Bamboo (Small) Pen Tablet with Pen Only Reviews

• Everything you need to know

  
  By A2K9FXOFFHVNWG on 2007-10-22
  1. What does it look like?
  
  The Wacom "BAMBOO" Pen Tablet is a black panel, about 6 inches long and 8 inches wide, and is nearly featureless save for a stylized "BAMBOO" logo on the bottom and an array of four buttons at the top, centered around a 1-inch-wide circular touch pad. The usable area of the tablet itself is about 4 inches long and 6 inches wide. The tablet comes with a pen-sized stylus and a cradle for the stylus (both also black). The "pen" features a soft, rubbery surface for easy gripping (good for people with sweaty hands).
  
  Overall, it's a very sleek, professional-looking device.
  
  2. What does everything do?
  
  The four buttons on the top of the tablet can be set through the control panel to perform nearly any function, but the preset functions are as follows:
  
  "<" button = "back", ">" = "forward", "FN1" button = "maximize/minimize window", and the "FN2" button performs the same function as hitting "Alt+Tab" on a keyboard (allows the user to switch quickly between currently-running programs).
  
  The circular touch-pad serves multiple functions as well. At the top and bottom of the pad are small grey triangles pointing up and down. Sweeping, curved marks adorn the left and right sides of the pad. Generally, the triangular marks act as "scroll-up/scroll-down" buttons when tapped. Making a circular motion on the outermost edge of the pad allows the user to zoom in or out in an open window. When using a web browser, this generally only affects text-size, leaving images and borders unchanged. In the case of media players, this serves as a volume dial.
  
  Both ends of the stylus can be used as the tip, though one is narrow (about the size of a ball-point tip) and the other is larger and blunt (like an eraser). About an inch from the "tip" is a two-function button that, when pressed on its lower side activates a scrolling feature (holding this button and dragging the pen across the tablet scrolls open windows in all four directions). The upper half of the button is essentially the BAMBOO's equivalent to a mouse's right-click. The tablet tracks the pen at a total distance of 1 centimeter above the surface, so constant contact between them isn't necessary (and not advised, since direct contact with the tablet is equivalent to a "left-click" on a mouse). It should be noted that the tablet responds only to the pen's touch--you can't use your finger or a normal pen or pencil in its place.
  
  3. How well does it work?
  
  Overall, the tablet works wonderfully. The feel of the pen on the tablet's surface feels almost exactly like a pencil on paper, and the adjustable tracking speed is a great convenience. The button on the side of the pen is somewhat awkward, but not unusable.
  
  For newer PCs, (my own is fairly new, running Windows XP Home Edition), the tablet should be ready to use without even installing the drivers from the CD. The disk offers other features, however, such as tutorials on the BAMBOO's use and links to online resources. This instant plug-and-play ability is not always the case with USB devices, so the BAMBOO earns a few extra points for that.
  
  On the down-side, I've noticed an annoying quirk in the responsiveness of the touch-pad. When using it to enlarge or shrink the text on a web page, the pad can alternate between ultra-sensitivity and not working altogether. This lead to my browser getting stuck a few times with the text being either ridiculously large or illegibly tiny.
  
  Final Scores:
  Aesthetics: 10/10
  Versatility: 9/10
  Ease-of-Use: 6.5/10
  "Fun-Factor": 7.5/10
  
  
  
  

• Still the Standard! Wacom's Bamboo Tablet Rocks!

  
  By A17BUUBOU0598B on 2007-10-14
  Wacom leads in this technology by a long way. This product is affordable, yet powerful enough for many pros. The new Bamboo Fun line includes more colors and a mouse option. However, the pen only configuration is still my preferred choice.
  
  The small size is perfect for most users. The "medium" sized tablet is suited for hard core graphics people who need to work at the pixel level on large images. Either way, the tablet maps to your screen size for any of these models.
  
  This unit comes in a variety of colors and configurations. I prefer the look of the black tablet, but there are silver, white and blue ones also.
  Bamboo Fun (Medium) Silver Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  Bamboo Fun (Medium) Black Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  Bamboo Fun (Medium) Blue Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  Bamboo Fun (Medium) Silver Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  Bamboo Fun (Small) White Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  Bamboo Fun (Small) Silver Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  Bamboo Fun (Small) Blue Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  Bamboo Fun (Small) Black Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
  
  Upon plugging in the device, it works immediately! The pen works as a mouse or as a pen/brush for drawing applications. The tablet also has function buttons.
  
  Installing the drivers and software allows you to access the settings and tools that make this device versatile and customizable.
  
  For those that need lite versions of graphics programs, the other sets include them. Many people who buy this will already have full blown Adobe Photoshop.
  
  Pros
  + USB connection
  + Works on XP and Vista almost plug and play - before software installation
  + Nice customizable software
  + No additional power adapter needed
  + Pen can be used as stylus or pen mouse
  + Small size is perfect for users not using the mouse
  
  Cons
  - The scrolling zoom function does not work uniformly on all applications
  - New Bamboo Fun sets include more bundled applications - Adobe Elements and Corel Draw
  - Default settings require some configuration for graphics editing
  - The tablet would have been ideal with several additional USB ports
  
  Overall, the graphic artist or visual junkie NEEDS one of these. If you are a casual user, it is worth getting one on sale. The small model with pen only will meet most users' needs.
  
  Enjoy.
  
  
  

• May work great on Vista; on my Mac it is fidgety

  
  By AGVWTYW0ULXHT on 2007-09-26
  I had high hopes for this device, that promised both to serve as an alternative mouse-like device for selecting and clicking as well as to add an additional level of functionality to my Mac. It performs its mouse-like functions reasonably well -- it's a bit different than using the mouse, since I have to "hover" the point above the pad, as touching the screen can end up clicking things. There are some adjustments that can be made to find a mouse-like style that suits your needs, though. I'll still usually stick with my mouse but this seems to be something you could get used to.
  
