Home > Consumer Reviews > Bamboo Fun (Medium) Silver Tablet with Pen, Mouse & Graphics Software

Just a quick note for those of you considering to purchase a new Wacom Bamboo tablet...

I am a professional graphic artist and web developer. I use a Wacom Intuos2 at the office and was considering getting one for the home. After several weeks of research I decided to go with the less expensive and smaller Wacom Bamboo tablet for my home/personal use. My 2 reasons for deciding on the Bamboo were as follows: First off, I have a 4 year old son who wants to draw on everything, and paying $350+ for a tablet similar to my Intuos at work would just not be worth the risk, (those of you with kids can relate!); Secondly, I have a limited amount of space on my home desk and a large tablet similar to my 9x12 at work just would not fit where I need it. With that in mind, I opted for the Medium version of the Wacom Bamboo and after a month of heavy use, I have yet to discover a flaw. Although statistically it has half the pressure sensitivity of the Intuos models, after some minor adjusting of the settings, I can tell very little difference between the Bamboo and the Intuos at work. My main concern for this tablet was that the smaller size would require a large adjustment on my part since I am use to a larger tablet, however, the tablet is designed to match my widescreen display and I actually find the smaller size much easier and more manageable than the larger Intuos.

Bottom line is this, if you want a accurate and reliable tablet that doesn't take up a lot of space and still leaves you plenty of money to buy more gas for your car, the Wacom Bamboo Medium is a great choice. It will give you fast, reliable control with plenty of available options to move your creative side forward.

The Bamboo Fun Silver tablet has certainly surpassed all of my expectations. I wasn't actually sure how the product would work, but I found it a powerful tool for photo editing. My only concerns- if you are not a technically sound you may have difficulty understanding all of the tools that are at your disposal.

Likes-

-Nothing uses batteries! Once you plug the tablet into your USB port there is not a need for any additional batteries. In fact, the tablet makes a very nice wireless mouse!

- The pen is a bit awkward at first - I still need to develop the motor skills to see my pen strokes transferred to a screen - but it is an effective editing tool.

- Adobe Photoshop and Corel draw both come with the package. Both software packages provide you with top-notch photo editing capability. Photoshop will allow to make customized photos and add text - while Corel gives you the ability to draw freehand.

- The zoom feature on the tablet works like a charm. it works the same as the dial on a Video Ipod.

- Once you master the pen - you can use Corel Draw to paint in the same manner as a canvas!

- Programs installed without any issues on my MAC.

Concerns-

- While I like the functionality, design, ergonomics and such I wonder how often I will us the tablet. Unless you are a serious photo editor the Bamboo tablet may be overkill.

- There are SO many options it will take many hours before you are fully able to maximize the Bamboo tablet's capabilities.

Final verdict? If you enjoy photo editing or doing paintings/crafts the Bamboo Fun Tablet is for you. If you are more of a casual editor who may modify an occasional Christmas card this may be a little more than you actually need.

For those looking at these with fresh eyes, Wacom has brought this technology a long way. Most people shopping for Wacom tablets probably have owned similar products in the past. This product is more affordable than the higher end Intuos3 models, yet powerful enough for many pros. While I have struggled with rating this product a 3 or 4, it is definitely a good product.

First of all, the "medium" sized tablet will look large to most people. This size is perfect for hard core graphics people who need to work at the pixel level for large images. However, most users will find the small size probably fits the needs of occasional graphics use. Those using this for the mouse and function keys may prefer this size. Either way, the pen function will map to your screen size for any of the Wacom models.

This unit comes in a variety of colors and configurations. The mouse is nice because it allows you to free up a USB port if you're using a USB mouse. Power users will need more from a mouse though. If you're anything like me, you prefer a mouse with many more options than this one provides.

The Bamboo software also allows you to customize the buttons. Left-handers will greatly appreciate this!

Upon plugging in the device, the mouse worked immediately! The pen also works as a mouse or as a pen/brush for drawing applications. Be prepared to spend some time tweaking this unit to your likes though. Installing the drivers and software allows you to access the settings and tools that make this device versatile and customizable.

The software included with this device is a nice to have. Many people who buy this will already have or need full blown Adobe Photoshop. Adobe Elements gives you everything casual users need. The Corel application is nice to play with. But other than a few "macro" type functions I have yet to find anything I can't already do with Adobe. Perhaps newer users may find the Corel product more user-friendly.

