What to know
- Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the popular Wacom Intuos Pro M and the rising star, Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small.
- The Wacom Pro Pen 2, included with the Intuos Pro M, boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and a near-frictionless pen tip, delivering a natural and accurate drawing experience.
- The Wacom Intuos Pro M comes bundled with a suite of creative software, including Clip Studio Paint Pro, Corel Painter Essentials, and a three-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the popular Wacom Intuos Pro M and the rising star, Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. Both tablets offer compelling features and cater to different artistic needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each model, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Ergonomics: A Tale of Two Styles
The Wacom Intuos Pro M boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a black and silver color scheme. Its compact size (13.2″ x 8.3″) makes it ideal for small desks and travel. The tablet surface is smooth and textured, providing a comfortable drawing experience.
Conversely, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small adopts a more functional aesthetic with a larger active area (10.6″ x 6.3″) and a slightly thicker profile. Its white and black color scheme adds a touch of modernity. The tablet’s textured surface offers a slightly grippier feel, which some users may find more conducive to precise drawing.
Pen Technology: Precision and Responsiveness
Both tablets utilize pressure-sensitive pens with excellent responsiveness. The Wacom Pro Pen 2, included with the Intuos Pro M, boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and a near-frictionless pen tip, delivering a natural and accurate drawing experience.
The Xencelabs Pen, on the other hand, offers a slightly lower pressure sensitivity of 4096 levels but compensates with a more customizable experience. It features two side buttons, an eraser, and a customizable pen tip that can be swapped to suit your drawing style.
Software and Features: Beyond the Basics
The Wacom Intuos Pro M comes bundled with a suite of creative software, including Clip Studio Paint Pro, Corel Painter Essentials, and a three-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. This makes it an attractive option for beginners seeking a comprehensive creative toolkit.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, while lacking bundled software, offers a more flexible approach. It’s compatible with a wide range of popular drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita. Additionally, its customizable driver allows you to fine-tune the pen settings and personalize your drawing experience.
Display and Resolution: A Matter of Perspective
The Wacom Intuos Pro M, being a tablet without a display, relies on your computer monitor for visual feedback. This can be advantageous for artists who prefer a larger, higher-resolution screen.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, however, offers an optional display, the Xencelabs Pen Display Small, which provides a more immersive drawing experience. This display boasts a 1080p resolution and a responsive touch interface, allowing for direct drawing on the screen.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Wacom Intuos Pro M typically retails for a higher price point compared to the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small. This price difference can be attributed to the bundled software and the established reputation of the Wacom brand.
The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option while still delivering excellent performance. Its optional display, however, adds to the overall cost.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Drawing Tablet for You
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Wacom Intuos Pro M if:
- You’re a beginner seeking a comprehensive creative toolkit with bundled software.
- You prefer a compact and portable design.
- You prioritize the highest levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.
Choose the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small if:
- You’re a seasoned artist looking for a customizable and flexible drawing experience.
- You prefer a larger active area and a more textured drawing surface.
- You’re willing to invest in an optional display for a more immersive drawing experience.
Wrap-Up: Beyond the Hype, Finding Your Creative Flow
Both the Wacom Intuos Pro M and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small stand as compelling options for digital artists. The Wacom Intuos Pro M excels in its intuitive design, bundled software, and high-precision pen technology. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small, on the other hand, offers a more customizable and affordable alternative with its optional display and user-friendly software. The best choice ultimately boils down to your individual needs, artistic preferences, and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What are the main differences between the Wacom Intuos Pro M and the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small?
A: The Wacom Intuos Pro M offers a compact design, bundled software, and the highest levels of pressure sensitivity. The Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small provides a larger active area, customizable pen settings, and an optional display for direct drawing.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The Wacom Intuos Pro M is a good choice for beginners due to its bundled software and user-friendly design.
Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?
A: Both tablets can be used by professional artists. The Wacom Intuos Pro M excels in precision and responsiveness, while the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small offers a more customizable and immersive experience with its optional display.
Q: Is the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small compatible with Mac?
A: Yes, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Small is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Q: Which tablet has a better warranty?
A: Both tablets offer a one-year warranty.
