Wacom

Axiotron, maker of the successful Mac tablet, the Modbook, have just announced an update to their system that really changes the entire thing for the better. This isn't just a miniscule upgrade; rather, it's significant.

Some of the updates affect the system's hardware controller board. This has made for overall improved system performance, better battery life and an improved sleep function. Radio frequency shielding now also improves the digitizer's responsiveness, making it so the tablet is not as susceptible to interference.

The Modbook AnyView LCD panel has also gotten an upgrade by means of a new bonding process and a ForceGlass screen cover that improves contrast ratio. Plus, it now features the QuadCoat process, which protects the top shell with a liquid metallic coating. Apparently, this process was taken from the auto industry and reduces the overall weight down to 5.3 pounds. Other added features include full Bluetooth, improved compatibility with Mac OS X, improved GPS, Autodesk SketchBook software and more. You can get the new and improved Modbook now for $1,299 for just the modification of a MacBook or $2,249 for a MacBook and the modification combined.

Wacom are planning to deliver capacitive touch panels, similar to that used in the iPhone and iPod touch, in 2009 under the name CapPLUS.  Going by the press release, the company is initially planning larger-scale panels than used in the Apple devices, intended for desktop monitors and vertical market equipment such as medical and entertainment.  However the CapPLUS specifications confirm that panels from 3-inches to 46-inches will be available.

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Axiotron, makers of the ModBook Mac Tablet that we were reviewed back in February, are now offering a service to convert any plastic Core 2 Duo MacBook into a pen-enabled slate.  The ‘Modservice’ adds a 512-pressure-level Wacom digitizer, glass screen, GPS and chromed display bezel, creating a tablet ideal for graphics professionals and mobile users.  It’s cheaper than a brand new Modbook, too, starting at $1,299.

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Lenovo's ThinkPad W700 caused a few double-takes when it launched, with a 5.1 x 3.2-inch Wacom digitizer built into the palm-rest, integrated color calibrator for the 17-inch 1920 x 1200 display and a range of available processors that easily let you throw away your desktop workstation.  Laptop Mag have had the W700 in for testing, in the shape of a 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 model priced at over $3,800, and have come up with the conclusion you might expect: it's good, but it's niche.

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Lenovo have unveiled their answer to HP’s 8730w mobile workstation, the ThinkPad W700, and while the 17-inch monster may not have DreamColor what it does have is a built-in Wacom digitizer in the palm rest.  It’s also the first mobile workstation to incorporate Intel’s Quad Core Extreme Processor, the first to use NVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M 1GB graphics and the first to have a built-in, automatic color calibrator.

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Wacom are known for their huge Cintiq LCD displays with pen-input, but the company also makes a smaller, 12.1-inch model intended to be used in your lap.  At $1405 it could hardly be called entry-level, but it has the same 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, 5080dpi resolution and pen-tilt awareness as its bigger siblings.  PC Authority have been trying out the 16:10-aspect 1280 x 800 monitor, and judging by their 5/6 rating they seem impressed.

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Digitizer specialists Wacom and e-paper manufacturers E Ink have announced a deal that will see the former’s digital ink technology incorporated into the latter’s low-power, paper-like electronic displays.  It will open up the market for eBooks and newspapers that can be annotated and those notes stored and exchanged.  The pair are describing the development as “the ultimate vision of an interactive piece of paper.”

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It has a 12.1” LCD panel and can be used as a second monitor and a tablet at the same time. You can set it on the desk and use it, or you can hold it in your arms to work if you prefer since it weighs a mere 1.8kg.

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Not only is it a digital pen that records what you write, but it has Bluetooth, for what purpose I don’t know, unless it works with N-Series phones for sending handwritten notes, it probably doesn’t, but that would be cool. It has 1.3MB of on board storage, and then the Bluetooth is likely so its possible to wirelessly offload that storage or maybe so you can use it like a Wacom tablet.

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The greatest pen interactive display manufacturer is back with a new Cintiq family – Cintiq 20WSX. Wacom announces a mammoth 20.1″ widescreen LCD (WSXGA+ 1680×1050 resolution) desktop pen display. The 20WSX is cordless and battery-free. It accepts Hd15 VGA as well as DVI-A input. Aspect ratio is 16:10 and priced at $1,999, a healthy $500 drop compare to the last 4:3 model, 21UX. Both the finger-sensitive Touch Strip and ExpressKeys are programmable and cleverly designed for accessibility.

Cintiq 20WSX [via Wacom]

As any graphic designer (or Tablet PC owner, for that matter) will tell you, when it comes to digital pen technology you’ll always get fine results going to Wacom.  Up until now, however, your choice has been shepherded into one of two different product types: those with a sturdy desk and a desire to see what they’re drawing on can pick from the Cintiq range of touch-sensitive displays, while those who want something more compact and, dare I say, lap-friendly can choose from the numerous ranges of graphics tablets (such as the latest Bamboo or Intuos3).  Wacom are blurring that division, now, however, with the introduction of the baby in the Cintiq range: the compact 12WX.

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The new Intuos3 Special Edition tablets aren’t the only one’s being rolled out for the big 25th anniversary of Wacom. They’re updating their line of Graphire tablets as well.

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