  As a drawing and inking device, this has been less satisfactory. I've used it in connection with Mac's Inkwell program only, and there are a number of glitches in the interaction between Bamboo and Inkwell. One of the most annoying glitches has to do with the eraser. Sometimes the eraser works as an eraser and sometimes it works as a pen. Sometimes it doesn't do either -- I turn the stylus over and rub to erase and nothing happens. Sometimes after using the eraser for a little while to erase, I turn the stylus back over and try to use it as a pen and the pen works as an eraser. There are other problems, but they are sporadic and hard to diagnose with precision -- it just seems to function a bit quirkily and not as a precise instrument (I have installed the driver and have read the fairly inexplicit technical manuals that come with the program but am unable to make this work better). I accept that these may be problems with Mac's software as much as with Bamboo -- but the products is advertised as able to work with my system (Mac OS X 10.3.9) and with Inkwell, and it kind of does but not very well.
  
  

• Tired of the same old mouse?

  
  By A28N2AWOVO2PB on 2007-09-20
  I have to say, this is one of the best products on the market that fit the criteria: 'Last minute gift idea for someone you love.'
  IT is spoiling your self or your significant other. IT is - 'Let me show you something really cool...' type of product that will be remembered for a very long time.
  
  The product supports the Windows and the Apple operating systems (OS X), widescreen displays (it looked really cool when I tried it on my 24 inch SonicView). The pad has a textured work-surface and creates that natural pen on paper feeling (all warm and fuzzy). Of course they didn't forget the high-res, which delivers an exceptional accuracy everyone can use.
  The thing I liked the most was the quick access to shortcuts I defined myself with the four Express Keys. It's really easy. What else is easy is the scrolling and zooming with the finger sensitive touching Ring.
  
  I recommend this for everyone who has ever wanted to experience something new and is concerned about ergonomic and comfortable supplement to mouse and keyboard input.
  
  
  

• Amazing

  
  By A2KGYMKHS2GC1Y on 2007-11-03
  Up until now I had a 12x12 Intuos. I am a graphic designer and illustrator and using the 12x12 for long periods made my arm really tire out. Now that I have the bamboo I can use it all day without a problem. Though the levels of pressure sensitivity are reduced on the bamboo I cant ever recall thinking "512 levels just isn't enough" When you push hard you get a think stroke if you touch lightly you get a light one. This thing just works.
  
  Also, the removable USB chord is great. I can unplug it and shove it into my messenger bag. Something I could never have done with that mammoth 12x12.
  
  I recommend this to anyone looking for a quality tablet at a cheap price.
  
  
• Bamboo Has Made Its Mark-Will The Mouse Be Replaced?
  By A1TPW86OHXTXFC on 2007-09-27
  At the outset, I must admit I am not a 'techie' nor technically inclined. That said I found the Bamboo Pen Tablet CD and the directions very easy to use and understand. This may be the beginning of a new world for computer users!
  
  Just opening the Bamboo Pen Tablet package was an experience. The package itself is quite attractive and slides out of a box holder. The packaging is bright blue and black with distinctive white writing. Enclosed in the top of the package is a note from the Consumer Product Marketing Managing with his personal signature welcoming me to the product. And, he has signed his note with his personal signature. What a smart marketing tool- we have evidence at once of the power and attractiveness of the Bamboo Pen Tablet.
  
  Opening the package we find a paper with all the signatures of Wacom employees from around the world encircling the package. Quite attractive!
  And,finally the sleek and sexy black Bamboo Tablet is exposed and the equally sleek and sexy Pen. What an attractive and modern design. I installed the CD and connected the UB port to the Pen tablet. The installation is very quick, the directions for use very easy and concise. Using the pen tablet to scroll through the directions I found this product was as easy to use as a mouse, am not sure it will replace a keyboard. Bamboo has made its mark!
  
  Wacom introduced the Bamboo Pen Tablet in May 2007. It can be used with Windows Vista and Office 2007. "It is designed as an ergonomic replacement of your mouse and also brings Tablet PC specific features of Vista like Handwriting recognition, gesture control and Pen flicks to your desktop or notebook computer." Wacom
  
  The Bamboo tablet pens have an eraser at the opposite end to quickly delete text or erase sketches. The tablet has an inbuilt touch ring to simulate the zoom and scrolling wheel of the mouse. The Bamboo Pen Tablet is for us, the normal user. We can browse the web, write letters, send emails and sign our emails. The attention to detail with this product is remarkable. It may take a little practice for ease of use, but then doesn't everything?
  
  Recommended. prisrob 09-27-07
  
  GRAPHIRE4 Blue Pen
  
  INTUOS PEN WITH STAND
  
  
  
• Only Useful With XP Tablet PC Edition Or Vista
  By A1N5FSCYN4796F on 2007-09-24
  Short review: This production is a decent product if you have an ink enabled OS such as Windows XP Tablet Edition (or Vista, although I did not test the product on this OS). For other versions of Windows XP, it is at most a novelty.
  
  Detailed review: I will give you my impressions of The Bamboo Pen Tablet from opening the box to usage.
  
  After opening the box and checking the inventory of parts, installation was a breeze. The instruction booklet gives you all that you need. Connect the USB cable and insert the CD. After the installation completes the CD gives you a tutorial showing the essential functions of the product.
  
  I set it up first on my desktop that is running Windows XP SP2 (non-tablet). I was disappointed that there was no software at all that ships with the product. You will be limited to tablet navigation, scrolling, zooming, and the four function buttons. There is no integration with Office, Explorer, or any other programs. You will not be able to do any handwriting. So, I would have to say that it is not worth it unless you also plan to buy ink-enabled software that will take advantage of the full features of the tablet.
  
  Then I moved to my laptop running Windows XP Tablet Edition. The installation was just as simple. I have to say that this is something that they got right.
  
