P-Active 19 LCD Monitor Pen Tablet For Professionals XPC1910A Review

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(More customer reviews)I read others reviews about the Jumpiness of the pen on the monitor. In my experience, this is related to the batteries in the pen either being not installed straight, and making good contact in the pen, or the fact that the batteries in the pen are of poor quality or just too dead to work properly. Once I changed the batteries to a new fresh battery, it went back to working perfectly. I don't think it is fair for others to leave a review like the one stating the pen is poor quality and hard to use, is fair, without attempting to fix it first. Cleaning the screen, will not fix an issue of the pen jumping. I have also noticed sometimes an issue, if you have a mouse hooked to the computer, at the same time, as you should be using the pen on the screen. *NOTE* this problem was rarely experienced though, and most often noticed when the pen batteries were low enough, to allow the main mouse of the computer to cause issues overriding the pen / drivers. I have had NOTHING but great experiences with this product. I have used it for Modeling 3D Models, including Prefabs, and painting using several different paint programs, such as [...], Smooth Draw 3, Corel Painter Essentials 4, Adobe Photoshop, and PSP. I have used 3D modeling apps such as: 3DS Max 7, Maya, Lightwave 3D, Fragmotion3D, Milkshape3D, Caligari GameSpace, TrueSpace 7.6, CB Modeling Pro Beta, I also make regular use of it inside 3D Model Painting Applications such as: 3D Coat 3.3 beta 09, BlackSmith 3D, Tattoo, I also use it inside various Game Engines Such as: 3D Game Studio A6, A7, A8, First Person Shooter Creator 9, X10, Torque Game Engine Advanced, 3 Impact, 3D Rad Pro 6.49 Donators Edition, Blitz3D, GLBasic, Dark Basic Pro, Dark GDK, Construct, Game Maker 8.0, Unity3D, Game Editor, older Torque Game Engine 1.5.2, Cartography Shop, Character Shop for character 3D Animation, Quark, 3D World Studio, Level Creation, along with Several Special In-House Created Tools.
While Using all of these, I have noticed very few errors, and most of them, were related to having the application settings, setup improperly. Once, either the drivers or application was updated, or I found where to change the correct settings, such as levels of pressure, and tablet sensitivity, it worked perfectly. I have put in 100's of hours of use, with this piece of hardware, and overall, I can tell you that it is WELL WORTH the money. I would NEVER go back to Modeling / Painting the old fashion way, with either a mouse, or even my Wacom ET Steel Blue Tablet. It works, but is no where near, as easy to use, as drawing straight on the screen, and what you see is what you get.
BTW: if you have issues while trying to calibrate this unit, read the manual, you don't calibrate it with the built in windows tools, but instead there is a tool for it, that comes with the driver / software you install for it, and can be accessed via the task tray icon. So, yea, if your a newbie, who doesn't read manuals, or doesn't want to work to learn how to use something advanced like this, then yes, maybe you should maybe NOT purchase a tablet monitor at all, this includes a wacom cintiq, trust me, I had more problems with my wacom then I ever had with this unit, and that should tell you something.
Thanks for listening, hopes this helps some of you graphic artists out there, make up your mind, as I would hate for you to read someone else's uninformed review about the pen jumping, and not get something, that you will truly enjoy and make your work much easier.. You can thank me later. Enjoy.

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XPC1910, from P-Active Corp. is a powerful LCD graphics tablet for professionals. The 19 inch color monitor displays 16.7 million colors at high resolution, 1024×1280 (SXGA). and provides a large workspace with an active area of 14.82(W) x 11.85(H) inches. The XP pen recognizes 1024 levels of sensitivity and simulates a real pen/paint brush/pencil/marker. A rear stand allows the display to be adjusted between 15° to 85° or folded down for comfortable lap use. The freedom to adjust means XPC1910A is a pen and canvas for every artist.XPC1910A offers the ability to draw directly on the screen. This uses natural hand to eye coordination like you would use if you were working directly on paper. This natural comfort allows you to express your own technique with precision and comfort. The P-Active tablet works great with many of the popular illustration/design software on the market today, such as Corel Painter 11, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCad, Maya, Zbrush, and any other 3D animation and Game Design Software. Tablet system is also compatible with Apple MAC/OS and Windows 7, Vista XP, 2000, 98. Even personalize emails and documents in Microsoft Office or MSN.

