Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460: The Ultimate Review

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460, a drawing tablet that's a favorite among digital artists, designers, and creatives of all stripes. This little powerhouse packs a serious punch, and we're going to explore everything from its design and features to its performance and value. If you're considering leveling up your digital art game or just starting out, this review is for you. We'll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Unboxing and Design: First Impressions

Right off the bat, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 makes a good impression. The packaging is sleek and minimalist, reflecting the premium feel of the tablet itself. Inside the box, you'll find the tablet, the Wacom Pro Pen 2, a pen stand (which also houses extra nibs), a USB-C cable, and a quick start guide. The tablet's design is all about clean lines and a compact footprint. It's incredibly thin and lightweight, making it super portable – perfect for those of you who like to work on the go or have limited desk space. The matte black finish is classy and professional, and it feels great to the touch. The active area, where you'll be doing your drawing and designing, is a nice size for a small tablet, offering plenty of space for detailed work. The physical buttons and the touch ring are well-placed and easy to access, which adds to the overall user experience. Guys, it's a beauty to behold! It's so slim and light that you can easily slide it into your bag or backpack, and you're good to go. This level of portability is a massive advantage if you're constantly on the move. Also, the tablet's design is built to last. The materials feel robust and of high quality, so you don't have to worry about it breaking easily.

The Wacom Pro Pen 2 deserves a special mention. It's a fantastic pen, with exceptional pressure sensitivity and tilt response. It's battery-free, so you don't have to worry about charging it, and it feels natural in your hand, just like a real pen or pencil. The included pen stand is a nice touch, and the extra nibs are always welcome. Plus, the tablet has the option to be wireless. You can connect it to your computer via Bluetooth, which is super convenient, or use the included USB-C cable for a wired connection. This gives you flexibility and control in how you want to work. The tablet also has a built-in touch function, which allows you to use multi-touch gestures for zooming, rotating, and navigating your artwork. Overall, the design of the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is excellent. It's well-designed, functional, and visually appealing, making it a joy to use. This combination of aesthetics and usability is a major win for Wacom, and it's a testament to their commitment to creating top-notch products for creatives.

Features and Performance: What Makes It Tick?

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about what really matters: the features and performance of the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460. This tablet is packed with technology designed to enhance your creative workflow. The headline feature is, of course, the Wacom Pro Pen 2. As I mentioned earlier, it's a phenomenal pen. It offers 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which means it can accurately capture every nuance of your strokes. Whether you're making fine lines or broad brush strokes, the pen responds beautifully. The tilt recognition allows for natural shading and brush effects, which helps to create a more organic feel. The pen is responsive, precise, and a pleasure to use, really. It feels like an extension of your hand, which is exactly what you want from a drawing tablet. The tablet's active area is designed to provide a comfortable drawing experience. Despite being a small tablet, it offers ample space for detailed work. This is important because you don't want to feel cramped while working. The touch ring is a fantastic feature. It allows you to customize it to control things like brush size, zoom, rotation, and scrolling. It's a huge time-saver and lets you keep your focus on your artwork. You can configure the tablet's physical buttons to perform custom functions, adding another layer of personalization. This can include shortcuts, modifiers, or anything else that will help streamline your workflow. The tablet also supports Bluetooth connectivity, giving you the freedom to work wirelessly. This is a game-changer if you want to work without the hassle of cables. The battery life is decent, giving you several hours of use on a single charge. The overall performance of the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is outstanding. It's fast, responsive, and a delight to use. The combination of the pen, the active area, and the customizable buttons creates a seamless and intuitive experience, allowing you to focus on your creativity. The tablet's performance is further enhanced by its compatibility with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it a versatile tool for any artist.

Setting Up and Using the PTH460: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is a breeze. First things first, you'll need to download and install the Wacom drivers from the Wacom website. These drivers are essential for the tablet to function correctly, so make sure you get the latest version. Once the drivers are installed, connect the tablet to your computer using the included USB-C cable or pair it via Bluetooth. The setup process is pretty straightforward, and the Wacom software will guide you through the process. Once connected, you can customize the tablet's settings to suit your workflow. You can adjust the pressure sensitivity of the pen, map the buttons to your preferred functions, and configure the touch ring. Wacom's software is intuitive and easy to use, so you shouldn't have any trouble navigating it. The software also lets you create application-specific settings, meaning you can have different settings for different applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Clip Studio Paint. This is a super handy feature, because it allows you to optimize your workflow for each program. To get started, you will definitely want to experiment with the pressure sensitivity settings. The goal is to find the perfect balance between responsiveness and control. Adjusting these settings will significantly impact how your pen interacts with the screen, so take some time to get it right. Also, consider setting up custom shortcuts for frequently used functions. This will help you work more efficiently and keep you in the creative flow. Once you're all set up, you can start using the tablet in your favorite creative applications. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is compatible with a wide range of software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Corel Painter, and Clip Studio Paint, among others. The pen's pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition will allow you to create stunning artwork with ease. I would definitely recommend taking some time to play around with the different features and settings. It is all about finding what works best for you and your artistic style. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you use the tablet, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Setting up and using the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is a simple process that will have you creating amazing artwork in no time. This tablet is a great choice whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out. The intuitive setup and user-friendly software make it a winner.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Alright, let's take a look at the good and the not-so-good of the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460. We always want to be fair and provide you with a balanced view, so here we go.