  However, you may wonder why you would want this product if you already have a Tablet PC. On my Gateway CX2610, what I can do that I couldn't otherwise is take advantage of the ink features of Office 2003, OneNote, etc. without converting my laptop into tablet mode. All of the ink features seem to behave as expected. The major gain is that you can take advantage of the features without having to smudge your screen. You will have to be the judge as to whether or not this is worth the investment.
  
  I would expect the major benefits of this product to come from the ink enabled features of Vista - either desktops or laptops. You would truly be getting something that you didn't previously have and the product would be fully functional.
  
  As to the functions of the tablet, I found the forward and backward buttons to not be functional while the two lower function buttons performed as advertised, but I don't see a lot of real value in them. The zoom and scroll features worked sporadically.
  
  One final note that I found irritating; I registered the product when I installed it the first time. The only place that the model number is stated clearly is on the underside of the tablet. It's not on the box or the installation instructions. (It's MTE-450 if you are dying to know). I would suggest changing the registration site so that Bamboo Tablet (Small).
  
  Bottom Line: You probably want one of the "Fun" models that come with software that will take better advantage of the features of the product. It also seems that they need to do some work on the button, scroll, and zoom features - for XP usage at least.
  
  
• Easy to Use, For the Most Part
  By A2VZP50FSYD6CO on 2007-10-14
  The Bamboo pen tablet is extremely easy to set up and use. To set it up, you install the software, plug the USB cable into the tablet and the USB port on the computer and you're up and running. The tablet is meant to represent the computer screen so wherever you touch on the tablet, the cursor will be in that place on the computer screen. The pen, which is cordless and doesn't need a battery, doesn't need to touch the tablet in order to act like a mouse, but it is pressure sensitive for drawing and writing. The pen comes with an eraser that works on some, but not all programs and is not pressure sensitive. The pen also comes with a pen stand where you can store the pen either vertically or horizontally (the pen comes with caps for both the tip and the eraser since you're not supposed to rest the pen on its tip).
  
  The pen can be used in two different ways - like a pen (pen mode) or like a mouse (mouse mode). I found the mouse mode to be much faster and more efficient than a regular mouse. I opened windows and dragged icons very quickly. The pen also comes with a button - the upper pen button is used as you would use the right click button on a mouse and the lower button is used to pan/scroll through documents. I found the button to be a bit confusing to use, especially the right click part which I never quite mastered. The button also selects text very quickly and you need to be careful when using it - I deleted entire paragraphs while trying to learn how to use it. Writing and drawing with the pen was extremely easy, although I'll never be an artist.
  
  The tablet also has several features. The main screen can be used as a representative of the computer monitor when using the pen as a mouse, or like a piece of paper when creating art work. The tablet also has a touch ring that you can use to zoom in on images. Moving your finger clockwise zooms in on a document or image, moving your finger counterclockwise will zoom out. I found the touch ring to be a bit difficult to use. I was finally able to zoom in on a picture, but I couldn't get it to work on documents. There are also Express Keys (which can be customized) that are supposed to allow you to move forward and backward within the internet browser, although I couldn't get them to work.
  
  Both the pen and tablet can easily be customized. Some of the options including setting up the Express Keys to commonly used keyboard shortcuts; to launch programs such as your email; or to open files you use often. You can also change the function of the buttons on the pen - options include click or double click, right click, back and forward, pan and scroll, and even key strokes. You can also customize the tablet to how much of the screen area you want to use - the entire screen or a portion of it. If your computer has more than one monitor, you can map the tablet for use on all the monitors.
  
  I had a few glitches in using it, but for the most part Bamboo is a nice and easy to use pen tablet.
  
  
  
• You'll Wonder Why You Didn't Get One Sooner
  By A1L20MX19ZMNW5 on 2007-10-14
  INITIAL QUESTIONS I HAD:
  The main thing I wanted to know is whether I could have my mouse and my pen tablet connected at the same time. You can. And, in fact, this is often necessary because there are some times when it is more beneficial to use your mouse rather than the pen tablet. I don't think the pen tablet would ever be able to completely replace your mouse. There are some programs and games that just work better with a mouse (for example, The Sims 2 (Mac)). Also, you cannot use the pen without the tablet or visa versa.
  
  OUT OF THE BOX:
  The pen tablet was fairly simple to set up. You simply connect it to a USB port, download the drivers from the provided software, and start to use the product. The software didn't install properly the first time, but it did seem to install properly the second time. It seems to be compatible with Vista for the most part.
  
  COMPONENTS:
  In the box was a pen, pen stand, usb cord, tablet, and driver disc. There was no paper instruction manual enclosed. The instruction manual is in .pdf format on the enclosed driver disc. The pen has one tip that is used to move your cursor and one tip that is an eraser in graphic programs. It also has two buttons that can be programmed for any of the following functions: click, double click, middle click, right click, click lock, 4th click (back), 5th click (forward), pan/scroll, mode toggle, modifier, keystroke, or open/run. The tablet has 4 buttons that can be programmed for any of the following functions: back, forward, show desktop, switch applications, modifier, keystroke, or open/run. The inset circle in the middle of the buttons can be "dialed" with your finger to perform any of the following functions: zoom or scroll. The up and down arrows on the circle can be touched to scroll up or down the page.
  
  TUTORIAL:
  By having an instruction manual and tutorial within your computer instead of on paper, the new owner of the pen tablet has the opportunity to test-drive their pen tablet while learning how to use it at the same time. The tutorial was rather thorough in answering my questions.
  
  EASE OF USE:
  The pen tablet is fairly simple to get the hang of. In about an hour, the user will start to feel more comfortable using it. After about a week, it will feel more like second-nature. However, there is a tendency to still default to using the mouse. The pen is fairly easy to use to draw or write with in graphic programs and yields very nice results.
  