Pros
+ USB connection
+ Works on XP and Vista almost plug and play - before software installation
+ Nice customizable software
+ Nice bundled applications - Adobe Elements and Corel Draw
+ No additional power adapter needed

Cons
- Medium size is large for casual users not using the mouse
- The scrolling zoom function does not work uniformly on all applications
- The mouse with this model will not suffice for most users
- Default settings require a lot of adjusting for graphics editing
- The tablet would have been ideal with several additional USB ports

Overall, the graphic artist or visual junkie NEEDS one of these. If you are a casual user, it is worth getting one on sale. You just might want to lean towards the small one. The small model with pen only will meet most users' needs.

Enjoy.

Don't be misled by the name: the "Bamboo Fun" graphic tablet by Wacom is not a child's toy, nor is it an unsophisticated version of Wacom's other models. It is a full-fledged tablet for use with Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and other graphics programs where a mouse or touchpad is too clumsy for accuracy. The tablet can be used with either the included pen or the cordless mouse (using the tablet as a glorified mouse pad). The Bamboo Fun is completely compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms, and, since it runs off your computer's USB port, it needs no batteries.

If this is your first time using a tablet, be prepared to spend a few hours getting used to the device, not because of its complexity but because of the unfamiliar method of moving the cursor around the screen. You'll also have to learn how to use the included software, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 and Corel Painter Essentials 3. (Specified versions refer to Mac OS X.) Downloading the driver and software off the enclosed CDs takes time. Once you do this, however, you'll be amazed by the power of this sleek-looking, silver tablet.

The work surface of the tablet is 8 ¾ " by 5 ½ , an ample size for most people, and it automatically corresponds to the size of your computer screen, a feature that can be disconcerting at first if you're used to picking up and repositioning your mouse but which is wonderful once you get used to it. The "Touch Ring" enables you to zoom in and out of your work with the touch of your finger, and can also be used to enlarge web pages and documents. Other touch buttons help with forward/back navigation, minimizing, and screen clearing. The edges are curved and smooth to minimize discomfort.

The pen does not have to touch the pad to move the cursor on the screen, although it must touch the surface to draw. Clicking to navigate a web page, computer screen, or drawing can be accomplished by either tapping the point against the tablet surface or using the conveniently placed clicker on the side of pen. Just like a real pencil, the opposite end has an "eraser." The pen fits comfortably in the hand as though a real writing instrument. The mouse, however, was too large and clumsy for my smaller hands, although it allows for quick switching between drawing and more common computer navigation since you don't have to detach the USB cable.

Systems requirements: Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista for PCs; Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher, with an Intel or Power PC processor. Installation of the included software (Photoshop, Corel, and Nik Color Efex requires a DVD drive.

The Bamboo Fun is a high quality graphics tablet that should satisfy most computer artists and Photoshop junkies.

As a Web Designer for 15 years, I am always looking for new software and gadgets to bring me to the next level of creativity without limits. Items like "Bamboo Fun" make this possible. Even now, I am working on a web site for a singer's new CD, and it has a lot of flourishes, curves and curls in the design... well, this came right in time. I have bought a tablet before, but this was about two years ago. I don't even remember the name of it, but I used it once. I hated it. The interaction was inaccurate, and highly unstable and I was not impressed. With this we have a whole new experience, and my new favorite productive toy.

First, I would warn people not confident with freehand art and above average technical skills. There is a learning curve here that will cause impatience to those who don't read directions, or expect to plug it in an everything is beautiful. You are writing, painting, editing and more with many compatible artistic programs. It comes with optional software like Photoshop Elements and Corel Painter for you to start creating right away. So, you do not have to buy additional software to use it, but it should work with any that you already have.

You will need time to get used to using the pen and it also comes with a normal mouse... although, not so normal. This is basically a mousepad powered by your computer via USB, and there are no recharging or batteries for either the pen or mouse. These are basically stylus directors to use for a variety of projects. You can use the mouse as your normal work mouse if you wish. As long as you use the pad, you're all set.

The lines and connection are great. Very accurate, and I was able to create the flourish style graphics I needed in a couple hours. I would not have been able to do this without this tool. I was able to customize repeated features into the unit, and there are shortcut buttons, and navigation aids to make things all the more easier.

I have been able to touch-up photos and headshots. I see the drawing ability as a great tool for an animation inspiration. I can sign documents, and write in general, and it looks just like my handwriting etc. And the biggest plus is that it works on all my computers, be it XP, Vista, laptop or my new iMac, installation is a breeze, and I look forward to many projects ahead.

if you are an Artist, don't even think twice. This is the one to get. It's a perfect size too.