Highlights
- The Intuos Bluetooth Small is significantly cheaper than its Pro counterpart, making it a great option for beginners or those who want to try digital art without breaking the bank.
- The Wacom Intuos Pro Small is a more advanced drawing tablet designed for professional artists and those who demand the highest level of precision and control.
- The Intuos Pro Small boasts a higher resolution than the Bluetooth Small, resulting in a sharper and more detailed drawing experience.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the Wacom lineup are the Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Intuos Pro Small. While both are compact and designed for portability, they cater to different needs and skill levels. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tablet is the perfect fit for your artistic journey.
The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small is an excellent entry-level drawing tablet for aspiring artists and those on a budget. It boasts a sleek, compact design and offers a smooth, responsive drawing experience. Its key features include:
- Affordable Price: The Intuos Bluetooth Small is significantly cheaper than its Pro counterpart, making it a great option for beginners or those who want to try digital art without breaking the bank.
- Wireless Connectivity: The Bluetooth connectivity allows for a clutter-free workspace and provides a seamless drawing experience without the hassle of cables.
- Pressure Sensitivity: The pen features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a natural and responsive feel for precise line work and shading.
- Intuitive Software: Wacom’s included software offers a range of features for drawing, editing, and creating digital art.
- Compact Design: The small size makes it perfect for travel and easy to store.
The Intuos Pro Small: A Professional’s Choice for Precision and Control
The Wacom Intuos Pro Small is a more advanced drawing tablet designed for professional artists and those who demand the highest level of precision and control. It boasts a range of features that elevate the drawing experience to a whole new level:
- High-Resolution Display: The tablet features a higher resolution than the Intuos Bluetooth Small, resulting in a sharper and more detailed drawing experience.
- Enhanced Pressure Sensitivity: The pen boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering even greater accuracy and control for intricate details.
- Pen Tilt Support: The pen also supports tilt sensitivity, allowing for natural shading and brushstrokes that mimic traditional art techniques.
- Customizable ExpressKeys: The tablet features customizable ExpressKeys that can be programmed to execute specific actions and shortcuts, streamlining your workflow.
- Durable Construction: The Intuos Pro Small is made with high-quality materials, ensuring a robust and long-lasting tablet.
Evaluating the Differences: A Detailed Comparison
To make an informed decision, let’s delve deeper into the key differences between the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small:
- Price: The Intuos Bluetooth Small is significantly more affordable than the Intuos Pro Small. This price difference makes the Bluetooth Small a budget-friendly option for beginners and casual users.
- Resolution: The Intuos Pro Small boasts a higher resolution than the Bluetooth Small, resulting in a sharper and more detailed drawing experience. This difference is particularly noticeable when working with intricate details or fine lines.
- Pressure Sensitivity: The Intuos Pro Small features a higher level of pressure sensitivity (8192 levels) compared to the Bluetooth Small (4096 levels). This enhanced sensitivity provides greater accuracy and control, ideal for professional artists and those who demand precise detail.
- Pen Tilt Support: The Intuos Pro Small’s pen supports tilt sensitivity, allowing for more natural shading and brushstrokes. This feature is particularly useful for artists who want to mimic traditional art techniques.
- ExpressKeys: The Intuos Pro Small features customizable ExpressKeys that can be programmed to execute specific actions and shortcuts, streamlining your workflow. The Bluetooth Small lacks this feature.
- Software: Both tablets come with Wacom’s software, but the Intuos Pro Small offers access to a more advanced suite of features, including professional-grade editing tools and compatibility with a wider range of creative software.
Who Should Choose the Intuos Bluetooth Small?
The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small is a great choice for:
- Beginners: It’s an affordable and user-friendly option for those just starting out in digital art.
- Casual Users: If you’re looking for a tablet for occasional sketching or drawing, the Bluetooth Small provides a good balance of features and affordability.
- Travelers: Its compact size and wireless connectivity make it perfect for taking on the go.
- Budget-Conscious Artists: If you’re on a tight budget, the Bluetooth Small offers a great value for money.
Who Should Choose the Intuos Pro Small?
The Wacom Intuos Pro Small is ideal for:
- Professional Artists: It provides the precision and control needed for high-quality digital art.
- Serious Hobbyists: If you’re passionate about digital art and want the best tools available, the Pro Small delivers.
- Graphic Designers: The enhanced pressure sensitivity and tilt support make it perfect for creating detailed illustrations and designs.
- Animators: The tablet’s responsiveness and accuracy are ideal for smooth and precise animation.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations
While the above comparison highlights the core differences, there are other factors to consider when choosing between the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small:
- Pen Features: Both tablets come with a comfortable and responsive pen. However, the Intuos Pro Small’s pen features a higher level of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and a more durable construction.
- Software Compatibility: Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of creative software. However, the Intuos Pro Small offers additional features and support for advanced software.
- Ergonomics: Both tablets are designed for comfort and ease of use. However, the Intuos Pro Small features a slightly larger active area, which may be preferable for some users.
Finding the Perfect Fit: A Final Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small depends on your individual needs, budget, and skill level. The Bluetooth Small is a budget-friendly and user-friendly option for beginners and casual users, while the Intuos Pro Small offers professional-grade features and precision for serious artists.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I use the Intuos Bluetooth Small with a Mac?
A: Yes, both the Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Intuos Pro Small are compatible with both Windows and macOS.
Q: What is the difference between the Small and Medium sizes?
A: The Small size is ideal for travel and smaller workspaces, while the Medium size offers a larger active area for more comfortable drawing.
Q: Can I use the Intuos Pro Small with a smartphone or tablet?
A: No, the Intuos Pro Small is designed for use with computers only.
Q: What kind of pen does the Intuos Pro Small come with?
A: The Intuos Pro Small comes with a Wacom Pro Pen 2, which features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and a rubber grip for enhanced comfort.
Q: Is the Intuos Pro Small worth the extra cost?
A: If you’re a serious artist or professional who demands the highest level of precision and control, the Intuos Pro Small is definitely worth the extra cost. However, if you’re just starting out or looking for a budget-friendly option, the Intuos Bluetooth Small is a great choice.