  EXTRA ADVANTAGES:
  As a young arthritis sufferer who uses a computer 8 hours a day or more, I was really looking forward to the use of this pen tablet to relieve my index finger from mouse clicking. I can just touch the tablet with the pen to select an item without having to click anything with my finger. I wish the pen were a little fatter so that I could hold it for longer periods of time, but it is nice to use alternately with my mouse to relieve some of the pain.
  
  PROBLEMS:
  In a month of experience with the pen, I've noticed that the pen and tablet stop functioning after about an hour of usage. To get it to work again, I have to restart my computer. More and more, I've just ignored my pen in favor of my mouse because I assume the pen and tablet are not working. This could be an installation issue because, thanks to the Vista operating system, I was never able to fully deactivate my virus scanner before installing the drivers for the pen and tablet.
  
  OVERALL:
  Overall, I recommend this product. It lived up to its description and exceeded my expectations for it.
  
  
• Great addition to my computing, but not perfect
  By AYUF7YETYOLNX on 2007-09-26
  I have never used a tablet before, but always wanted to give it a try. I have spent a lifetime drawing and sketching so I hoped the learning curve would be short and I could use it in some Photo retouching and graphics work. I would like to say I wasn't disappointed right out the of the box, but I had a defective stylus (see Technical Support section below.) But it did function enough to let me see what I was missing.
  
  When the replacement stylus arrived, I really liked what I was able to do in Photoshop. Capturing stray pixels with the lasso tool was much easier with the pen and pad than with with a mouse. Similarly the burn and dodge tools worked great. Love the way pressure sensing is built into many Photoshop tools. Also, I loved the small finger wheel that let you zoom in and out with the touch of a finger. It also allows you to scroll up and down with the touch of a finger, but frustratingly you can't scroll horizontally with the same control (fine for web pages, not good when zoomed into a portion of a photo.) Tried programmable keys to find a work around with no luck.
  
  I did find that assigning keystrokes to function buttons let me script some workflow then activate it at the press of the button. Great Timesaver.
  
  All in all, it didn't answer all my hopes and needs, but it solved some very well. Definitely earns its berth in my second USB port although I will keep the mouse in the first. Desktop navigation with the pad was good, but still a little clumsy (almost certainly a user familiarity issuer.) I could see myself moving away from the mouse over time.
  
  There is minimal software included with this device. For the Mac, there was just an installer and user manual. It seems strange that the device is not bundled with some kind of software. But then again, the inking solutions they mention in the product description seem pretty trivial. I wanted a tool that would fit into what I need to do now, which this does.
  
  Technical Support:
  
  Since I received a defective stylus, I got an "opportunity" to deal with their technical support. I have to say I was happily impressed. They were professional, knowledgeable and over-nighted a replacement to me. Most importantly, I felt like I was being taken care of throughout the process.
  
  I have worked around Wacom products for years and have never seen a hardware issue. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, I probably just got a bum unit, but it's worth mentioning in a review in case it is a trend with this product.
  
  
  
• A good tablet, takes a bit of getting used to
  By A76GHL48VQ621 on 2007-10-05
  The Bamboo (Small) Pen Tablet for Pen Only is a very nice addition to Wacom's line of computer tablets. I have installed it and used it only on Windows XP SP2 so far, and I am quite happy with it.
  
  First off, the installation is a breeze. Connect the USB cord from the computer to the tablet, put in the CD and click install, and you're done in about a minute. Very fast, no fussing around, no menus to click through to select which ninety thousand different options you do or don't want.
  
  There was also a very nice feature on the CD explaining the features of the tablet and how to use it and the pen.
  
  The tablet design is very nice; thin, sleek and stylish. The pen is comfortable to hold and works well. The tablet has a nice rough finish which makes the pen-and-tablet feel like a pencil on paper. That was also very nice.
  
  The one minor complaint I have is that there is no way to set the tablet for anything other than absolute positioning. It would have been nice to switch between that and relative positioning. I am used to a mouse (where you can pick up the mouse and move it without moving the cursor), so it took a while to get used to the pen's location on the tablet absolutely determining the cursor's location on the screen. For someone with multiple screens, this could get a bit weird to use.
  
  Also, the separate scroll-and-zoom touch pad on the tablet is a bit jumpy to use.
  
  All in all, a really good tablet and pen combination, excellent setup and explanation of features, good control and resolution on the pen, good design on the pen too -- it's very comfortable to hold. But I would have liked some way to change from absolute to relative positioning -- I almost gave it four stars because of that, but then I thought about how much I have liked using it so far, and especially how well it works for something that small and with that good a price, so I am giving it five stars.
  
  As a side note, I would encourage anyone buying this to be sure to register with Wacom and to check out Wacom's privileges for owners of their products (you should see a link to it when you register online). Wacom has partnered up with a lot of software vendors to offer some very nice discounts to their customers. This was an added bonus I did not expect (but really appreciate).
  
  
  
• A Tablet For The Mobile Professional
  By A260BD8RXVTGKK on 2008-01-14
  This tablet features a sleek and portable design. While it may not be as large as some of the tablets that a full-time creative professional might need, it is an excellent mobile companion. The unit feels solid and well-built. The tablet powers from a single USB port, no AC adapter required.
  
  This tablet does not come with a mouse like some others, but you will probably want a dedicated mouse anyway; the ones that come with tablets usually have to be used on the pen surface and tend to get in the way more than anything.
  
  This is an excellent choice for someone new to the concept of a tablet that wants to try it out, or the seasoned professional that needs a compact and portable solution for mobile work.
  
  
• Great Value and Functionality For Newbies and Amateurs
  By A298ASVHUP4102 on 2007-10-10
  I've only used it a few days, but the Small Bamboo tablet strikes me as a great, very affordable entry into the world of tablet/pen input devices. In the last few days, it's already made my life much easier -- far improving the accuracy and speed of my pixel-by-pixel editing in MS-Paint, and significantly lessening the handcramps involved. Aside from graphics editing, I also find it to be a nice alternative for normal day-to-day Windows navigation.
  
