Wacom Intuos3 Professional Tablets Introduced

Wacom Technology Corp. has introduced its new line of Intuos3 professional pen tablets. Offered in three sizes (4×5, 6×8, and 9×12), the Intuos 3 tablets incorporate ExpressKeys and Touch Strips”?two features the company says greatly speed up workflow in graphics and other applications.

The built-in ExpressKeys are customizable and default to keyboard modifiers Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and Spacebar. They provide quick access to commonly used mouse clicks, keystrokes, modifiers, and other operations. The 2-in. Touch Strips allow users to zoom or scroll with their non-dominant hand while working with a pen or mouse with their dominant hand.

Other key features include a new industrial design with high-gloss transparent surface, redesigned Grip Pen for enhanced comfort, improved ergonomic battery-free mouse with five programmable buttons, and more.

Intuos3 tablets come bundled with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2, Corel Painter Essentials 2, and Nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE. Optional accessories include Airbrush, an Inking Pen, and a new kit of accessories for accessorizing the Intuos3 Grip Pen.

The Intuos3 tablets will be available by mid-September. Street prices: $199.99 (4×5), $329.99 (6×8), and $449.99 (9×12). The Intuos2 line of tablets will be continued for customers who require serial connectivity (Intuos3 are USB only) or larger sizes (12 x12 and 12×18). (Wacom Technology: www.wacom.com)