After doing a review of a few different older Wacom tablets, it’s time to finally take a look at the 2013 Intuos Pro Medium that I’m currently traveling with. This was another really lucky second-hand find on the Facebook marketplace.
It is a fine weapon indeed and carries features worthy of the Pro in its name. Though intended for professionals, serious beginners might be lucky to find this older model for a bargain price on the second-hand market.
Contents
- Intuos Pro Medium – 2013 model
- Grip pen (KP501E2)
- USB-A to Mini USB cable (~2meters)
- Driver CD, quick start guide, etc
- Pen holder
- Spare nibs
My purchase also included the padded tablet bag, a wireless kit and an accessory kit with additional nibs and grips.
Intuos Pro Medium Specs
| Model number: | PTK-651 |
| Tablet Size: | 14.9 x 9.9 |
| Active Area: | 8.8 x 5.5″ |
| Express Keys: | 8 plus touch ring |
| Pressure levels: | 2048 |
| Tilt: | 60 degrees |
| Touch: | Yes |
| Wireless: | Yes, wireless kit |
The Intuos Pro Driver
The driver interface is nothing new here for existing Wacom users. It gives its usual straightforward and no-frills experience.
First, download the appropriate driver by visiting the Wacom drivers page and punching in your model number. At the time of writing this review, the latest Wacom tablet driver supports the 2013 Intuos Pro.
The Intuos Pro offers a good deal of customizability. Not only do you have the 8 express keys, but the touch ring can have 4 different functions set to it. Add to that, you can program an on-screen wheel menu with various functions as well. You can use one of your express keys or pen buttons to bring that up.
The express keys are also touch-sensitive. When you place hold finger on the button (not pressing it), a window appears showing what your various keys are programmed to. The one you are touching is highlighted in yellow.
Similarly, when you press the touch ring button, a window appears to show what functions you are cycling too.
Drawing experience
Personally, I enjoy drawing on this. It does have more tooth to the surface than the Intuos 4 and this might be a bit of a sticking point for some. A rougher surface means more friction. So, you’ll have greater control, but your pen nibs are going to wear more quickly. Pen nibs are easily replaceable, but they might be an added expense to consider over time. You could adjust your pressure curve so that you don’t have to press as hard to get a dark or bold mark on the canvas. In theory that can preserve your nibs a bit.
The pen has always been a strong point for Wacom. Using the grip pen is very comfortable. It’s a good weight and it really doesn’t need much pressure to to register lines. The 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity is ample for getting varied line weight. I hardly use the eraser on the back and this is a personal preference thing. Rather than lifting and flipping my pen, I’d rather just tap E on my keyboard.
Drawing wirelessly was surprisingly smooth. I couldn’t really notice much difference between working over Bluetooth and via USB. Experience may vary from one computer to the next with this.
Should you buy the Intuos Pro?
Yes, if you are a professional in the market for a screenless pen tablet. Pro users need something that they can customize to suit their workflow, and that has the durability to handle long hours of daily use. The Intuos Pro provides that. You may want to order a few more nibs though.
If you are a total beginner wanting to give digital art a try, I’d take a look at some cheaper options from brands like Huion and XPPen.
Thats all folks!
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