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Wacom Intuos3 9 x 12-Inch USB Tablet--Metallic Gray Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to say that after years and years of greedily drooling at the thought of getting a 9x12 Intuos tablet, I have finally purchased the 9x12 Intuos 3. And it's huge. Not HUGE like thick or heavy, just spacious. And so far I can't put it down. Really. I haven't cleared enough space on the desk. But then why would I want to? It doesn't get hot, it's the right size for a lap desk, and I can use it for most of what I do from 9 to 5. Except typing. Anyway here's my take on it:
-----------------------
SIZE
I'm moving up from the 4x5 Intuos 2 which will now live in my laptop bag. You may be just fine with a smaller tablet, and travel concerns may make this a little unwieldy. The full tablet is 3 additional inches on the left right and bottom sides around the 9x12" area, so it's a grand total of 17x13" in the bag. No big deal for anyone accustomed to carrying an art portfolio around. Stack two Intuos2/Graphire 4x5 tablets flat on top of each other, and that's about how thick it is. (If you're considering buying a 9x12 you probably have a few of these lying around)
TABLET & SCREEN AREA
if you don't like the overabundance of space, you can always limit the tablet area in the Wacom control panel to ANY dimensions up to 9x12, mapped to any area of the pad. I feel sometimes that I am moving my arm way too far all over this space for most of my work, so it's good to know I can reduce the physical tablet area controlling the entire screen to a 3x5 box in the corner. This particular feature is very good for "tracing" a photo or small object placed on the tablet and still drawing to the entire screen.
Likewise you can limit the amount of screen area the whole tablet can control. For VERY VERY precise control over a small screen area this is the best option. An alternative to zooming the image to work details. Also useful for avoiding accidental menu-clicks, and prevents the pointer from migrating into toolboxes or clicking scrollbars and other windows.
All this space does provide a fantastic level of control. It's just different. You realize how little you move the mouse most of the time to work on a computer when you start using your entire arm to work. Usually it's all about the flick of the wrist.
QUICKPOINT "VIRTUAL-TABLETS"
An added bonus I discovered (not on the smaller tablets to my knowledge) is the "Quickpoint" dual tablet feature. Two "virtual" tablets control the same screen. The lower left or right corner becomes a tiny 2x3 tablet, and the upper left/right opposite corner becomes a 7x9 tablet (approximately). The 2x3 gives you fast access to the whole screen with very little pointer movement, and the 7x9 gives you precision control. Two tablets in one!
WIDESCREEN / DUAL MONITOR SUPPORT
Happy to say it works very well with dual screens. You can span both screens using the full tablet, choose which screen to control exclusively, or reduce the functional tablet area to match the aspect ratio of spanned/dual monitors.
As far as widescreen monitor support, this tablet can automatically adjust the active area to match the aspect ratio of any screen. So if you are considering the 6x11 widescreen Wacom, remember this tablet can double as a 7x12 widescreen. I used a grey Sharpie to draw faint lines on the tablet surface to map out different screen ratios.
BASICS
USB of course.. Nice 8 foot cord so you can move around a bit, excellent for putting the tablet in your lap. Has a pretty blue light.
Thankfully the 1/2 "tracing overlay" is gone. Sorry to whoever was saying that was the primary feature for them.. In my experience it just gets dirt and coffee and whatever else you carelessly do to your tablet all stuck up in it. And if you accidentally crease it.. oh the pain...
STYLUS & NIBS
