A Comprehensive Review of the Wacom Intuos 5: Unveiling Why It Exceeds the Intuos 4
Welcome to a detailed comparison between the Wacom Intuos 5 and the older Intuos 4, focusing on touch capabilities, operating systems, and ergonomic design. We will also explore the key features that make the Wacom Intuos 5 a superior choice for artists and designers.
Touch Capabilities and Personal Experience
Having owned both the Wacom Intuos 3, 4, and now the 5, I can confidently say that the updates from the 4 to the 5 are not as pronounced as one might assume. Unless you plan to use the touch features frequently, you'll likely notice very little difference between these models.
For me, the Intuos 5 serves as a replacement for my trackpad, which I no longer have easy access to due to using my MacBook on a monitor arm. The touch experience on a Mac is quite satisfactory, although I can't offer the same assessment for a Windows machine.
The palm rejection feature in the touch input is a noteworthy area of improvement between the 4 and 5. While it significantly enhances the user experience, it can still be a challenge to use without accidentally triggering touch input. This is particularly true in applications like Adobe Photoshop, where my palm frequently moves the canvas, which is not my intended action.
Operating Systems and User Experiences
Although I have used the Wacom Intuos 5 in both Windows 7 and Ubuntu 13.04, my experience has been better under Ubuntu. This might be because the settings in Ubuntu offer less functionality, which can be less prone to complications. It's important to note that I do not have any experience with using this touch-capable device on a Mac.
Ergonomic Design and Size
The ergonomics of the Wacom Intuos 5 have been notably improved. The buttons and touchstrip, which were originally on the left and right sides for left- or right-handed use, are now addressed by allowing the tablet to be flipped horizontally. This has resolved an earlier issue but also reduced the overall working area, which may not be optimal for all users.
Compared to the Intuos 3, the M size of the Intuos 5 offers a better balance between size and working area. For those who prefer a more portable and flexible setup, the wireless option and the moveable size are significant advantages. The option precision feature also enhances the precision of your work by temporarily mapping the device to a smaller portion of your screen, ensuring more pixel-perfect results.
Positive Features
One of the standout features of the Wacom Intuos 5 is its ability to map the touch to both screens in a dual-screen setup, while the pen remains mapped to one screen. This flexibility is highly appreciated, especially for those working on multi-display setups.
Another noteworthy aspect is the ergonomics. With the buttons on the upper side, there is now a better balance between the writing area and the button space. This setup is easier to use, and the lower profile of the tablet makes it more comfortable to use compared to earlier models.
Conclusion
For the Wacom Intuos 5, the touch experience alone is not a dealbreaker for me. However, the renewed ergonomics, the increased size, and the improved button mapping are significant factors that contribute to its superiority over the Intuos 4. If you can get past the initial touch issues, the Intuos 5 is definitely worth considering for its enhanced design and functionality.