Wacom Bamboo Fun
© 2008 Wacom Technology Corporation
The Wacom (pronounced "walk-em") graphics tablet comes with 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, and works with Mac or Windows computers. Because it works like a regular mouse, it can be used with any software. The tablet comes with a special stylus that works like an antenna to accurately tell the computer the pen tip's position. While there are no batteries in the stylus, it will only work with the Wacom tablet. So if the dog chews up your stylus, you'll have to buy another for about $40. There's also a two-button mouse. Using and installing the tablet is easy -- just plug it into any USB port. It can work with a traditional mouse. Bundled software includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0, Corel Painter Essentials 3.0 and Nik Color Efex Pro. A slightly cheaper version comes without the software.
$70, Windows, Mac OSX
Teaches: art, creativity