Face it: trying to draw with a mouse is like painting with a bar of soap. While programs for painting can do everything but burp the baby, I've been stuck "inputting" my graphic endeavors with a clunky mouse. Digitizer tablets, which use a cordless pen on a pressure-sensitive pad, are a much more kinesthetic way to express my artistic muse. The only problem is most are either too big, too expensive, or both.
Except for Wacom's ArtPad. Cute as all hell, the 4- by-5-inch tablet fits easily on my desktop, works on both Mac and Windows machines, and, at US$199, it has the right price. No special technique is needed; if you've ever sketched with a pencil, you'll be able to use ArtPad.
When I hooked up ArtPad, my paint programs were transformed into truly useful art tools instead of semi-catatonic paint programs. Its 256 levels of pressure sensitivity (compared with the 120 levels of earlier pads) are invaluable for creating subtle effects with digital tools like the airbrush, charcoal stick, or chalk.
Another benefit is that you can use ArtPad as a mouse substitute for day-to-day operations, like word processing. And ArtPad's untethered construction is much easier on my wrist than a mouse. I've even set the device to control two separate monitors on my computer; I keep my floating tool palettes on one screen and use the other just for drawing.
My enthusiasm is tempered only by the cordless pen that comes with the pad. Lose it, and a replacement will set you back 60 bucks. But for a gem like this, I'll take my chances.
Digitizer tablets have been around for some time, but never in such an exquisite package. The ArtPad is a true rarity; it does everything it claims and is a bargain to boot.
The Wacom ArtPad ADB: US$199, replacement pens: $59.95. Wacom Technology Corporation: (800) 922 6613, +1 (360) 750 8882, fax +1 (360) 750 8924.
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