Home > Consumer Reviews > Acad INTUOS3 6X11 USB Wide format Pen Tablet

First, I'm not writing this review so much for the benefit of those who wish to know if this tablet is worth buying, especially over the graphire, or bamboo. (which it is)

This review is for those who are wondering, what is the Acad version, and what is the difference between this version and the regular retail version which sales for much more.

Answer? Nothing.

I bought the retail version a few months back to use with my laptop when I needed more control than my bamboo would give me (I was originally using the bamboo with my laptop, as it fit in my bag) and made travel easy. Recently I wanted to pick up another one for use with my desktop (so I don't have to always use my larger 9x12, and I hate unpacking and repacking when it is not necessary). Somehow I found this Acad tablet here on amazon.

No-one could tell me the difference, if it was gimped, or anything. So I decided it to was too nice of a deal to pass up, and bought this one.

It is the exact same thing. Nothing is missing, it still has all the software (adobe elements, and a discount if you want to upgrade to the professional version).

This is the same great tablet, at a much better price. Do not worry about picking this version up over the other. It is the EXACT same.

And yes, the 6x11 format is very nice. When you have the 6x8 you can setup your workspace to only use a certain part of the screen for your tablet (when using a widescreen) or set it to distort slightly to use the whole screen space.

With the 6x11 your free to use the full range of your widescreen monitor free of distortion.

I must also mention, the box shown here is not how it ships, it ships in the same packaging as the retail version. There is no reason to pickup the retail over the acad. How this happened, I do not know, but be thankful and buy it while you can!

I originally ordered this product from ritz.com to take advantage of the military discount and I had to cancel because it took them over two weeks to ship something that was supposedly in stock. I ordered this product through Amazon on the 12th and had it on the 14th eventhough I paid for 3 day shipping. So now I finally have the product and I am loving it! Amazon Rocks!! This model is sold as an academic model, it is identical to the PTZ631W as far as I could tell. I am a student but there wasn't any type of confirmation process, you just get the same product at a cheaper price!!

It is easier for me to use the pen in mouse mode than it is the default mode. Just go to tablet options, then mapping and choose mouse if the default mode annoys you.

One of the best purchases I've ever made. If you're considering it, don't hesitate, buy it. You won't be sorry. I don't know how I ever managed with my old, smaller version.

The Intuos3 tablet is a valuable tool for any graphic artist or illustrator. I've been using a Wacom Cintiq monitor for natural history illustrations for several years, and find the tablet is a great adjunct to my setup. The 6 x 11 tablet fits on my desk next to my keyboard, so when I have use for it, I simply plug the tablet into a USB port, pull it over, and go to work. The initial setup is very easy -- just install the driver from the accompanying CD. The inclusion of three different pen nubs is another nice feature. I was able to experiment with the various types, until I found one that suited my drawing style.
Buyers might want to view the short video on the Wacom Intuos web site, which demonstrates the available tablet sizes and how they suit different work styles.

ACAD stands for academic. I thought it meant Architectural or CAD Design or something, but it's really just the same great Wacom 6x11 for $30 less.