Apple iPad may be the most famous device if we talk about touch sensitivity, but for digital artists, Cintiq 21UX holds the top rank. Cintiq is a new product from Wacom that comes with a pressure sensitive Grip Pen, which offers 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. Cintiq 21 UX has the same name as the original mode launched in 2006, but it includes several significant modifications.
The price tag of $1,999 may look high to you, but remember one thing; it is $500 less than the original device. Even after the reduced price, it comes under the luxury territory. However, Cintiq 21 UX gives you a huge advantage over other pen tablets. It provides you the ability to draw directly on the screen instead of giving a connection gap between a different drawing surface and LCD monitor. For a professional animator, graphic designer and photographer, this is the top choice.
Features
The new Cintiq comes in a big package and consists of the main display, Grip pen, monstrous display stand, five replacement pen nibs and a small weighted pen stand.
Main display has a diameter of 21.3-inch (with a resolution of 1600×1200) that allows you to work directly on the screen, which is both accurate and more intuitive. Drawing directly on screen gives complete control over the drawing and brings you close to an experience of pen on paper.
Cintiq is highly flexible as well as customizable and is both digital and analog compatible. If you want to know the dimensions of the gadget, they are 22.5 x 10.8 x 28 inches and it weighs 22.4 pounds.
High points
The device has an excellent sensitivity, in fact double than the previous model. Big screen with superb drawing accuracy gives you a paper like feeling. Base design is brilliant that offers easy adjustability and multiple configurations. Twin touch strips are now shifted to rear of the model, which is more comfortable. It has 16 programmable keys and textured glass that gives solid feeling while working on it. When you use the provided stand on either side, the screen rotates and reclines automatically.
Low points
Big size and beefy tether limits the portability of the device and the price is too high for most of the users. Multi-touch feature is absent and the display could have been brighter.
Price
In Europe, it sells at a price of 2500⬠(about 4000US$) while in United States the price is $1999.
Cintiq 21UX is the best tool available for artists and has no rivals in the market, but its wallet-killing price and weight may not appeal to most of the users. Most of the buyers would like to buy separate monitor and traditional monitor to save a good amount of cash. If in future, the company reduces the price and increases the brightness of display, it will gain a number of fans.