The grip pen is nice, bigger than the Intuos 2 pen and has a good weight, otherwise the same. The "6D" art pen actually has two tips inside the felt nib, but sometimes the tablet doesn't register both tips (critical to rotation data) unless you plunk the nib down FLAT on the tablet before you start your stroke. Without both tips active it just works like the grip pen.
The nibs are interesting, I haven't discovered how the springloaded "Stroke Nib" is so much different from the standard white plastic nib. Says it's "amazing" on the website but really.. ehh. But the "Felt Nib" is definitely different. Kind of makes me think of a Flair Pen. It has considerable friction against the surface and squeaks on the tablet like a marker. This is good if your hand isn't surgeon-steady or if you want slower more precise strokes, but it is a bit grabby if you press too hard. Draw lines with a Sharpie marker on copier paper with a little extra pressure and it feels about the same. My previous trick with the Intuos 2 was to tape paper on top of the tablet to add friction.
MOUSE
As for the 5D mouse, I think it's easier to use a regular mouse on the side. Although the extra surface area makes a mouse much more practical on this pad than it is on a 4x5.
The mouse will jitter and is act strange IF you don't put the tablet in "mouse mode." The software *should* just do that automatically, but sometimes it doesn't catch on. Once the mouse is specifically set to mouse mode in the driver settings it should stay in mouse mode any time it's on the pad, and can be moved relative to wherever screen pointer is just like a regular mouse. Otherwise in pen mode the mouse directly tracks the tablet precisely where you place it, and the screen pointer jumps to that spot--just like the pens. If you WANT you can put the pens in mouse mode, but again, weird.
MACROS
I use the Wacom mice mostly to run unrestricted macros that Microsoft and Logitech don't seem to want to let you run with their "programmable" mice these days. Think "QuicKeys" on a mouse. You can program an unlimited string of keystrokes and menu commands, and link the macros globally or restrict them to specific applications.
THE "EXPRESS KEYS"
(THOSE RECTANGLE THINGS ON THE SIDES)
You can program the left and right sets independently. Again, you have complete control of any method of macro you'd like to assign to any of the buttons. There is a whole list of options for each button and both scroll bars. So you have eight buttons and two scrolls to program to your heart's desire on the pad. IN ADDITION to simple button macros there is a "pop up menu" you can assign to any of the buttons. Just like a Windows Right-Click menu, it appears wherever the pointer is--only you have complete control of the menu content.
CONCLUSION
My only gripe goes to Adobe for disabling most of the stylus/pen features in Photoshop by default. It gets a little tiresome enabling size, opacity, tilt, and rotation for almost every brush..
As for everything else the tablet was meant to do different from a mouse, pressure sensitivity, tilt, rotation, high resolution tracking, lack of jitter.. it works fantastically. I'm just going to have to adjust to the huge 9x12 stroke. So give your Aiptek to someone you hate this Christmas, and hook yourself up with a Wacom!
Next up, Cintiq! Paycheck.. well, better job, paycheck, THEN Cintiq!
---------------------------
WISH LIST
Why do we have only one pointer (focus point) on the screen? Why not a dedicated pointer per-device now that USB makes the mouse addressable?
A "Wacom Glove" would be great. If I could put on a special glove or just little thimble-nibs and have fingertip control on this tablet they'd have one helluva product. Kids could fingerpaint!
In addition to that, is there any technical reason why given the right input device this thing couldn't function like one giant "touchpad" with surface area detection and everything? If the 6D can recognize two points simultaneously, what's the technical limit?
bye


