No surprise that the pen functionality on a
Wacom's screen or tablet would be excellent - especially on high-end kit that
we have spent time here. We never have a problem with the pen functionality,
and having all of those pressure levels at your disposal should be a major
improvement over a regular mouse, to say the least.
Wacom
Cintiq 24HD Touch
A few weeks ago, Wacom has begun to launch
a new version of the Cintiq 24HD with pen-enabled display for the newcomer
designers began last September. Cintiq 24HD touch is named appropriately
carrying exterior styling which is almost similar to the original model. One
huge rack carries a 24inch screen and can be configured according to specific
preferences of your seat. However, there are many internal modifications. As
the name implies, a big difference between the two is the addition of the
multi-touch control for the newer model. However, the additional functionality
comes with a high price, because the Cintiq 24HD touch is priced $1,100 more
expensive than its older brother. Can the additional multi-touch gestures and
modified screen be innovative enough to justify a higher price? Or will a
cheaper option do well in a studio environment? Keep reading to find out.
Hardware
An
on-screen keyboard
As we have mentioned, the Cintiq 24HD touch
design is quite similar to the previous none-touch model. In fact, the only
difference you will see is the control at the top panel of the screen has
changed - if you look closely. These buttons now toggle touch functionality on
/ off, bring up an on-screen keyboard and display ExpressKey / control
reminders. Some things have not changed: the weight. Obviously the first thing
you will notice is the massive kit 62.9 pounds (28.6kg). If you seem to forget
this piece of information, the postman will quickly remind you when it arrives.
When you add that to the surface area 30.3x18.3 inches (769.3x463.74mm), which
has not changed much, you'll need plenty of space for luxury accessories. In
other words, once you find a resting spot, you'll think twice about relocating.
This
part is located on a black box that hids all necessary cables out of sight
Let's talk a little about the base? This
part is located on a black box that hides all necessary cables out of sight.
The cables are towards the back of the base and connect with two panels which
are detachable at the rear sides of the screen - you see that single port USB
connector is on the left front. The metal arms rise from the black background
and have 2 pairs of hinges for adjusting the viewing angle. The first set is
level with the base and allows the device to rotate forward, toward the user.
The second pair is located on the side and can be used to rotate the screen
between being parallel with your desk to sitting perfectly perpendicular to
it. The large handles on either side of the 24HD control the latter adjustment
while a release that's situated on the base allows for the former. The branches
mentioned above are the only two parts of the device are not covered in black,
providing a focal point for the rest of the aesthetic of this monster.
Jump to the important parts, the 24-inch
H-IPS screen, we will start to experience the new features of the Cintiq 24HD
touch. Again, on the outside, the screen seems to be the exact copy of the
previous version. A set of programmable ExpressKeys rest on either side of the
ultra-wide bezel and a single Touch Ring is included with each. Located along
the main screen are two Touch Strips,too You still will not see any of the
labels here, because all that information remains on the screen as we see on
the normal 24HD and Inutos5 touch. Speaking of extra space around the outside,
what may seem like a waste initially is actually a nice place to rest forearms
and elbows when you're in the heat of a Photoshop editing session. We quickly
identified the additional space is a welcome addition.
Screen
The unit's display panel has several
additional features (besides the touch gestures) that give it some advantage
over the first Cintiq 24HD. First, this pen-enabled device covers 97% of the
Adobe RGB color gamut. It increased from 92% on the previous model and had 1.07
million colors. Resolution is still 1920x1200 for 16:10 screen, 500:1 contrast
and 178 degree viewing angle. It is the anti-glare screen which we found quite
consistent with our red-eyed stares for hours during this review. It's quite
comfortable to look at the screen in a long time.
It's
quite comfortable to look at the screen in a long time
To be honest, the color reproduction on the
screen is quite good. The brightness control may be increased tp 300cd/m2,
offers wide range of adjustment to fit the lighting in your workspace. Sitting
close to the screen during the test, we definitely noticed individual pixels.
But please be honest, when your eyes are only a few inches from the screen, a
small square will be very easy to see - even in a H-IPS device.
The Pen
Internally,
2,048 levels of sensitivity are at work and the top end retains its eraser
duties by default.
If it's not broken, do not fix it, right?
It is a method that Wacom has used with their pen. The input device that we had
spent a lot of time with Inutos5 touch a few months ago are also included with
Cintiq 24HD touch. It still comes with 10 replaceable nibs that are housed
inside a holder for the pen when you're not digitally painting your next comic
series. Internally, 2,048 levels of sensitivity are at work and the top end
retains its eraser duties by default.
