Wacom Europe has announced the first pen tablet to incorporate wireless technology. The Graphire Bluetooth has an active area of 6x8 inches and is available now priced $249.99 (approx. €192). Bluetooth-enabled devices can communicate at distances of up to 30 meters. It comes bundled with a host of software including Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 and Corel Painter Essentials 2. Wacom Japan announced an A5 Bluetooth pen tablet, called FAVO, at the end of March which was not planned for launch in Europe.

Press Release:

First Wacom Wireless Pen Tablet For Photo Enthusiasts

The New Graphire Bluetooth, with Wacom’s Patented Cordless, Battery-free Pen Technology, Provides Up To 30 Feet of Wireless Freedom

Vancouver, WA, April 15, 2005 - Wacom® Technology today announced the newest member of its Graphire® pen tablet family and the first Wacom pen tablet to incorporate Bluetooth® wireless technology. The new model, named Graphire Bluetooth, is expected to be warmly embraced by photo enthusiasts who seek the control and comfort of Wacom’s patented cordless, battery-free pen and the freedom of a wireless device. Mobile office workers, educators and aspiring digital artists will also appreciate the new device and the ability to work where and when they want. Available immediately, Graphire Bluetooth offers a 6” x 8” active area and is priced at $249.99.

“Photo and art enthusiasts are attracted to the intuitive nature and overall artistic experience offered by Graphire Bluetooth,” said Mark Mehall, Senior Product Manager with Wacom. “Combining our pen technology with Bluetooth wireless technology provides photo and digital art enthusiasts the flexibility and freedom to comfortably move about as they edit their digital photos and create digital art.”

Cordless and Wireless – A Winning Combination
Wacom’s patented cordless, battery-free pen technology works harmoniously with Bluetooth wireless technology to create a leading-edge environment for digital imaging fun. The Wacom pen looks and feels like a regular pen and operates without batteries or cords. Additionally, with 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, a Wacom Graphire pen provides a natural and controlled way to retouch and edit digital photos and create original art. A built-in eraser even makes it easy to quickly fix mistakes.

Bluetooth wireless technology is a global communications standard used by millions that allows computers and other devices to communicate reliably and effortlessly over distances of up to 30 feet. The fast and sophisticated method of transmission ensures protection from interference.

Remote Power
The Graphire Bluetooth tablet features a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that provides up to 25 hours of wireless freedom between charges. A 12-foot cable on the universal power adapter makes it convenient to use the tablet while the battery is charging. Estimated recharge time is 5 to 6 hours. The universal power adapter accepts 110 and 220 volts for use virtually anywhere in the world.

More Graphire Bluetooth Features
Graphire Bluetooth incorporates two on-tablet programmable buttons called ExpressKeys™ which are designed to optimize workflow by providing quick access to commonly used modifiers, mouse-clicks, and keystrokes.

Graphire Bluetooth users will also appreciate the ability to use their Graphire pen to naturally annotate documents in such programs as Adobe® Acrobat®, Apple® Inkwell™, Microsoft® Office PowerPoint®, OneNote™ or EverNote™ for Windows®.

Valuable Software Included
Graphire Bluetooth comes with industry-leading software including: Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 2 - to quickly and easily edit digital photos and create original artwork; Painter™ Essentials 2 by Corel® - to create natural media art and organic effects; and Color Efex Pro™ 2 GE by nik multimedia, Inc. - to selectively apply photographic enhancements.

For more information about Wacom, click here.