Drawing and writing on computers, tablets or smartphones just as we do on paper is yet to become mainstream. However, there’s no doubt that creatives like the idea of doing that. So, when Windows included the ability to do so in its latest operating system, it wasn’t too much of a surprise.
iOS, on the other hand, have already had the functionality for quite some time. So with software ready to do its thing, what’s the next step that creatives need to take? Finding a good (yet affordable) stylus. Fortunately, they’ve got two new options to consider in form of Bamboo Ink and Bamboo Sketch styluses released recently by Wacom. Let’s learn more about each of them:
Wacom Bamboo Ink
The Windows 10 stylus named Bamboo Ink utilizes the power of inking functionality included in Win 10 to provide the functionality of drawing and writing on Win 10 devices. It integrates with the OS so nicely that users can launch the Windows Ink Workspace by simply pressing the button given on top of stylus. Besides that the stylus can also launch other pen enabled apps (I.e. Bamboo Paper or Sticky Notes). The advantage of using Bamboo Paper over other similar apps is that content created in it can be synchronized across devices using Wacom’s cloud based Inkspace service.
Bamboo Ink is powered on non-rechargeable AAAA batteries (aka pencil cells). This can be both a blessing as well as a frustration, depending on how well the company has been able to pull it off. It can be a blessing because you can easily keep a few of those batteries with you whenever you’re on the go, but if those batteries dry quickly then changing them while working on the projects can also make the whole experience a bit frustrating. As of now company has not said anything about the battery life that one can expect from this stylus, so the chances are that we’ll come to know only after using it.
Wacom Bamboo Sketch
The iOS focused Bamboo Sketch is an incredibly pressure sensitive stylus that can provide the experience identical to that of pen and paper. Company has even said that when paired with right apps, it can provide 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity. One major area in which it’s different from Bamboo Ink is that of battery, because instead of pencil cells it’s powered by a rechargeable battery. However, the slightly unfortunate part of the story is that it can’t be charged through a lightning connector – it comes with a separate Type A USB dongle that needs to be used to charge it. So in order to charge it you’ll need either a USB AC adapter or another device (probably a laptop).
Carrying it is quite easy, as it comes with a travel case that can be used to carry it along with its replacement nibs and USB charging dongle.
Finally, both styluses come with replacement nibs that can be changed to customize the drawing experience. And while Bamboo Ink is already out in the market with a $79 price tag, there’s no word yet on availability of Bamboo Sketch, except for the statement of a “June release.” When in June is not known yet. So if you’re an iOS user who wants to try this piece, you’ll have to keep your eyes wide open during this month.
with Wacom Bamboo Ink and brush, the future of painting will be viewable.