Wacom’s just updated its Bamboo series of drawing tablets, offering three new models packed with plenty of software at lower prices. Of the three, the mid-level Bamboo Capture ($100) strikes us as the most appealing. The pen-and-touch model—it supports input from both the included stylus as well as Multi-Touch gestures—has a 5.8” x 3.6” active area that’s perfect for photo touchups and drawing sketches. Included in the box are Adobe Photoshop Elements and Autodesk Sketchbook Express. The latter is available for free from the Mac App Store, but a trimmed down version of Adobe’s software costs $80 on its own, with the full version going for the same $100 as the tablet. Pretty good deal, right?
The other standout feature is Wacom’s optional Wireless Accessory Kit ($40). Made to work with both Capture and the larger, more expensive Bamboo Create, the Kit allows you to use your Bamboo tablet without having a USB cord running between it and your computer. The battery lasts for about 15 hours on a charge, and is rechargeable via USB. The only downside? It still requires an open USB port on your Mac for the receiver.