  The sleek, slender, lightweight design is very attractive as well, although the smooth plastic surface used along the top section of the pad does tend to attract fingerprints. Minor issue.
  
  As someone new to graphics tablets, one thing I didn't expect is that you don't have to actually touch the stylus to the pad in order to move the cursor -- it works by simply hovering within 1/4" or so above the surface. You can, of course actually touch the stylus to the pad, as long as you become accustomed to using a smooth, consistent light pressure so you don't inadvertently 'tap' the surface with the tip --'taps' are interpreted as 'mouse clicks'.
  
  The fact that this package does not include a mouse is not an issue for me -- frankly, I don't understand why any of these devices would come with a mouse -- everyone already has (at least) one, and isn't the whole point of these devices to offer an ALTERNATIVE to those electronic vermin?
  
  The navigation buttons at the top of device may be useful for some, but I don't think I'd have much use for them. It's nice that they can be programmed to perform various functions; the same applies to the buttons on the stylus.
  
  The stylus, by the way, is much more comfortable than I expected, roughly the same weight and girth as the plastic rollerball pens I usually use for writing. The barrel's surface is just textured enough to keep it from slipping easily from your grip, and there's just enough texture on the writing surface of the pad to mimic the resistance you'd get from, say, using a pencil on bond paper.
  
  All in all, for the price, this is a fantastic introduction to these types of devices, and a very useful tool to help the layperson greatly improve his/her ability to do detailed editing of graphics files.
  
  I also have to give Amazon credit for the fact that even though I chose the free Super Saver shipping option, my unit was shipped out on a holiday, and was delivered to me the NEXT DAY! Impressive!
  
  
• Good way to add a pen interface to your computer
  By A2VVWVBI9Y7KN8 on 2007-09-27
  Overall, I really like the Bamboo tablet. I tried it out on my notebook with XP Professional, and there are a number of things I liked about it. For starters, the installation was so simple that I barely noticed it. I think I spent more time extracting the tablet from the impressive-looking packaging than actually performing the install, and everything worked perfectly. Beyond the install, I really like the look and feel of the Bamboo. The industrial design is terrific, really thin and sleek, and it's extremely portable, so it's easy to throw in your bag with your notebook. It's extremely usable as well; the pressure sensitivity is terrific, the tablet has a great tactile feel to it, the eraser works tremendously well, and the programmable express keys and the scroll ring are really handy. Finally, the price point is one of the best I've seen for a really good tablet.
  
  Some things about the Bamboo could have been better. Most importantly, to get the best use out of the Bamboo, you either need a system that has tablet support (for Windows, this means XP Tablet or any version of Vista except Home Basic), or you need an application with tablet support. I have a copy of Corel Painter Essentials 2 that I tested this with, but some other applications such as Photoshop also offer tablet support. Make sure you have some way of supporting a tablet effectively before you buy this model, or you will be disappointed. I was able to use the Bamboo in Windows Paint, but it didn't have pressure sensitivity, and text and drawings lost a lot of resolution and looked pixelated.
  
  Another weakness of the Bamboo is that the small size is limiting. A bigger tablet would give you more to work with, but then again it will cost quite a bit more, as well. It doesn't have the capability to bind to an area of your screen, which would really enhance it's usability. This is especially true if you have a dual-monitor system and you only want to use the tablet on one of the screens. I also didn't think the pen was especially effective for navigation -- I went back to my notebook's trackpad whenever I needed to mouse through other apps, and I shudder at the thought of using the Bamboo to surf the web. Finally, the glossy parts of the tablet tend to pick up fingerprints and smudge easily, so it generally won't stay as polished looking as it starts out, if that's important to you.
  
  As I mentioned, I tested the Bamboo with Corel Painter Essentials, and I tried several different kinds of applications. First off, I tried it for artwork. I'm definitely not a real artist, but the control and the tactile feedback that the Bamboo provided were outstanding. A serious computer artist will want to invest in a bigger, higher-end tablet to get more resolution to work with, but for amateurs, home users, and kids, the Bamboo will be a fun tool for art. I also tried handwriting and signatures, and found the Bamboo very effective. Even if all you have is MS Paint or something similar, if you need an affordable signature pad, the Bamboo will get the job done very well. Finally, I tried drawing whiteboarding-style diagrams, and found the Bamboo outstanding. I do a lot of these when I design software for my job, and it's often easier to sketch things out by hand -- especially when creating an initial rough cut -- than to build a more precise diagram in a program like Visio. Bamboo works almost as well as a whiteboard, and pretty much as well as a sheet of paper, with the added benefit that your diagram is saved on your system, and ready to email to others.
  
  As long as you have a suitable operating system or application, I definitely recommend the Bamboo for tasks like diagramming, signature capture, or artwork, and it comes at a very good price, especially considering the quality. If you also want a mouse, the Bamboo Fun doesn't cost all that much more, and comes with a mouse as well as the pen. The Bamboo Fun also comes with a copy of Painter Essentials 3, so if you don't have any software that supports a tablet, that will likely be a better solution.
  
  
• Good, economically priced tablet for casual users
  By A1YQ74E7VPPPD7 on 2007-11-30
  I only use my tablets for fun and hobby, and don't need a huge tablet bundled with lots of software and things like that. This tablet fits the bill perfectly, and I love Wacom's tablet pens which don't require batteries or cords.
  
  I had a Wacom Graphire for a long time, which I loved, but eventually the cord gave out and I couldn't replace it. Because of that, I like the way the USB cord is detachable from this tablet - if I needed to replace the cord alone, it wouldn't be difficult at all.
  
  The Bamboo doesn't come with a mouse, but I never found the tablet mouse useful on my Graphire. If I want to use a mouse, I will just use the one already hooked to my computer!
  
  I like the new built in zoom feature on the tablet -- before, it was a hassle to find the zoom tool in Paint Shop Pro and click with the tablet pen, or even go to the mouse and do it that way. Now I can just use the zoom buttons on the tablet and it saves a lot of time and interruptions to my drawing.
  
