Wacom Cintiq 12WX merges displays, tablets

Wacom's European branch has become the first to launch the Cintiq 12WX, a unique variant on the company's successful touchscreen displays. The device uses a 1280x800 LCD that allows full pen control but measures just 12 inches across -- making the system small enough to sit on a lap as a sketching pad as well as a desktop device with a portrait-like stand, unlike the larger and more desktop-oriented Cintiq models. A series of ten programmable buttons split across both sides of the display bring the same or better custom functionality as a Bamboo or similar tablet, Wacom says.

The pen at the heart of the design generates 1,024 different pressure gradients and is accurate enough at 5,080 lines per inch to produce the image intended by an artist; the display can connect to any Mac or Windows computer through either DVI or VGA for older systems. Wacom bundles the 12WX with Corel Painter Essentials and will ship the tablet display to the UK in November for £830 ($1,700) after tax. Details of continental European and North American releases are unavailable.