Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small vs Wacom Intuos Pro Small: Which Drawing Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices among artists and designers are the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the **Wacom Intuos Pro Small**. Both tablets offer a compact size and intuitive design, but their features and capabilities differ significantly. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between these two tablets to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Size

Both the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small are compact and portable, making them ideal for travel or limited desk space. They both feature a sleek, modern design with a textured surface for enhanced grip. The Intuos Pro Small boasts a slightly more premium feel with its brushed aluminum finish, while the Intuos Bluetooth Small opts for a plastic build.

In terms of size, both tablets are relatively small, measuring 6.7″ x 4.1″ (170mm x 105mm). However, the Intuos Pro Small offers a slightly larger active area of 6.0″ x 3.7″ (152mm x 94mm), compared to the Intuos Bluetooth Small’s 5.7″ x 3.5″ (146mm x 89mm) active area. This difference in active area might be crucial for users who require more space for their drawing or design work.

Pressure Sensitivity and Pen Technology

Pressure sensitivity is a crucial factor for artists and designers, as it allows for varying line thickness and brush strokes based on the pressure applied. The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Intuos Pro Small boasts 8192 levels. This higher pressure sensitivity in the Pro model allows for greater control and nuance in your artwork.

Both tablets come with a battery-free pen that does not require charging or batteries. The Intuos Pro Small’s pen, the Wacom Pro Pen 2, features higher sensitivity and improved ergonomics, making it a more comfortable and responsive tool.

Features and Functionality

The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small offer different functionalities to cater to specific needs. The Intuos Bluetooth Small is a more basic tablet designed for casual users and beginners. It comes with two customizable express keys and a touch ring that can be programmed to perform various actions. The tablet also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect it wirelessly to your computer.

The Wacom Intuos Pro Small, on the other hand, is geared towards professional artists and designers. It features eight customizable express keys and a touch ring, providing more options for customizing your workflow. The tablet also includes a built-in radial menu that allows for quick access to various tools and settings. Additionally, the Pro model supports both Bluetooth and USB connectivity, offering more flexibility in terms of connection.

Software and Compatibility

Both the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small are compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems. They both come bundled with software like Wacom Creative Studio, which offers a range of drawing and design tools. However, the Intuos Pro Small also includes a free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, giving users access to industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.

Price and Value

The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small is generally more affordable than the Wacom Intuos Pro Small. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users or those who are just starting out with digital art. However, the Intuos Pro Small offers a more premium experience with its advanced features and software bundle, justifying its higher price tag.

The Verdict: Which Tablet is Right for You?

The choice between the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Choose the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small if:

• You’re a beginner or casual user.
• You have a limited budget.
• You don’t require advanced features like higher pressure sensitivity or a radial menu.

Choose the Wacom Intuos Pro Small if:

• You’re a professional artist or designer.
• You require advanced features like higher pressure sensitivity, more customizable express keys, and a radial menu.
• You value the added software bundle, including a free Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.

The Final Say: Beyond the Features

Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you is the one that fits your workflow and preferences. Consider your level of experience, your budget, and the specific features that are most important to you. Both the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small and the Wacom Intuos Pro Small are excellent drawing tablets that offer a smooth and responsive drawing experience.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Can I use the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small or Pro Small with an iPad or other tablets?

A: No, these tablets are designed for use with computers running Windows or macOS operating systems.

Q: Do I need to purchase additional software for the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small or Pro Small?

A: Both tablets come with bundled software like Wacom Creative Studio. However, the Intuos Pro Small also includes a free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, giving users access to industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.

Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?

A: The Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small is a great option for beginners due to its affordability and ease of use.

Q: Which tablet is better for professional artists?

A: The Wacom Intuos Pro Small is the better choice for professional artists due to its advanced features, higher pressure sensitivity, and software bundle.

Q: Can I use the Wacom Intuos Bluetooth Small or Pro Small for photo editing?

A: Yes, both tablets can be used for photo editing. However, the Intuos Pro Small’s higher pressure sensitivity and software bundle make it a more suitable option for professional photo editing.