Wacom Cintiq 12WX Review

The Wacom Cintiq 12WX is one of the older LCD screen graphics tablets from the mighty Wacom and is the definition of efficiency when it comes to graphic design.

Built with a high tech touch screen, this device has finally done away with the old method of creating graphics while moving your eyes back and forth from a monitor detached from the tablet.

This device allows direct on-screen delivery of drawing art, editing videos, sketching, painting or associated techniques.

What is The Wacom Cintiq 12wx Graphics Tablet?

The Wacom Cintiq 12WX graphics tablet is a hybrid device that combines tablet features with an LCD screen that is touch sensitive. The screen allows the user to draw directly onto it by use of a digital pen.

Physical Dimensions.

The graphics tablet comes as a 1.8 Kg package with the inclusion of its stand. It has dimensions of 405.2×269.7x17mm. This is the width, height and length respectively.

Equipped with a 12.1″ display screen that easily rotates for comfortable use, this device provides a variety of work- angles that are just right for correct input. The ability to move without restriction allows the user to maximize on the natural hand and eye coordination in order to imitate drawing on paper.

By tilting the device on its integrated axis, horizontal, vertical or slanted positions allow versatility in working positions. The screen acts as the paper and the digital pen works just the way a normal pen would work on paper but with a digital advantage.

A double-coated screen prevents glare while providing paper-like texture. This creates a natural working environment for the user. Consideration of all the advantages provided by nature allows 100% productivity when using this graphics tablet.

Technical specifications.

The screen resolution produces high quality images with specifications of 1280×800 Pixels. This is a type of resolution called the WXGA resolution. It possesses over 16.77 color variations. This means that the user has 256 color tones to work with. Coupled with the 650 or 900 pen input positions and the 16:10 aspect ratio, the colors bring to life any drawing done on the graphics tablet.

Hand movements translate into pen movements, which transmit onto the screen via electromagnetic resonance technology. The 1024 pressure sensitivity levels enable the digital pen and eraser to work seamlessly and without friction on the surface. The pen simply glides over the surface allowing the creation of flawless fine lines.

The digital pen achieves a co-ordination accuracy of up to plus or minus 0.5 mm. This means that the possibility of errors during input is minimal and by just 0.5mm. This factor is important in enabling near perfect input in order to achieve flawless digital images on the screen.

The 12WX graphics tablet tilt sensitivity of plus or minus 600 allows the user to achieve tilt angles quickly and accurately. A reading height of 5mm or more is possible from the cover plate at any screen angle.

A USB interface allows inter-device transfers of images saved on the 12WX tablet or any other USB-compatible device.

Top product features.

One of the best features of this product is the express keys and touch strip. These features enable the convenience in switching keyboard shortcuts and mouse clicks. They aid in zooming and scrolling.

A display toggle that easily switches in between screens once prompted and maximizes the pen control on various screens streamlines multiple-monitor connections.

The device comes with a good software combination bundle that gives the user variety of tasks and preferences. The Corel Sketch Pad is great for drawing and sketching while the Nik Color Efex Pro software allows for photo shopping and video editing.

Individual configuration preferences enable a user to change and alter the controls according to his or her liking. This versatility ensures full control on connection options and device function keys and touch pads.

Wacom also has customer privileges. Once a customer has registered his or her graphics tablet, there are saving coupons and discounts on software and digital pens such as the Airbrush.

Pros.

• Portability and compactness
• USB compatible
• Compatible with left or right handed persons
• Easy button configuration
• Excellent responsiveness
• Natural, easy to use and intuitive
• Solid and sturdy drawing platform
• Useful and easy to use zooming options

Cons.

• Cables and wiring limit the use of the device to indoor areas or areas near a power outlet.
• Incompatible with wireless devices
• Small screen size (12.1″) hence small drawing area
• Costly
• Overly sensitive zoom stripe
• Bulky breaker box and too much cabling

Compatibility.

The 12WX graphics tablet is compatible with any device with a USB port. It can also connect to an external computer or monitor. Unfortunately, this device is not compatible with wireless devices.

The initial setting up of the device can be tricky and even frustrating. The graphics tablet has a cable that attaches to a converter box that is 4x6x1 in dimension and black in color. The box is essential in transmitting video signals of the VGA and DVI form to a computer. Other cables are a video cable, USB cable, power brick cable and the power outlet cable.

Unfortunately, the cables are not as few as one would expect from a high tech device like the 12WX.

Consumer Ratings.

According to ratings from Major online stores, consumer ratings are positive but with a few complaints. On the plus side, consumers are happy with the wide range of software application, variations in digital pens, ease of use, intuitive, natural working environment created by the device and sturdiness in make.

First, most consumers claim that the device is costly and overpriced. The features and specifications offered by this device do not patch the retail price. Better models have been produced that surprisingly retail at lower prices.

Secondly, excessive cabling does not endear the device to several techno-savvy users. Most users prefer wireless over wired.

Then, there is the small screen size that many consumers state that it interferes with cursor movements along the edges. A larger screen would work well especially for drawings.

Many consumers complain about the screen quality, which is purported to be cheap. When compared to other models of graphics tablet, consumers are dissatisfied with the screen quality.

Finally, guarantee of accuracy is only in the middle of the screen. Consumers say that two calibration points are not enough for covering the entire screen surface.

Price range.

A new Wacom Cintiq 12WX retails between $1200 and $869. A new graphics tablet comes with one digital pen. A used graphics tablet retails between $550 and $650 in major online stores.

For the digital pens, the box comes with one pen but painting and drawing may require a variety of pens. These extra pens retail at between $60 and $93. Major online stores offer a discounted price when the device is purchased with the extra digital pens.