How Does a Wacom Tablet Work?

A graphics tablet touch-sensitive device similar to a computer mouse, Wacom is one of the leading graphics tablet producers. For this reason, some consumers refer to "Wacom Tablets" as if they were a product category and not a brand name, much in the way that some consumers refer to Kleenex when intending generically to to mean facial tissues. Wacom tablets may come in a range of sizes, at a range of prices, and with a range of functions. High-end Wacom tablets may cost $500 or more, while lower-end Wacom tablets are available for $100 or less. Wacom tablets allow the user to manipulate the pointer on the screen in much the same way that an artist would use a drawing tool like a pen or pencil, and thus graphic tablets are typically used by artists and graphic designers.

The tablet works by plugging into a computer via a USB port, like a mouse. The pen may be battery-powered or may have a cord. Some tablets need to have software pre-installed for optimal use; this depends as much on the computer as it does on the tablet. The tablet comes with a stylus or pen-shaped tool that works on the tablet. The consumer holds the pen to the surface of the tablet, like a pen to a piece of paper. Movements of the pen on the tablet manipulate the pointer on the computer screen. In this way, the tablet performs the functions of a mouse with some additional features.

In addition to moving the pointer from one place to another on the computer screen, graphic tablet pens may have a pressure sensitive tip that will work with drawing programs like Photoshop to control the width and color of a line. The pen will have buttons that perform the tasks of a mouse on the side. Also, just like a mouse, the settings for a Wacom tablet (such as the speed at which the pen controls the pointer) can be adjusted for the user. This allows graphic tablets to be used as a substitute for a mouse with all programs, not just art software. In fact, some consumers use Wacom tablets, because they reduce the likelihood of sustaining repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel.

Resources

• Wise Geek Article: What is a Graphics Tablet?
• EHow Article, How To Buy a Graphics Tablet
• Wacom Website