News in Detail

21 inch Cintiq Screen Tablet form WACOM launched

Wacom has debuted a new Cintiq display that you can draw on like a graphics tablet, the Cintiq 21UX.

The new remodelled Cintiq promises enhanced pen performance and innovative ergonomics for more creative control, comfort and productivity, insists Wacom. According to Wacom, the new pen is capable of capturing the slightest nuance of pen pressure against the LCD surface, as well as offering 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, double that of the previous Cintiq. The Grip Pen also features a pressure-sensitive eraser and two side switches that can be customised for commands such as double-click and right-click.

With a new ergonomic design, the Cintiq comes with eight fully programmable ExpressKeys, located on each side of the display’s bezel, which Wacom insists are instrumental in helping improve workflow and boost productivity by placing commonly used application-specific commands close to hand. Pressing the top ExpressKey loads an on-screen display showing the settings of all the ExpressKeys and Touch Strips, minimising dependence on the keyboard whilst maintaining focus on the pen hand.

Also new to the Cintiq 21UX is the introduction of two user-defined Touch Strips, located on the back of the bezel and the two Touch Strip Toggle buttons which control the function of the associated Touch Strip. An illuminated LED on the perimeter of the Toggle button indicates the current function of the corresponding Touch Strip. Fully application-specific, the Touch Strips can be used for up to four functions such as zoom, scroll, brush size adjustment and canvas rotation per application.

Users can now "toggle" with their thumbs while using their forefinger or middle finger to control Touch Strip speed and variation. Locating the Touch Strips on the back of the interactive pen display rather than the front prevents accidental contact when, for example, users employ flowing brush strokes and extend them beyond the screen’s border.

The new Cintiq comes with a patented stand, which allows users to recline the interactive pen display at any angle between 10 to 65 degrees to match the users ideal working posture.

Additionally, the Cintiq can be rotated up to 180 degrees in either direction to take advantage of natural drawing movements or offer a different viewing angle. If desired, users can easily remove the Cintiq from the stand for use on a table top or to attach it to an articulating arm using the standard VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) mounts located on the back of the display. Cintiq users will need to buy any additional arm.

The Cintiq also comes with a new pen holder, which doubles as a twist-off storage compartment for pen nibs and nib removal tool. Standard felt and stroke nibs are provided simulatling the feel of working with a variety of traditional art and design materials.
New Wacom software

The Cintiq will come with new Wacom driver software, including the introduction of precision mode and radial menus for even more precise and accurate work. Wacom adds, the new Cintiq shares the same technology platform with the Intuos4, making it fully compatible.

Also new, is an Art Pen, which turns on the rotation feature in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Corel Painter 11 to deliver natural brush effects. Much like a calligraphy pen, as well as an Airbrush, the Art Pen has similar form and finger-wheel control as a traditional airbrush and enables users to create and define paint patterns within certain creative programmes.

The new Wacom Cintiq 21UX has a SRP of £1,530 plus VAT and is expected to be available from late March / early April 2010.