  The one thing I dislike about this tablet is there isn't a space to store the pen built into the tablet itself, as there was on my Graphire. I'm the kind of person who loses pens easily. However, it does come with a little holder for the pen that I can set on my desk, which is at least helpful.
  
  Overall, this is quite a good tablet at a good price, with many nice improvements over the Graphire line (now discontinued, if I remember right).
  
  
• Great for relieving hand and wrist discomfort
  By ALLEKPP8DP9CJ on 2007-12-03
  I work as an attorney and spend a great deal of time at the computer. I've been wearing wrist splints on both hands whenever I'm at the computer for three years now, but have nevertheless suffered constant aches in my hands and wrists and tingling in my fingers. I bought a bamboo tablet about a month ago and started using an ergonomic keyboard as well. I no longer have to wear the inconvenient wrist splints, and the discomfort in my hands, fingers, and wrists has gone away. It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it you won't ever want to use a mouse again. I have not used this tablet for drawing or writing, but solely as a mouse replacement. I cannot comment on how well it will work with Photoshop or other drawing and painting applications. I'm using the tablet with Windows XP. For my purposes, it's a five-star product.
  
  
• You may need just a Bamboo, not a Bamboo Fun
  By A3D2GCW7RPLC8U on 2008-05-30
  I'm taking personal/family digital photos for 5+ years and using a D-SLR for 4 years. I need a tablet for photo post-processing not digital drawing/painting. I choose Bamboo instead of the Bamboo fun after I made an on-line survey. Bamboo Fun has some bundled softwares such as Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 and Corel Painter Essential 3. Neither is of the most updated version. As I have Nikon Capture NX and Corel Paint Shop Photo Pro X1, I don't need the Elements 5. Also I don't do any digital painting, so Painter Essential 3 has no use for me. Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 GE bundled with Bamboo Fun actually contains almost no useful filters. It's just a "trial" for Efex Pro 2.0 and 3.0 now. Bamboo fun has a pressure-sensitive eraser while Bamboo's eraser is not pressure sensitive. Bamboo doesn't have some the 3 extral pen nib as the Bamboo Fun has. Bamboo Fun also has a wireless mouse which can be only used on the tablet. This is not a good idea because it competes with the using of the pen. That's the difference between Bamboo and Bamboo Fun. For all other parts, the Bamboo is the same as the Bamboo Fun except the apperance is a little different.
  
  My 4x6 Bamboo works perfectly for my need. I don't find the small size is a problem for me. I do almost blemish-removal and teeth whitening on every photo with Capture NX. The tablet is sensitive and accurate. You can use it after the easy installation without any customizing. But I turned off the functions of the two funtion buntons on the pen because I found that I always touch them unintentionally.
  
  The tablet will not replace a mouse. In fact, I am used to using a mouse for my work. But in some tiny areas, I do prefer to use the accurate Bamboo pen. It doesn't take long to get used to drawing on the tablet with eyes keeping on the computer screens.
  
  There can be a little improvement I think will be valuble and a software update is able to do the improvement. Although I can set the area on computer screen that is corresponding to the tablet area, I do want a setting that the display in the active window is corresponding to the whole area of the tablet.
  
  The Bamboo cost me $60 and a Bamboo would cost $90. You may not need it, but it does provide a lot convenience.
  
  
• Perfect Value
  By A3H53OAEJW4QUW on 2007-09-28
  This is the perfect tablet for a first time user. It doesn't come with a mouse, which is perfect because 99% of people out there already have a mouse. I use this tablet for navigating, painting, and everything else on my iMac. It's ultra thin, has cool buttons that light up blue, and the overall use is just too fun. I wish the pen could be just a little thinner so I could get a better grip on it for highly detailed drawing. I recommend anyone try it out just once, especially if you get it from someone with a 30 day return policy, as tablets aren't for everyone. Enough with my jabberin', enjoy! :)
  
  
• Amazing Tablet, a Must Have for College Students!!
  By A26KVK21D5UAXD on 2007-11-07
  First off the tablet takes very little time to set-up and is very easy to figure out, and it is amazing how you can cutsomize almost everything about the tablet or the pen. I love this thing and is definately one of the best investments I've made (other than my laptop) while in college. Now the reason I gave it three stars... No software what so ever. With the Bamboo Fun you get some light photo editting software, so the website says, but the regular bamboo which comes only with the pen (so your expecting to do nothing but writing or painting I'd assume) has zilch in the way of software packaged along with it for editing or taking notes. Which leaves the user with pretty much an expensive tablet-like "mouse" until you find some application if your planning on taking notes. That can take quite a bit of searching, and the last thing you wanna do is spend another $70-100 on software to use along with it... thankfully there are some freesource programs availible, but they are very limited in their abilities. If your wanting to take notes in class search for Curio, it is a great program and has a long full trial for students (up to 2.5 months), plus once you delve around and play with the program you can pretty much do anything and the tablet is amazing combined with it. However, if you like the expensive route, wacom lists a variety of products on their site (although the list seems to be out dated). Great product though, once you have the software to use it haha Also watch out if your trying to write in print with small letters the cursor tends to jump more than you would like making it difficult to write at times, but that is a minor inconvience. Overall this thing is wonderful, and I couldn't imagine going to class without it now!!
  
  
• Bamboo Pen with Tablet
  By A3HP24SWIP62XV on 2007-12-01
  I bought this product to use in place of a chalkboard in my High school physics classroom. I wanted to place annotations, diagrams, and solutions LIVE - right on the PowerPoint slides I was using (plus - no turning your back to the class for Chalkboard use). The Bamboo has worked perfect for this. It is capable of much more than I am using it for, however - this is all I need at the time. A cautionary note if you're looking to use it in MS PowerPoint like I am: PowerPoint 2003 and later allows you to save any annotations you draw with the pen, and also keeps the annotations if you change slides. This is very useful. Previous versions don't allow this. The ease of writing and the feel of the surface are prefect. The "hot keys" (4 of them) on the tablet are easily programmable. Small size is great, and does not hamper my use of it. A Great investment!
  
