the right size if you want good precision control in Photoshop (or Photoshop Elements 3.0, included) and Premiere, and is about the size of most laptops, so it's easy to take along. The clear pen stand holds the pen handy, and fits into the top notch. Complaints about the pen's use for regular computing are reasonable, as it's not really suited for "point and click" computing. It's a pen. The included mouse takes over, but purchasers should be aware that this is NOT a Bluetooth mouse! The mouse and pen are battery-free, and work only with the tablet.
If the included pen feels light and insubstantial, chalk it up to being a portable tablet solution. Fortunately, the Graphire4 pen (available separately in blue, white, and silver) works with this tablet. Price for the Graphire4 pen starts at $30 depending on where you buy it. Likewise, Wacom sells a pen leash, carrying case (the Intuos3 6x8 carrying case), replacement nibs and extra stands, should you need some.
The run time of the included LiPoly battery is claimed to reach 25 hours on a charge, and I've clocked close to that. Connection is simple, but you should know that if you connect it to ONE computer, if you take it to use with ANOTHER computer, you have to perform the initial connection routine with the first computer again later. Takes all of about a minute or two.
The tablet has a removable clear frame so you can customize it with your own photos. The CD includes sample JPEG backing sheets, and blank templates in JPEG and Photoshop .PSD format, so you can easily create your own custom tablet decoration in any illustration program, and drop your art into the Photoshop template. The included PDF manual is superb.
You have to bear in mind that if you're not buying an Intuos3, you're buying one of Wacom's entry level, consumer tablets - don't expect a Aston Martin when you're paying Acura prices. In all, if you want to invest a little bit in your digital art capabilities, not deal with USB or serial connection, then this tablet is a very good entry level addition. See my photos for further illustration of the Graphire Bluetooth in action.
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2009 Update:
In practical use, I found that from time to time there's an appreciable delay in the response of this tablet. Enough so that it could be quite annoying in Photoshop, so I resorted to using wireless (or wired) mouses. I've also found from time to time, the cursor onscreen starts to wander by itself, react unpredictably from my stylus movement, and I have to turn the tablet off and then on again to re-connect. In ordinary computing, this can be annoying. In Photoshop, it became outright disruptive. I can't lower my rating with this review, but I would now downgrade this product to THREE (3) STARS. Wacom should stick with wired tablets.
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If you're a designer or artist who demands greater control over your digital work than is possible with a mouse, or a computer user who suffers from repetitive strain injuries, the Wacom Graphire Bluetooth 6x8 Tablet is here to save the day. With the alternate use of the extraordinarily accurate pen -- about the same size as an average ballpoint pen -- and mouse with three programmable buttons, you'll never be forced to rely solely on your mouse again. You'll greatly enhance your accuracy and significantly reduce the strain on your wrists.The Wacom Graphire Tablet will also allow you to expand your creativity in leaps and bounds. Whether you're a professional designer or an aspiring artist, you'll be able to exact incredible control over your manipulation and editing of digital photos. Compatible with any software that your mouse works with, and both PC and Macintosh compatible, the Wacom Graphire Tablet works up to 30 feet away -- wirelessly from your computer. Draw, paint, create artwork for CDs/DVDs, sign your name, and annotate documents in Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft PowerPoint -- whatever you can do with your standard mouse, you can do with far greater accuracy and creativity on the tablet. You can even write directly in Microsoft Office XP and with Apple Inkwell. With both the Wacom pen and mouse, you'll have the right tool for any task.With this Tablet, along with the free included copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and Color Efex Pro 2 GE software by nik multimedia, you'll be able to enhance your digital photos like never before. When it's time to try your hand at some free-hand drawing, the Graphire pen and the amazing capabilities of Painter Essentials 2 by Corel (also included) will be waiting for you. The Graphire pen is pressure-sensitive so you can control the amount of a software tool's effect by varying how firmly you press the pen tip to the tablet. Because every point on the tablet has a matching point on the screen, and featuring 512 levels of pressure-sensitivity for natural brush control, the pen couldn't be any easier to use. When you move it over the tablet, the cursor moves in precisely the same way on the screen, giving you unprecedented accuracy.The Graphire Cordless Mouse features cordless, battery-free technology, which means it's 100 percent hassle-free. The scrolling finger wheel allows for easy navigation and also functions as a third programmable button. With no ball to gum up, you'll always be ensured of smooth, accurate tracking.An included rechargeable Lithium Polymer tablet battery gives you up to 25 hours between charges, and a universal power adapter permits simultaneous tablet charging and comfortable use. Included with the tablet are Adobe Photoshop Elements 3, Painter Essentials 2 by Corel, and Color Efex Pro 2 GE from nik multimedia.What's in the Box Pen tablet, pen, pen stand, mouse, rechargeable tablet battery, universal power adapter, driver software, user manual, and software on CD-ROM.
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