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For the serious photographer, designer, and artist Intuos3 gives you the power to quickly and professionally edit photos and create digital artwork by turning on the full power of Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and over 100 other leading software applications.Intuos3 tablets now put ExpressKeys and Touch Strips right at your fingertips for convenient keyboard shortcuts, scrolling, zooming, brush size control, and more. Wacom's Penabled technology gives you the natural feel and superior performance of Wacom's patented cordless and battery-free tablet technology.You'll find that using an Intuos pen, mouse, and tablet gives you more control, comfort, and productivity. Alternating between the comfortable Grip Pen and the ergonomic five-button Intuos3 mouse reduces repetitive motion. It's an easy and natural way to work.

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Wacom Intuos3 SE 9x12 - Special Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)This was my first purchase of a tablet and I have to say, this unit really does the job. It's simple to learn, easy to use and in general makes any art project faster and more fun. Photoshop and Corel Painter X are the perfect combination. I also use Toon Boom, which is for animations (2D) and it works beautifully with this tablet as well.
On thing to remember, the 9x12 is a large unit, so it takes up a reasonable amount of space on your desktop.
Overall, I would highly recommend this product for anyone. Those new to tablets, or even art in general as well as professionals. Using a computer for orginal artwork, always felt a bit off. But now, I feel creative again. It allows me to feel in control of the brush strokes I make, and that...is a wonderful feeling!

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The Intuos3 9 x 12 provides working professionals with a working area of over 108 square inches. Large tablet active area provides greater cursor control, is well suited for use with large monitors, and provides ample room for expressive brush strokes. With a cool new look and valuable accessories, the Intuos3 SE promises to bring the work of digital content creation to a new level of enjoyment for the serious designer, photographer, and artist. Turn on the full power of Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and over 100 other leading software applications. Intuos pen tablet use Wacom professional pen technology to give you the natural feel and superior performance of our patented, cordless and battery-free technology. Intuos3 tablets run on both PCs and Macs.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 Pressure Levels -1,024 Resolution -5,080 lpi Maximum data rate -200 pps Accuracy -+- 0.01 Tilt range -+- 60Approximate Unit Dimensions -17.3 x 13.4 x 0.6

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Wacom DTK2100 21-Inch Pen Display - Graphics Monitor with Digital Pen Review

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(More customer reviews)The new 21UX (DTK-2100) is AWESOME!
Not only is it a nice looking device, but I could swear it sports a new LCD panel too (something that critics have panned about the new model as lacking... 5 year old technology, etc. I don't believe it). The firmware / OSD is definitely different, but the screen also seems a lot sharper with much better contrast, and without the washout issues that all the older 21UXs I've used before have exhibited. The new body has a texture similar to the 12wx, kind of a pebbled matte black. The new buttons are cool too, and them putting the touchstrips on the back like the 20wsx is also killer (no more hitting them with the side of your hand as you brush over them). The touch strip function toggle button is a great idea too. Overall, it's definitely a step up. I'm mixed about the lack of OLED labels for the buttons. While it would be "cool" for them to be there, I don't think it's as necessary as it is on the Intuos4, as you can tell what button you have your finger on without looking at it, since they're all angled in a unique way relative to each other. Of course, there's also the new digitizer. Can I tell it's got twice the pressure sensitivity? Well, for most of what I use it for (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Maya, ZBrush), I can't, but I can tell you that it does take a lot less pressure to get pixels flowing from the tip. The new stylus and stylus holder (with nib storage) are nice too!
Of all the Cintiqs I've played with over the years (18sx, 21ux, 20wsx, 12wx), this new 21UX definitely has the best first impression. I used a 21UX at work for years (both the original and the upgraded versions), and I never was interested in having one at home, mainly because of the screen contrast and color inaccuracy problems (the fact that the ones at work were on 24-7 for 4+ years probably didn't help them at all). All in all, in my opinion, this version is a huge improvement. I like it.

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Work directly on screen with the new Cintiq 21UX. The newly-redesigned Cintiq 21UX incorporates Wacom’s most advanced pen technology in a sleek, black, display, allowing photographers, designers, animators and other creative professionals to work naturally and intuitively directly on the surface of the large-format, 21.3” LCD screen. The Cintiq 21UX now detects 2048 levels of pressure, giving you even more control over pressure-sensitive pen effects such as line weight, opacity, and exposure. With Wacom’s new Tip Sensor, the pen now features a lower activation force that captures even the most subtle nuances of pressure. The ambidextrous design features rear-mounted Touch Strips, along with the accompanying Touch Strip Toggle Buttons, which give you control of up to four application-specific Touch Strip functions like brush size, zooming, canvas rotation and scrolling. Sixteen ExpressKeys (eight on either side of the display) boost productivity by providing quick access to keyboard shortcuts and modifier keys.

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