  
• Love my Bamboo!!!
  By AA5VAPXW6WF4T on 2008-02-24
  I just received my Bamboo and I love it!! I am not a professional artist, but I do like to draw. I added a sketch to the "user images" because I wanted to know what could be done with this pad when I was trying to decide whether to get one. I am glad that I bought mine!
  
  I do have Windows Vista, which recognized the Pad right away. In order to get all of the functionality I had to install the software that came with the package. Once I did that everything worked fine. I did not need to go out & download the latest drivers or anything like that.
  
  Pen sensitivity does not require any special downloads or tricks. I thought I might have to struggle a little according to other reviews but there was no need to worry. In Adobe I merely selected a pen that was more than 1 pixel in size.
  
  My one complaint is that I cannot figure out how to get this to recognize subscript & superscript when entering mathematic formulas 3x2 is what I get rather than three 'x' squared. If I figure out how to make that work I will update this review. I had hoped to be able to use this for math homework.
  
  Another pleasant surprise is that Vista has an application called Windows Journal that works like an old-fashioned sheet of paper & pen. It will recognize text and leave it physically relative to where it was written - great for taking notes in class.
  
  One other surprise is how well this is at recognizing Example of the horrid penmanship this thing can recognize handwriting. My penmanship is so horrible that I often have trouble reading it myself. The Vista handwriting recognition allows me to write like I normally would and translates my chicken scratching into typed text. I will try to do a screen print to put in the "user images" so you can see what I am talking about.
  
  The 4" x 6" pad seems as if it would be adequate for most anything. This is the only pad that I have ever used, but it works great by my standards.
  
  For those of you looking for a mouse replacement I would proceed cautiously. The pen & pad work better than the touchpad on the laptop, but I am still partial to the control of a conventional mouse. Perhaps I just need more practice.
  
  
  
  
• Good Stuff
  By AZ3PIW370S9B2 on 2007-11-30
  I'm using this along with the MS Vista OS, which comes properly equipped to behave as a tablet PC. As such, setup was simple and quick. The functionality of this tablet is solid and easy to use, even to the point I catch myself using it instead of a mouse. The hardware design is very sleek and easy on the eyes, which makes it a welcome addition to my desktop. All of this combined with a relatively low cost make this an easy recommendation.
  
  
• Great tool for graphics, vectors and general computer use.
  By A27QXQQOLAMRRR on 2007-12-01
  I recently got one of these from CircuiCity, and here is my review of it:
  
  I'm running windows XP and this was by far the easiest thing I think I've ever installed on any computer. All I had to do what was plug it in and XP automatically knew what it was and set it up. I then installed the software per the instructions and got even more benefits.
  
  Pros:
  Easy to use!
  Cool look - Love the black case as well as the nice brilliant blue backlight buttons at the top (smudges show a little easy though, but just remember to wash your hands a little more and you'll be alright.)
  The customizable 4 buttons (can be set to just about anything you can come up with)
  Scroll/zoom pad - great feature, perfect for net or working in Photoshop / Corel Draw
  Pressure sensitive - you can set it to how you want it to react, takes a little time to get it set just right but it's great when you get it setup. Simple trial and error will get it done in 5 minutes or less.
  Battery less pen - I don't know how it works but it's awesome, it's lightweight and feels great in my hand. Makes work easy and fast.
  Pen use - the main tip is nice and works great, the opposite side automatically recognizes each programs eraser function and auto switches to it when flipped to that side. The buttons on the side of the pen are nice as well and can be setup to whatever you desire just like all the other buttons.
  
  
  Cons:
  Size - the tablet is really better smaller for the average user, but then again this size tablet is good for when you need to get detail work done faster. You just have to move your arm more.
  USB cord length - it's a bit on the short side, could be a few feet longer I think. Granted most people have a USB port on the front of their PC but seeing as this always on my desk I'd like to be able to hide the cord a little better.
  
  
  
• The Write Stuff!
  By AB0TLNLNOAGY4 on 2007-12-20
  I'll be the first to mention that computer toys are not a specialty of mine and I seldom jump for bells and whistles where I don't require them. Given that, I was excited to get the opportunity to work with a tablet device and see how it integrated into my everyday use on the computer. Bamboo's Small pen tablet fit the bill for my needs.
  
  Advantages: The first advantage that comes to mind is size. The overall size of this tablet about the area of a typical mouse pad. This means on a cluttered desk, the entire desk surface does not have to be cleared to use it. The design is appealing and relatively comfortable to use--it can be easily tucked into a corner and looks at home on the desktop. The "pen" pointer comes with a small stand so that it can be kept in reach without risk of it becoming lost or damaged.
  
  Not being a tech otaku of any sort, the installation was very simple and the attachment took merely plugging into the nearest USB port--no extra power cord needed. From there both mouse and tablet could be used interchangeably. Holding the pen point over the tablet surface would bring the cursor under the control of the tablet, placing it back in its holder and moving the mouse would shift it back to mouse control without any hiccups or glitches. Since I do like to work with art on the computer, the tablet was an absolute delight for allowing the more precise control needed to actually sketch images and work on tiny details in the picture. What was clumsy with the computer mouse was world's easier with the tablet. Likewise, certain games lent themselves to the tablet function, although I still like to use the mouse for certain functions. The ability to consistently switch back and forth is very appealing.
  
  Disadvantages: Perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages is that I couldn't fully test the capabilities of this tablet due to the fact I do not have Windows Vista. According to the information provided with this device, it is specifically designed to interact with the new Windows software, so may offer more to a user that has Vista on their PC.
  
