BIOS: Technology Means Business

Wacom's latest graphics tablet is a real eye-catcher. The Cintiq 21UX sports a large-format, high-resolution 21.3in. LCD (1600x1200 pixels) and integrates full Intuos3 functionality. Aimed at textile/fashion designers, graphic artists and digital imaging professionals who like to work directly on a screen with a pressure sensitive pen, the Cintiq 21UX is excellent value for artists who would like a large drawing area and high-resolution input device. Replacing the Cintiq 18SX, the updated model includes the ExpressKeys and Touch Strips found on the Intuos3, allowing you to zoom and scrolling in various applications and program shortcut keys.

Pros: High-resolution 21.3in. LCD; programmable buttons
Cons: Price will deter all but graphics professionals

Edited Release: WACOM Europe GmbH, has announced a new, state-of-the-art Interactive Pen Display - the Cintiq 21UX. It is aimed at industrial, automotive and textile/fashion designers, graphic artists and digital imaging professionals for working directly on a screen with a pressure sensitive pen.

Replacing the Cintiq 18SX, the new model combines a larger 21.3in. flat screen with high UXGA resolution, a stylish and ergonomic design and now incorporates full Intuos3 functionality to enhance efficiency and productivity. With this range of new features, the price of the Cintiq 21UX stays the same as its predecessor at £1899 (ex. VAT).

Key to the Cintiq 21UX is the integration of Intuos3 functionality, including the ExpressKeys and Touch Strips. These features can be individually programmed and configured for every application and are beneficial for Cintiq users as the keyboard is not normally in direct range. The ExpressKeys are two freely programmable, four-button keypads that are pre-configured with frequently used modifier keys, such as CTRL, ALT, SHIFT and SPACE.

The Touch Strip acts like a scroll bar with presets to allow zooming and scrolling in various applications. With the pen in one hand, the user's other hand can rest over the ExpressKeys and Touch Strip - not having to constantly move the hand to the keyboard significantly improves workflow and productivity.

The Cintiq 21UX's product design and aesthetics combine an impressive 21.3in. drawing area with a flat bezel. This is ideal for graphic artists and industrial designers because their strokes are not limited while sketching across the surface. The graphic capabilities of the screen have been improved to offer a UXGA resolution of 1600x1200 pixels with 24-bit colour depth.

With an accurate ICC profile for colour management, the Cintiq 21UX's screen with its wide viewing angle provides a true colour environment, crucial to digital photographers. The specially coated, glare-free LCD reduces reflection and the new technology of the flat front bezel reduces parallax. This allows the tip of the pen to be closer to the surface of the screen, enabling illustrators, industrial designers and graphic artists to be much more precise in detailed work.

The Interactive Pen Display has a high-end, stylish and slim-line industrial design in anthracite grey which matches the Intuos3 range. Its display stand is removable and adjustable, allowing the tablet to be rotated easily through +/- 180 degrees. It can also be tilted into multiple positions from 10 to 60 degrees (horizontal to vertical) which exactly replicates the traditional way of working when moving a piece of paper on a drawing board. This flexibility makes the Cintiq 21UX a natural tool, which is comfortable to use and helps to increase productivity.

Wacom's patented 'Penabled' Cintiq Grip Pen and optional input device
Redesigned and ergonomically developed with a cushioned waist to relieve stress, the cordless and battery-less Grip Pen is more precise and provides greater control. This is due to the 5080lpi resolution and the 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity in both the pen tip and eraser.

An optional input device is the Intuos3 Airbrush, which can be used with the Cintiq 21UX and also offers 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity and a finger wheel for controlling ink flow or brush size. Tilt functionality is another feature supported by both the Grip Pen and Airbrush, where tilt angles of up to 60 degrees are recognised - ideal for realistic paintbrush simulation. Working with the pens directly on the display facilitates perfect hand-eye co-ordination.

The Cintiq Grip Pen now comes with changeable pen nibs. The stroke pen nib is able to convey the soft nuances of brushstrokes, while the felt pen nib provides friction on the tablet for a more natural feeling when painting and drawing. It allows a fashion designer for example, to illustrate different textiles more effectively.

The technology featured in the Cintiq 21UX is directly compatible with the Intuos3 range. Each input device has a unique Tool ID that can be customised and will work with both Intuos3 and the Cintiq 21UX. The software supporting Tool ID recognises which input device and assigned programme settings are being used.

The Cintiq 21UX is bundled with Corel Painter Essentials2 - a special edition of the natural media drawing application Corel Painter. It takes full advantage of the Cintiq's functionality - tip pressure and tilt, eraser, Tool ID and airbrush finger wheel.

The new Cintiq 21UX will be available in mid February 2005 in the UK from Computers Unlimited. The Interactive Pen Display runs on Windows 2000 and XP and Mac OS X 10.2.6 or later. The Cintiq 21UX is priced at £1899 (ex. VAT).