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The Inkling: A Wacom Tablet Without the Tablet

By Rain Noe - August 31, 2011

in Tech

If it works as it's intended to, designers will love it: Wacom's upcoming Inkling device bridges the gap from analog to digital, allowing users to draw on anything and have those penstrokes saved as digital files.

The Inkling package consists of an actual pen filled with actual ink and a sensor that tracks the pen's position, with a few limitations—it needs line-of-sight, the tracking area corresponds with A4-sized paper, and you can't get too close to the sensor—but considering it promises to get your scribbles directly into Photoshop, Illustrator or Sketchbook Pro, that seems like a small price to pay.

Speaking of small prices, I actually thought this would retail for a lot more than the projected price of $199, which is what the Inkling's going for when it hits store shelves next month. Video demo after the jump and join in on the discussion in the forums!

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Martijn

13 years ago

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Hi,
I can say, it IS incredible. It's pressure sensitive and quite accurate. Imports to Photoshop an Illustrator without a problem.
Best thing:
with the receiver connected to a PC (not sure about Mac yet), it functions as a pen/mouse! Needless to say, be sure to use paper for a "tablet".
Briljant product. Much, much better for creatives than the Livescribe Pulse pens!
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Chang

13 years ago

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in response to Amber: Most likely. It seems like they really focused on the sensor and sensitivity. It might even go as far as if you sketch too lightly it might not pick it up. But since this is the first run of it, I'm sure those kinks will be worked out in the future or most likely before they even send out the product if they see the feedback and comments.

Either way. I think this is incredible. It's perfect for those who don't feel they should give up the trusty pen and paper for the sake of technology, and it's a excellent way to bridge the gap and introduce hardcore traditional sketchers to digital sketching/art. =] Its a excellent start for the balancing and bridging the gap of these two worlds apart. I love Wacom.
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Dave

13 years ago

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vahid is right. The brief pen tracking description and the looks of the pen tip look really familiar. I don't know for sure, but would assume they licensed the technology(which would be good as the tech is mature).

In any case, I kinda want one.
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shane

13 years ago

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getting closer to the holy grail of digital sketching :D
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vahid

13 years ago

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looks like a mini Mimio
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