  As to the performance of the device itself, overall it worked very well, but I found the cable connection to be loose on the USB connection, which meant jostling the cable at all would result in the device losing power. While inconvenient, it was possible to adjust the connection and the placement of the cable so that it rarely was a problem. The other issue was that while the side button on the pen for the tablet allows the user to utilized it as they might buttons on a mouse, I found my natural grip on the pen tended to hit the button inadvertantly, selecting items and clicking on links I hadn't intended. This is probably something that could be gotten used to with more practice, but is something I have to be aware of when I use the device.
  
  Overall, the downsides are few. The size of this tablet may not work for everyone--especially those who want a larger surface for art or movement--but it's perfect for the average PC user, and a lot of fun to play with! I'm going to enjoy working with Bamboo's tablet in the future and seeing what I can create on my PC.
  
  Happy computing ^_^ Shanshad
  
  
• Excellent Beginners Tablet
  By A3895VBEZ453XA on 2007-12-23
  I really did not have a need for this tablet, I just bought it because I have always been curious about using tablets as an input device. Before the price made me resist the temptation, but after reading the comments and checking the price on the Bamboo, I decided to go ahead and buy one.
  
  I have been using it in Vista and it has worked perfectly, without a problem. I enjoy using it with Evernote, OneNote, and MindManager because that is when I think it is the most useful. For regular email typing and wordprocessing I think the keyboard is much better.
  
  Buy it if you would like to try out a tablet, you won't be dissapointed.
  
  LA
  
  
• Bamboo (small) Pen tablet
  By A13CDMJ0AS2BZA on 2008-01-04
  I bought this for my new computer since my old Wacom Graphire tablet uses a serial attachment. I like that it is small and thinner than the Graphire, but I don't like that the pen holder is not attached to the tablet. I also don't like the lack of an "overlay" under which you can put pictures and trace like on the Graphire. However, the main reason I don't like the lack of the overlay is that the surface shows scratches on it if you press too hard with the pen.
  
  I bought PenOffice to use with the tablet and it works well to recognize my handwriting. In fact, of three handwriting recognition programs I tried, PenOffice was the fastest to translate my writing to text accurately, most of the time.
  
  
• Decent Product
  By A1MZ1ETRVQ6Z4E on 2008-01-08
  The tablet works quite well with Windows Vista. However, in some applications (paint, GIMP, Inkscape), the cursor only responds intermittently or slowly. However, it worked smoothly in Adobe Photoshop Elements.
  
  Other than that, it's been very easy to use.
  
  If you want to be able to write in regular-size handwriting, it might be better to get a bigger tablet so that you have more resolution. With this tablet, handwriting appears large and therefore you have to scroll in order to write as much as you would on 8.5 x 11 paper.
  
  
• The Bamboo Pen Tablet= Perfect for drawing, and a good deal
  By A3MH76YVQVZOXX on 2008-02-11
  I got the Wacom Bamboo Pen tablet mostly to draw with. I was a little wary that for such a low price it might not work well enough for that purpose, but when I got it and tried it out, I was very surprised. This product is simple to use and the pen moves very smoothly, perfect for drawing. There is no lagging or anything. The product intro tells you that it is just like writing on paper, and it's telling the truth. I've been using it for about a month, and I am still very satisfied with it. If you like to draw and are sick of using the mouse, I highly recommend the Bamboo tablet. Everyone comments on how good it is to use as a mouse, or to write notes with, but if you wanted to know if it's good for drawing too, well now you know. It works great.
  
  
• Bamboo and OS X Tiger
  By AJPE0IWWB3AKE on 2008-03-29
  I owned a 9x12 Wacom and it suddenly shot craps after 9 years. I couldn't afford to replaced it with the current high prices so I bought the Bamboo as a tablet patch until I could afford to buy another 9x12. To my utter surprise the bamboo preforms all the function I used with my old tablet. I have a wireless bluetooth mouse who's batteries went dry and was forced to use the Bamboo as my only input device. Before I could buy batteries I found the Bamboo to be the only input device I need. I have batteries in the mouse but now never use it. The 4 programmable buttons can be configured easily to preform many function. I use the top 2 buttons as the back and forward function for enhanced web browsing. I use the bottom 2 as control Z and reveal desktop. The only problem I encountered was the pressure sensitive function with Photoshop CS2 did not work until I downloaded the latest driver from Wacom's website which updated the supplied driver. Go for it Mac addicts, your going to love it.
  
  
• My first pen tablet and its a great one!
  By ADZIJQN6MNRAB on 2007-12-23
  I bought this tablet ONLY because I recently acquired the Corel Painter Essentials software. That software takes advantage of painting with pen & tablet technology. I had to have one. So, I purchased this one. Granted, it was the lowest in price from some that I've seen and I don't really need the larger ones. I was amazed how easy it was to install on both of my PCs at work. Then it came to my home PC. Vista Home Premium. I had some problems with my PC recognizing it BUT, and this is a big BUT, it was my PC and NOT the tablet!! After adjusting my PC to find the drivers in the Windows/System32/ location it came right up and now I was able to use it. What a fun and great investment. Now my son uses it for his "masterpieces". It's just a great product. I'm sure that there are others that are great with all kinds of bells & whistles, but this one is just right for me.
  
  I recommend this one if you don't have a tablet and want to "test the waters" so to speak.
  
  Try it out. I also recommend the Corel Painter Essentials as well. I see they now have it bundled together.
  
  

• 3Dconnexion SpacePilot - 3D motion controller w/ LCD display - optical - 21 but
• 3Dconnexion SpaceTraveler
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business UPGRADE [DVD] [OLD VERSION]
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium UPGRADE [DVD] [OLD VERSION]
• 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator PE (Personal Edition) 3D Navigation Device USB ( 3DX-700029 )

• Corel Painter Essentials 4 (Win/Mac)
• Bamboo Carry Case
• Bamboo Fun (Small) Black Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software
• Apple Keyboard Kit
• The Photoshop Elements 6 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)