The Intuos Five from Wacom

www.wacom.com

By: Kurt von Behrmann

                Artists, Designers and assorted creative professionals know that in order to fully utilize any drawing program or photo editing program, a tablet pen tablet is an essential part of any creative arsenal.  Certainly you can function with a mouse, but they are too cumbersome for detailed workloads.

                Literally synonymous with pen tablets, Wacom is literally “the” company when it comes to pen tablet tools. They dominate the market in much the same way Photoshop is connected to digital editing.

                For those not familiar with pen tablets, what they provide is a tool that allows for the creation of lines, marks and assorted brush strokes using a pressure sensitive pen.  Simply drawing on the tablet permits you to draw as if on paper.  For programs like Painter, Photoshop and Illustrator, pen tablets make the process that much easier, if not possible.

                Adding functionality with their use as a drawing tool, they can be adept as an alternative to the mouse.   The new Intuos 5 provides the expected pen tablet functionality coupled with a touch sensitive surface.  For those who migrated to windows 8, which is geared toward touch screens, this feature  could be a real asset in and of itself alone.

                Shipping in three sizes, large 11.8" x 7.5" at $ 469.00, medium 8.8" x 5.5" $ 349.00 and small 6.2" x 3.9" $ 229.00, they look identical expect for size.   All feature touch sensitive programmable buttons.  In terms of functionality and software, the only differences between models are sizes.  This is great for those using a small one for mobile use and a larger one for desktop use.  A seamless experience across the product line is clearly the objective here.

                With 2,048 pressure levels, 60-degree tilt and 1g activation weight, the apparatus is responsive.  For those coming from the bamboo, or other more modestly featured pen tablets, the Intuos 5 feels like a luxury ride.  

                The overall build quality is what you would expect from Wacom, high quality. Even the shipping box showcases a strong sense of design.  Comfortable to hold and manipulate, the pen is a marvel of weight, design and makes drawing a real pleasure.  It is highly ergonomic.

                Included is a pen holder that does double duty as a nib holder for a variety of pen nibs. What is not included is a mouse as with the other devices.  The mouse is hardly missed here.

                The real innovation with the Intuos 5 has to do with the touch screen.  When hovering over buttons a screen pops up on your computer showing what the programmable buttons are programmed to do. This also works if you alter the defaults.  This feature removes doubt as to what the functions do perform along with work flow.

                For those that do not need programmable buttons, the defaults should suite most users, professionals included. However, having the option to program simply means those with detailed work flows can use the tablet and not switch to a mouse or keyboard short cut.

                The middle size Intuos 5 offers a generous piece of screen real-estate that should suit most users, even pros. But if a large size matters, the deluxe larger tablet is more than capable. The only one in the outfit that may seem a bit cramped is the smaller one. Having used assorted sizes, the medium is really the sweet spot between size and price points.

                The included software set up is simple, and figuring out the basics is a pretty easy process.  For users that simply want a pressure sensitive pen and no more, you can easily ignore the extra bells and whistles.

                Shipping with the device are drivers, essential software and a few interesting extras pieces of software.  Animestudio, not time limited, Color effects pro from Nik Multimedia, full version,  Sketchbook Express 2011 SP from Autodesk not time limited,  a non-time limited version of Adobe Photoshop Elements and a trial version of Corel’s Painter.  

                Given that most prospective owners are probably owners of Illustrator, Photoshop, Corel Draw or Painter, it is doubtful that they may need, or even want the extras, with the notable exception of the Nik Multimedia Plug In.   However, the value of extra software is usually appreciated.

                A wireless adapter is available that can be attached to the device internally. This component is placed in an open compartment that adds a level of functionality

                An undisputed leader in Pen Tablets, Wacom makes a notable entry with the Intuos Five.

Requirements:

Windows 7 SP1+, Windows Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3, Mac OSX 10.5.8+ (with Intel Processor), USB port, color display, CD/DVD drive, and internet access.

Intous 5 touch large

Active Area        

Pen: 12.8" x 8.0"

(325 x 203 mm)

Touch: 11.8" x 7.5"

(299 x 190 mm)

$ 469.00

Intous 5 Medium

8.8" x 5.5"

(224 x 140 mm)

$ 349.00

Intous Small

6.2" x 3.9"

(157 x 98 mm)

$ 229.00

Wireless accessory kit

About 9 hours on the medium, 10 hours on the small and 6 hours on the large

Software included:

Animestudio

Color effects pro from Nik Multimedia

Sketchbook Express 2011 SP from Autodesk

               

The Lexar Jump Drive S73 8 GB, The new Lexar 32 GB Platinum II SDHC UHS-...

For those seeking SD Cards and Jump USB Flash Drives

If you have been looking for a good SD card for your camcorder, camera or even expansion for other devices like laptops and netbooks, LEXAR makes some really great products.
I have had nothing but good luck with them, and the price points are great.

