BIOS: Technology Means Business

US-based Adesso has announced its foray into drawing tablets. The CyberTablets are relatively low-cost tablets that are available in three different sizes: the entry-level CyberTablet 6400 ($69) offers a 6x4.5in. workspace, the CyberTablet 8600 ($129) has 8x6in. of space, and the high-end CyberTablet 12000 ($169) provides a 12x9in. surface. Like any other graphics tablet, you use the supplied pressure-sensitive pen on the tablet and naturally draw and write freehand graphics and text as if you would on regular paper. Each of the new tablets offer a resolution of 3048 lines-per-inch (lpi), 512 points of pressure gradation, 0.42mm pen accuracy, and a 0.32in. reading height. Each tablet ships with a wireless pen and a wireless mouse (RF) with scroll wheel for right and left-handed users. The tablets don't offer anything new in terms of technology, but this nicely priced lineup should suit those looking for a way to create freehand graphics.

Pros: Powered by USB 2.0 port; cordless pen and mouse
Cons: Don't break through any tech barriers

Edited Release: Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative and stylish keyboards, digital cameras, mice, touchpads, and input peripherals, has introduced a brand new family of pen-based tablets for PCs running Windows 2000 and XP. The new CyberTablet series feature a powerful, yet easy-to-use combination of a pressure-sensitive pen, tablet, and software that enables PC users to naturally draw and write freehand graphics and text as comfortably as they would on real paper. The Cyber-series will be available mid-February.

The Adesso CyberTablets are ideal input solutions for computer artists, graphic designers, photo editors and office and CAD/CAM applications. Other emerging applications include Internet whiteboard graphics, signature verification for e-commerce as well as handwriting/text conversion.

The Adesso CyberTablet 12000 is an ergonomically designed wireless tablet with an included wireless two-button scroll-wheel mouse for easy drawing, handwriting, sketching, colouring and picture editing. With its massive 12x9in. work space, the CyberTablet 12000 offers the freedom of movement and fine-tuned sensitivity to accomplish the most sophisticated computer-aided designing tasks. The MSRP is $169.

The Adesso CyberTablet 8600 offers a large 8x6in. workspace and is designed for both PC and Mac computer artists, CAD/CAM engineers, graphic designers and business professionals. It includes a wireless 2-button ergonomic mouse with scroll wheel for alternative cursor control. The MSRP is $129.

The Adesso CyberTablet 6400 features a space-saving 6x4.5in. digital canvas and is designed for the entry level market. The 6400 is ideal for presentation and document annotation as well as basic illustration, design and even handwriting recognition. It also includes a 3-button ergonomic wireless mouse with scroll wheel. The MSRP is $69.99.

'Our brand new line of CyberTablets deliver everything needed for fast and accurate digitising, tracing, drawing, illustration, cursor steering, and menu picking - all in a comfortable and ergonomic design,' said Allen Ku, CEO of Adesso, Inc. 'Adesso has a track record of designing innovative, easy-to-use, powerful, and affordable input solutions enabling our users to become more creative and productive in any application.'

All Adesso CyberTablets offer 512-levels of pressure sensitive input points to provide all the comforts of a normal pencil with precise accuracy and sensitivity for highly accurate rendering in painting and writing. The wireless, two-button pens feature 0.42mm accuracy and a 0.32in. reading height with high resolution, supporting up to 3048 lines-per-inch. The tablets are completely USB powered and do not require a separate power adapter.

The tablets also include a full-featured suite of productivity software including, Free Notes, Office Ink, Power Presenter RE and Photo Impact XP. Adesso provides users with everything they need to utilise their new tablets right out of the box offering a variety of tools for handwriting recognition, capturing handwritten notes and signatures, and adding annotation on documents.

All Adesso products are available through Ingram Micro as well as major direct vendors including Amazon, Buy.com, PC Mall, CDW, PC Connection, Provantage and Insight; plus retail stores such as Fry's and Micro Center; and through leading catalogues including CDW, PC Mall and PC Connection.