Comparison Wacom Intuos Pro Large 2013 vs Wacom Intuos4 L

Regular way to connect a tablet to a computer.

— Wired. Wired connection, usually via a USB port. This method is not very convenient: the wire limits the maximum distance from the tablet to the PC, and sometimes it has to be pulled to hard-to-reach places (for example, if the system unit is installed under the table with ports to the wall, and there are no available connectors on the front panel). On the other hand, in most cases, these inconveniences are not critical, and the wired tablets themselves are not as expensive as wireless ones, and besides, they do not require their own power supply.

— Wireless. Wireless connection can be carried out in two main ways — either via technology or via a dedicated radio channel. The first option is convenient because the tablet can be connected to any computer with Bluetooth — for example, a laptop or monoblock — without the use of special adapters; however, if there is no Bluetooth module in the computer, you will still need an adapter, and you will have to buy it separately. Models connected via radio, by definition, are equipped with an adapter and work only through it. Anyway, wireless tablets are more convenient than wired ones: the communication range usually reaches several metres, which allows you to freely move away from the comp...uter (for example, draw in your favorite chair, holding the tablet on your lap). On the other hand, these devices are significantly more expensive, require their own power supplies, and have limited battery life.

— Wired/wireless. Models that support both of the connection options described above. Thus, they combine the advantages and partly compensate for the shortcomings of wired and wireless models. So, when the user is sitting right at the computer, the tablet can be connected with a wire and save battery power, and if freedom of movement is needed, the device can be disconnected and use a wireless connection. However, these models are not cheap.

- microUSB. A smaller version of the USB connector designed for portable devices. Currently it is losing ground to the USB type C interface with a more convenient symmetrical contact group.

- miniUSB. Almost the same interface as described above, which differs only in the size and shape of the connector.

— USB A. Standard (full-size) USB connector used to connect the device to a computer and other external devices.

— USB C. A miniature version of the USB connector, gaining popularity and in the future capable of displacing microUSB. The interface has a high data transfer rate, and most importantly, it is symmetrical, so the plug can be connected to either side.

- Branded. A connection connector that does not belong to generally accepted standards and is used to a limited extent - in models of one or several manufacturers. However, due to general standardization, this option has practically disappeared from the scene.

The ability to work on a graphics tablet with your fingers — just like on the touch screen of a smartphone or tablet PC. Touch input can be useful both during "non-working" hours (for example, if the tablet is used as a touchpad for a PC), and when drawing, to implement some specific techniques. At the same time, note that the accuracy of typing with a finger is much lower than when using a pen.

The height within which pen movements above the working surface are recorded by the tablet electronics even in the absence of direct contact.

Many tablets allow you to work in a "non-contact" way — without directly touching the stylus to the work surface. Thanks to this, it is possible, for example, with a raised pen to bring the cursor in the graphics editor to the desired point and turn on the drawing mode by touching the tablet with the stylus. And the greater the maximum reading height, the more convenient it is to use this mode, the less demanding the tablet is for the accuracy of movements. In many modern models, this parameter exceeds 10 mm.

The resolution of the graphics tablet's working area, expressed in lines per inch (lpi). The parameter includes the density of sensors on the tactile surface of the device per inch. It is these sensors that recognize the signal upon contact with the pen. The higher the resolution, the more accurately and in detail the movements of the pen across the working area of the tablet are transferred. This ensures the creation of objects with a high degree of detail.

The simplest devices are characterized by an indicator of 2540 lpi. The “golden mean” is 4000 lpi. And in professional graphics tablets the a resolution of 5080 lpi can be found. Moreover, it is important to take into account that higher accuracy significantly affects the cost of the device.

- Mouse. Availability of a computer mouse included with the tablet. Note that such an accessory can be useful even if you already have a mouse: tablet mice are usually specialized models that are distinguished by high accuracy and/or advanced functionality and are well suited for working with graphics. However, it wouldn’t hurt to clarify the specific capabilities of the mouse separately.

— Replaceable pen nibs. The use of such accessories is connected with two points. Firstly, the stylus tip is usually made quite soft so that when working with the tablet, it is the pen that is erased, not the touch surface. Secondly, specialized tips are produced for styluses that allow you to simulate the sensations of using various artistic tools - felt-tip pens, brushes, etc. Accordingly, the delivery package may include both spare tips of the same standard type and tips of different designs; This point should be clarified separately. However, in any case, such a set will be useful for those who draw often and a lot.

— Pen holder. In accordance with the name, this device is used to secure the pen during non-working hours - so that the stylus does not get lost and is always in a clearly defined place. Note that the holder can be made either as a part on the tablet body (for example, a hinge), or as a separate device that can be mounted in a convenient place on the tab...le. In addition, it can have seats not only for the pen, but also for replaceable nibs for it, if they are provided in the kit (see above).

- Glove. The kit includes a special glove made of lycra or other similar material. The glove reduces friction between the hand and the active area of the graphics tablet, providing a smooth glide while working and helping to avoid hand marks. As a rule, such “clothes” are designed for two fingers (little finger and ring finger). And the fingers that hold the pen for drawing remain free.

- USB receiver. A device found in models with wireless or combined connections. Such a receiver is connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop, and communication via a radio channel is carried out through it. However, this accessory can also be found in Bluetooth models - in them it plays the role of an adapter for equipment that is not equipped with its own Bluetooth modules.

Power supply methods provided for in the device design.

Many graphics tablets can receive the necessary power via a USB port - directly from a computer or laptop. This option is often combined with standard mains power from a regular household outlet or autonomous operation of the device from a built-in rechargeable battery. All described power methods can be implemented separately in graphics tablets. Well, the least common options are powered by “finger” or “little finger” batteries (AA and AAA formats, respectively).