For those that want a card that can record HI DEF video, Lexar has worked closely with major companies to produce cards able to store data efficiently and quickly.  Camcorders often require faster cards, so you cannot go wrong with the SD cards I have found.  As for USB drives, theirs are the best, and the new S73 works with the much faster USB 3.  If you do not believe that there is a difference, there is between USB 2 and USB 3.

Often in picking SD cards for camcorders, it can be confusing.
This should help out, plus when you have this much storage, making vids becomes a lot easier.

IRIS NOTES EXECUTIVE TWO A Practical Digital Pen That Works on Regular Paper

The notion of being able to turn handwriting into editable text has been perplexing.  The biggest obstacle to being able to making handwritten notes word processor friendly has been the technology.  The caveats have been limiting, and the primary one has been paper.

                There have been on the market a number of devices that offer the capability of making handwriting transferrable to the digital divide.  They have usually involved using some form of dotted paper.  The problems become truly problematic when you factor cost and convenience.   When most people write notes, they are not concerned with locating special papers that are not that easy to find, or with decent price points.

                If that problem was not a deterrent, some of the pens were huge and rather cumbersome to use and carry.  Then, if this was not enough already, accuracy was a  problem as well.  

                Where IRIS notes enters the arena of note taking pens is that the Executive Two works on any paper. The need for specialty papers has vanished.

                Another area that IRIS has address is the pen itself.  Roughly about the size of a high end fountain pen, the IRIS note pen is neither awkward to handle, or unusually shaped.  In terms of convenience, IRIS has addressed the huge hurdle of requiring special paper and large unwieldy pens.

                But the big obstacle to making notes easy to work with is accuracy.  To help improve in this department, the pen comes with training software that allows the program to attempt to “understand” the way an individual writes. 

                Requiring roughly an hour time, one is required to write a few sentences and symbols that are saved as profiles that are intended to improve the ability of the software to recognize your handwriting so that it can be turned into text that word processors can process.

                As long as your writing is neat and legible, you may see a rather high degree of accuracy.  However, if your handwriting resembles scrawled text, you may be in for a less that ideal experience.

                The problem of accuracy and ease of use has plagued digital pens since the concept was made consumer friendly.  Even if one is careful, there are moments where you will have to go back to the wordprorcessor to do a little clean up on the occasional missed word.

                The big thing is that if you can accept some limitations, write well and have some patience, the program is the best of its kind on the market. Removing the need for special paper and having a pen that actually feels  higher end are two major problems that IRIS has produced a reasonable solution.

                As far as the software enclosed, it does install well, but may require a more astute user to use.  I would not say it is bad, but it could stand to be a bit more user friendly, particularly when it comes to downloading and loading from the base station to the p.c.

                Regarding actual use and set up, the pen size and convenience are decent.  In actual use, the pen does not demand any odd or strange procedures.  Simply write and the information is recorded.  Again, the big point to keep in mind is that the neater your notes, the more likely your results will be better.  While it is not perfect, IRIS has produced a device that is much more practicle than what anyone else has produced thus far.

                For those using iphones, windows desktops, laptops, and ipads, the IRIS pen is cross platform friendly.

                Should note taking be your focus, and you need to digitize and record those notes, IRIS has offered what is easily the best of the breed.  One simply has to be reasonable regarding expectations.

               Compatible with Windows® 8, Windows® 7, Windows® Vista®, Windows® XP     Yes         Yes         Yes

Compatible with Mac OS®X Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion or Mountain Lion (earlier versions not supported!).    

Product name IRISNotes™ Executive 2

Box size (H x L x D) 20 x 15 x 3,5 cm  (7.87 x 5.90 x 1.37 in

Box weight 320g (0.70 lbs

Pen weight 16g  (0.035 lbs

Receiver weight 26g  (0.057 lbs

Box languages Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian

Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

®Box content Digital pen and USB receiver • USB cable • Apple

30-pin connector • Ink refill • Software and drivers for Windows® and Mac® on CD-ROM • P&T

• catalogue •     Discount voucher for next purchase

Quick user guide 

IRISNotes Executive Two

This is a unique piece of computer hardware. It is a digital pen that records your handwriting and then allows it to be made it text that is editable in a wordprocessor. What makes this device more appealing than others is that it does not require special paper to function. It uses any paper you can write on and records your notes via a docking station that clips to the top of the page.  This version recharges via USB ports and works with PC's Mac OS systems and the iPhone.  I am not sure if it will work with the new iPhone 5, but it does come with a 30 pin Mac adapter.  It does work provided you write neatly and train the program.  What is also great is the enclosed pen feels solid, not plastic like, and has about the same dimensions as any standard pen. This is a far cry from the cumbersome first generation pens.

