The
Wacom Bamboo line
is considered the beginner models. That doesn't mean they aren't good for people who have already used drawing tablets though. I like them. Especially since there are several to choose from and reasonably priced.
Here are some things that are consistent between the Wacom Bamboo models:
- Reversible for right or left-handed users
- Standard USB
- Pressure sensitive pen (resolution and pressure levels vary)
- Textured surface to simulate a pen on paper feel (except Bamboo Touch)
- PC - Windows® 7, Vista® or XP with Service Pack 2
- Mac - Mac OS® X (10.4.8 or higher)
- Hardware - Requires color display, powered USB port, and CD/DVD drive
Wacom Bamboo Fun
If you haven't used a tablet before and want to jump into the digital design world, I recommend this tablet. You can use the pen or your hand to move things around, edit photos, draw and paint. The pen is pressure sensitive and very precise.
The largest of all the Bamboo models:
- Active touch area - 7.5″ W x 5.1″ H
- Active pen area - 8.5" W x 5.4" H
- Dimensions - 13.3″ W x 8.8″ H
Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements & Nik Color Efex Pro
Wacom Bamboo Craft
Another great tablet for a beginner with the exception that it is primarily for arts and crafts projects and scrap-booking. You can use hand gestures to navigate quickly between photos and use the pen for more detailed work such as handwriting, drawing or photo editing. I like that you can do all the design work on the tablet and print it when you are done for a traditional scrapbook.
The size is smaller compared to the Wacom Bamboo Fun:
- Active touch area - 4.9" W x 3.4" H
- Active pen area - 5.8" W x 3.6" H
- Dimensions - 9.8″ W x 6.9″ H
Software:
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
- Corel Painter Essentials
- Nik Color Efex Pro
- Lots of design extras and a DVD of scrapbooking lessons
Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch
Similar to the Wacom Bamboo Craft in size and use, but doesn't come with the same software and extras. I recommend this tablet if you don't need the scrap-booking extras and want to spend less. You can use your hand or the pen for more precise lines.
- Active touch area - 4.9" W x 3.4" H
- Active pen area - 5.8" W x 3.6" H
- Dimensions - 9.8" W x 6.9 H
Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements & Nik Color Efex Pro
Wacom Bamboo Pen
This tablet works just like the Bamboo Pen and Touch minus the "Touch". This tablet is great if you don't want or need to use your hands ever. It comes with less software but the price is much lower.
- Active pen area - 5.8" W x 3.6" H
- Dimensions - 9.8" W x 6.9 H
Software: Corel Painter Essentials
Bamboo Touch
Who needs a pen? You don't if you buy this model. It's smaller than the Wacom Bamboo Pen, but if you aren't using it for precise drawing, then you don't really need the extra space. This tablet is recommended for users who just need to be able to move around the desktop, zoom, navigate the web and scroll through documents.
- Active touch area - 4.9" W x 3.4" H
- Dimensions - 8.2" W x 5.4" H
Software: None
