STACK Magazine November Issue 121

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NOVEMBER 2014 JB Hi-Fi 102
TECH visit
The mighty Wacom
Cintiq 13HD
An item of heaven for digital artists, the Cintiq
13HD is an interactive pen-on-screen display
that acts as a secondary monitor for a PC or
Mac. It’s a tethered device, requiring a HDMI
connection to a computer (Mac users take
note). And while its look and feel might be
tablet-like, the only way to draw on the
screen is with a Wacom pen (included).
Wacom’s focus is dedicated artists and
designers, so it comes as no surprise that
the device blends utility with elegance. It has
a quality build and a smoothed edge design
that’s comfortable in the hand, yet not flimsy.
Weighing in at a little over a kilogram,
it can rest on one’s lap, lie flat on a table
(rubber feet prevent slippage), or be propped
up by attaching a multi-level kickstand (at 22,
35 and 50-degree angles).
The display is wrapped in a wide black bezel,
which is great for handling without leaving
behind greasy thumbprints on the actual
display. It has a pseudo-gloss screen, nearly
verging on matt; it’s got enough shine for
images to sparkle, but not enough to create
too much glare in bright spaces. Equally
design-friendly is the forked cord system.
A central cord connects to an AC power
supply at one end, while the other end shoots
off into three sub cords: one for the Cintiq
itself and an HDMI and USB for a computer.
Along the side are a series of small,
rubber control buttons. They’re intuitive and
can be set to perform shortcuts that end up
being not only great timesavers, but excellent
tools for digital work flow.
As for image quality, two words: crisp
and colourful. The Cintiq features Full HD
1920x1080 native resolution and supports
75% Adobe RGB color gamut to display up to
16.7 million colors! The array of colour works
towards realistic images and illustrations –
even the most intricate are smooth and entirely
pixel-free. Luminance is standard at 250 cd/m²,
compared to the modern Mac Retina Display
that reaches 300 cd/m², though it’s ample for
the art task. It also has a 78-degree viewing
angle for showing designs off to others at a
slant without losing the image.
Interaction between the pen and the screen
is excellent. What you’re looking for is natural
hand-eye coordination that doesn’t miss a beat
on the screen. Wacom’s Pro Pen ensures this
with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity on
the tip (and the eraser) for natural looking pen
strokes. A side-switch on the pen activates
when it’s within half a centimeter from the
screen, for right or double clicking, which
WORK
OF ART
Wacom’s focus is dedicated
artists and designers, so it
comes as no surprise that
the device blends utility
with elegance.
As for image quality,
two words: crisp
and colourful.
are customisable options. The pen is even
recognised when tilted (to 60 degrees) and
can be adjusted for lefties or righties. It offers
precision for elaborate work. It’s also easy in
the hand thanks to a comfortable latex rubber
grip. The pen is cordless and is battery-free.
It comes with a protective case for travel
and a stand for desk use.
All in all the Cintiq 13HD is a classy
and purpose built device that draws
beautiful images.