Pros:

  • Excellent Pen: The Wacom Pro Pen 2 is a standout feature. It offers superb pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and responsiveness, providing a natural and enjoyable drawing experience. Seriously, it's a pleasure to use.
  • Compact and Portable: The small size and lightweight design make it ideal for artists on the go or those with limited desk space. You can easily take this tablet with you wherever you need to go. Super convenient!
  • Customizable: The programmable buttons and touch ring, along with application-specific settings, allow you to personalize your workflow and boost your efficiency. You can set it up exactly how you like it.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity adds to the convenience, giving you the freedom to work without cables. It's a nice touch.
  • Build Quality: The tablet feels durable and well-made, ensuring it will last for years. Wacom always delivers in this department.
  • Compatibility: Works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it a versatile tool for many users.

Cons:

  • Small Active Area: While it's great for portability, the small active area may not be ideal for everyone, particularly those used to larger tablets or working on detailed projects. It might take a bit of adjustment.
  • Price: It is a premium product, and the price reflects that. It's a significant investment, but you get what you pay for.
  • Touch Functionality: While the touch functionality is a nice addition, some users may find it to be less accurate or useful compared to dedicated touch-enabled devices.

Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons. The Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is a fantastic tablet for digital artists of all levels. However, you should think about whether the small active area and the price are a good match for your specific needs.

Who Is It For? Target Audience

So, who is the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 perfect for? Let's break it down.

  • Digital Artists: This tablet is tailor-made for digital artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. The pen's responsiveness and pressure sensitivity make it ideal for drawing, painting, and illustrating. If you are serious about digital art, this is a great choice.
  • Designers: Graphic designers, illustrators, and other creative professionals will find this tablet to be a powerful tool for their work. The customizable buttons and touch ring streamline your workflow.
  • Students: Students studying art, design, or related fields will benefit greatly from the PTH460. It's a great investment for their education and future careers.
  • Creatives on the Go: If you need a portable and lightweight tablet that you can take anywhere, this is a fantastic option. The compact size makes it perfect for working in cafes, on the train, or anywhere else inspiration strikes.
  • Those with Limited Space: If you have a small desk or workspace, the PTH460 is a great choice. It doesn't take up much room, but it still delivers all the performance you need.
  • Anyone Looking to Upgrade: If you're currently using a basic drawing tablet or touchpad, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 will be a massive upgrade. The improved performance and features will transform the way you create.

Basically, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is designed for anyone who is serious about digital art and design. If you're a student, a professional, or a hobbyist, this tablet can help you unleash your creativity and take your skills to the next level.

Alternatives to the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460: Competition Check

In the competitive world of drawing tablets, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 faces off against some tough competition. Let's take a look at a few of the alternatives to help you compare and make an informed decision.

  • XP-Pen Artist Series: XP-Pen offers a range of drawing tablets, many of which come with built-in displays. These tablets can be a good option if you want a more direct drawing experience, like drawing on a screen. Some XP-Pen models offer similar features to the PTH460 at a lower price point, making them a budget-friendly alternative. However, the pen sensitivity and build quality may not always match Wacom's standards. This is definitely one of the top competitors.
  • Huion Kamvas Series: Huion is another popular brand known for its affordable and feature-rich drawing tablets. Like XP-Pen, Huion offers tablets with and without displays. The Kamvas series is known for its vibrant displays and excellent pen performance. Huion tablets often provide a great value for the money, making them a solid choice for beginners and budget-conscious artists. However, the software and drivers can sometimes be less polished than Wacom's.
  • Wacom Intuos: The Wacom Intuos line is a step down from the Intuos Pro series but is still a great option for beginners and casual users. The Intuos is more affordable than the PTH460, but it still offers excellent pen performance and pressure sensitivity. The Intuos is a good starting point if you're new to digital art and don't need all the advanced features of the Pro series. The Intuos is definitely a great choice for those who are just starting out.
  • Apple iPad with Apple Pencil: For digital artists who enjoy a tablet-like experience, the iPad with the Apple Pencil is a compelling option. The iPad offers a stunning display, excellent performance, and a vast ecosystem of creative apps. However, the cost of an iPad and Apple Pencil can be significantly more than a dedicated drawing tablet. Plus, the iPad's drawing experience is different from that of a pen tablet, which some artists may prefer. It's really up to personal preference.

When comparing the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 to these alternatives, you'll need to consider factors like price, features, and your personal preferences. The PTH460 shines in terms of pen performance, build quality, and the overall professional feel. If those factors are essential for you, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is probably the right choice for you.

Conclusion: Is the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 Worth It?

So, after all that, is the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 worth it? The short answer is: absolutely, if it fits your needs. The PTH460 is a premium drawing tablet that delivers an exceptional creative experience. The pen performance, build quality, and customizable features make it a joy to use. The small size and portability are huge advantages, and the wireless connectivity adds to the convenience. If you're a professional artist, a designer, or a serious hobbyist, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is an excellent investment. It will help you improve your workflow, enhance your creativity, and create stunning artwork. Even though the price is on the higher side, the quality of the product makes it worth it. If you're a beginner or on a tight budget, you might want to consider the Wacom Intuos or one of the alternatives mentioned above. But, if you're looking for the best drawing tablet in a small, portable package, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small PTH460 is hard to beat. Guys, it is an amazing choice! I highly recommend it!

I hope this review has been helpful! Happy creating!