When I first heard about the Wacom One 13 Touch, I was skeptical. As a long-time wireless digital artist, my iPad Pro has been my go-to device for all my creative needs. It serves as my sketchbook, my productivity machine, and my favorite art tool. So, it was hard to imagine how a tethered display tablet could even come close to comparing to my beloved iPad Pro.
However, after spending some time with the Wacom One 13 Touch, I found myself coming up with any excuse to use it. Right out of the box, the setup process was incredibly easy. With just one cable needed, the USB-C connection made display setup a breeze. No need to struggle with HDMI cables, just plug one end into the tablet and the other into your graphics card or laptop. Even without the Wacom drivers, the tablet works as a basic touch display.
The first time I used the stylus on the screen, it was clear that this was a precise and responsive drawing display. The stylus smoothly glided over the 1080p, matte, textured screen, creating smooth and precise brushstrokes. Drawing on the Wacom One 13 Touch was an absolute joy. It felt so natural and intuitive that I found myself finding extra reasons to use it, from taking handwritten notes during work meetings to annotating documents and drafts.
One of the standout features of the Wacom One 13 Touch is the stylus itself. The nib is removable and replaceable, allowing for customization of the drawing experience. Unlike the Apple Pencil, which can feel sticky at times, the Wacom nibs provide a tactile drawing experience that mimics using a soft graphite pencil on a textured sketchbook page. Additionally, the stylus is completely battery-free, utilizing electromagnetic resonance (EMR) technology to detect position, pressure, and angle. This not only makes the stylus lightweight but also prevents hand and wrist fatigue during long drawing sessions.
In addition to its drawing capabilities, the Wacom One 13 Touch also features touchscreen capabilities. This is a great option for those who prefer to move their mouse and keyboard out of the way while using the tablet. The touchscreen functionality was responsive and intuitive, making navigation a breeze. However, for those who prefer a non-touchscreen option, the Wacom One 12 is a slightly smaller and more affordable alternative.
While the Wacom One 13 Touch has many great features, it does have its downsides. The biggest drawback for me was that it’s not wireless. I had hoped to be able to use it anywhere, including on the couch, but instead, I found myself limited to my desk due to the USB-C cable connection. Additionally, the build quality of the tablet is not as premium as other higher-end models, such as the iPad Air or Wacom Cintiq tablets. It is made primarily of plastic and lacks extra input options like knobs or remote controls.
However, these compromises were made to achieve the affordable $500 price point of the Wacom One 13 Touch. While it may not be considered a high-end professional illustration tablet, it is a great entry-level option. The tablet provides all the necessary features for professional-grade work and is suitable for years of use without encountering any major limitations. Considering the price, it is an incredible value for aspiring artists or professionals on a budget.
In conclusion, my initial skepticism about the Wacom One 13 Touch was quickly dispelled after spending time with the tablet. Its precise and responsive drawing display, along with the intuitive stylus and touchscreen capabilities, made it a joy to use. Although it may not be wireless and lacks some premium features, its affordability and professional-grade performance make it an excellent option for artists of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Wacom One 13 Touch is a reliable and versatile drawing tablet that won’t disappoint.