IOGEAR Spill Resistant Keyboard and Mouse Combo

IOGEAR Spill Resistant Keyboard and Mouse Combo

Model: GKM513

By: Kurt von Behrmann

 

A keyboard for the discerning who want comfort and performance

What you get out of the box:

• 1 x Spill Resistant USB Keyboard
• 1 x USB Optical Mouse
• 1 x Quick Start Guide
• 1 x Warranty Card

From keyboards that light up, to keyboards that add usb functionality, there are a plethora of options when it comes to what the market has to offer.  All of this is great in terms of choice. However, if you are simply looking for decent keyboard that offers a nice touch, basic functionality and do not want to “break the bank,” Iogear has the kind of keyboard that writers will like, and everyone else may appreciate.

Common wisdom has been the ultimate in keyboards are wireless models. The advantages of not being tethered to large computer case are obvious.  What is not so clear is that wireless means batteries, and that means  having to be concerned with recharging. 

The big problem with anything involving batteries is replacing them.  Almost invariably, when you need the keyboard and mouse the most, that is when the power runs down.  This immediately means replacing the battery.  If you are running short of time and extra batteries, that means frustration.

The other problem with wireless keyboards and mice is the issue of connectivity.  Depending on what models you are working with, even the best wireless device can run into that odd moment when the connection between computer and mouse goes south.  Naturally, this always seems to happen when least prepared.

For those reasons, not even factoring expense and the cumbersome fact of having to stop, replace batteries and go back to business, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits for some users.

This is where a wired keyboard and mouse combo makes sense. 

This is where Iogear offers up a solution that is elegant in its simplicity while providing a lot more that its modest $ 19.95 price point might indicate.

For those who have used a variety of keyboards and mice, it becomes clear that not all keyboards are equal.   Some keyboards and mice that ship with computers can be very good.  Others can be just average.  The same holds true for third party companies that offer up keyboard and mice combos.  Some can be very good. Some can be mediocre at best.

            If you believe that price is an indication of quality, be prepared for a shock.  There are some pricy models that simply do not work that well in the real world. There have been some very “avant-garde” mice that look good. So good they would do well in a museum.  But in practice, they are about as much fun to use a brick.

            There have also been some unique “twists” on the design of keyboards that are intriguing and look as if they may be a real move forward in design.  Then when one uses them, the problems emerge. 

            As with something like this, designs that are too forward thinking can become impractical.  When usability takes a back seat to aesthetics, problems quickly arrive.

            Iogear avoids all of that by creating a basic keyboard. It is not unattractive.  It is not obtrusive or prone to drawing attention to itself.  This design is about pure function.

            While the looks are subtle, the real pros of the Iogear GKM513 are in the use. 

            Put simply, the keyboard has a great feel to it.  While something like this is subjective, the responsiveness of the keys make typing a real pleasure.  It is one of those qualities that is hard to quantify.  When you work with a lot of keyboards and mice, the feel of a keyboard, the way the keys feel to the fingers, all of those little things add up to a big difference. 

            Something that maybe as trival as spacing and size can make a huge difference between a keyboard that is a pleasure to use and one that is anything but pleasant.  Iogear hits all of the right notes here.

            Another area that is well worth looking into is the mouse. Too heavy to handle, and you feel as if you are working with a tool from the Stone Age. Iogear hit an excellent balance between weight and feel with a mouse that feels as if it were not tied to your usb port. Much lighter than most mice, but not feeling insubstantial, the IOGEAR mouse has a more premium feel without the added heft.

            Again, what makes this combo work is not a beavy of features. The high points that this combo is centered around is  being billed as a spill resistant combo.  This is great.  However, the real “high” point here is that the GKM513 is about providing a very high quality typing and mouse handling experience without exorbitant price points.

            If your needs are a great feel, and low price up keep in this case no batteries to replace, IOGEAR has produced  real winner that puts some of it more higher priced competitors to shame.

Key Specs Below:

·         Operating System Support	Windows 2000/ XP/VISTA/7; MAC OS X (10.2.x or later)
Operating Temperature	For Keyboard: 0~40°C (32~104°F) / Mouse: 0~40°C (32~104°F)
Storage Temperature	-20~60°C (-4~140°F)
Humidity	0-95%
Connectors (Output)	USB
Interface	USB 1.1 /2.0
Resolution	800 dpi

Dimensions	GKM513
Unit Dimensions
Width	Keyboard: 17.625 in (44.77 cm) Mouse: 2.41 in (6.12 cm)
Height	Keyboard: 1.125 in (2.86 cm) Mouse: 1.625 in (4.13 cm)
Depth	Keyboard: 5.50 in (13.97 cm) Mouse: 4.29 in (10.90 cm)