Wacom Intuos 3D

The tablet giant introduces an interesting new format

$200 Manufacturer Wacom, wacom.com Requirements USB port, internet connection, CD/DVD-ROM drive, OS X 10.8.5 or later

Wacom’s Intuos 3D is essentially a bundle to get you up and running with 3D sculpting. The box comes with a download code for the powerful ZBrushCore from Pixologic, a more newbie-friendly version of its industry-leading 3D sculpting software. Also included is timelimited access to ZBrush training videos that will be particularly useful if you’re a newcomer.

The plastics used for the Intuos 3D are hard and brittle-feeling; everything feels a little cheap, including the stylus and the buttons on the tablet itself. However, interacting with it is very positive and feels good in extended use, which is important as this kind of tool often supersedes the use of a mouse. The button clicks, on both tablet and stylus, feel responsive, with buttons programmed out of the box with ZBrushCore commands, making for less time spent hunting round menus.

The most important element of using a tablet is how the nib feels on the active surface; while you might expect this to match the hard, brittle feeling elsewhere, it’s a pleasant experience. If the stylus had the soft rubber grips of other Wacom styluses, this would be a real joy. As it is, drawing and sculpting feels good. The nib runs smoothly over the surface and is also replaceable, though not with the variety of nib types the Intuos Pro offers. You may appreciate the grid of dots on the tablet’s active area, but they could prove to be a distraction. Either way, they don’t interfere with its operation at all.

For traveling, the stylus can be stored in a handy fabric loop at the top of the tablet and the USB cable can be detached. There’s also an option for a wireless kit, similar to other Wacom devices, with a small dongle that plugs in unobtrusively. Wacom also offers fitted cases.

The overall experience with the Intuos 3D is a good one. It’s a fantastic value bundle and would be worth shortlisting simply for the device alone. Admittedly, some of the materials don’t feel the best, but you soon forget that.

the bottom line. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking to delve into 3D, or want your first tablet.