Cintiq 13HD review (6 months in!)

Hey everyone! (◕‿◕✿) 

Let’s start this blog out with a review of one of my most valuable possessions, the Cinitiq 13HD.  While most people like to write these after a “first impression” trial, I wanted to write this at a much later date to see if it still holds up as much as it did 6 months ago. Also I didn't have a blog when I got it so what was the point of writing a review With that in mind, let’s jump right in!

I had the opportunity to get this baby thanks to my parent’s trip to the US. I had been mulling over the idea of getting it, since its biggest flaw is definitely its price: at the moment it was bought via Amazon, it cost about 999 dollars. Yiiiiikes. Still, it does definitely beat its Brazilian price, which is about 2235 dollars. Jesus. No. Obrigada.

At the end of they day, since the money was available, the tablet was purchased on March of 2014 with a delighted click.

I’ve been using tablets since I was about 14 years old. Or, I should say, a tablet, since I only had one for about 8 years….a good ol’ fashioned genius EasyPen i405,  for those who are curious. It was definitely one of the more wallet-friendly models in the market .

Most traditional drawing tablets can be uncomfortable at times, because you have to draw on the tablet and look forward at the screen.

MY BODY WAS NOT MEANT FOR THIS

Eventually you get used to it, but I always dreamed of a tablet that you could draw directly on. And now those dreams came true! With the Cintiq 13HD everything you do is directly on the device, so those hours of uncomfortable jostling to get your lines just right as you look at your computer are over! WOOH!

So let’s start with the basics. This beauty comes in this box:

 Hello gorgeous.

Inside you find the whole set:

• The cintiq
• Cables
• Stand
• Pen
• Pen stand
• Carrying case
• Extra nibs and nib remover
• Installation cds and manual

Just by looking at the Cinitq you can see this thing is really sleek and well designed. They put in the minimum of buttons for shortcuts, and the overall effect is really pleasant.

It’s downright sexy, I would say.

We’ll start with the pros: drawing on this tablet is fantastic. It honestly really does feel like drawing on paper, and movements feel fluid and comfortable.  You can move it around as much as you like, and draw in any position you like without breaking your neck. Score.

I hear a common complaint about it heating up excessively, therefore becoming uncomfortable in your lap; it was certainly not the case for me. I feel that my laptop or phone gets hotter in comparison. It does get warm, but not unbearable (unless it’s summer).

The buttons are very useful shortcuts. I use them a lot for backspacing and zooming, but no more than that.

The pen is comfortable to hold and does its job without any complaints. I was so used to my old broken down tablet pen (that kept cracking in half as the battery stuck out) that this is a dream in comparison.

The pen holder is an awesome extra, since you’re able to rest your pen on it without fear of it rolling away, and at the same time it’s a useful place to keep your extra nibs if you’re traveling! Most practical.

The pen case is also super nifty and sturdy, I’m definitely not afraid of anything inside breaking if  when I drop it.

Then there’s the cons. The fluid movements I was talking about up there? It kinda loses that quality when doing very small details; so zooming is your best friend here (and even then it’s a bit difficult). 

One of my biggest gripes is the stand. It’s absolutely flimsy and one of the most disappointing aspects of the set. Considering the hefty price paid, you’d think they’d use sturdier material.

 This is a mockery.

Also, I feel there’s still too much cableidge going on here.

 Pictured: cableidge

I’ve read that the previous models had even more! Even though I can tell they really tried to make it as simple as possible, it still feels irritating and it mixes up with my computer cable. Unplugging everything is a bit of a hassle, and since it’s marketed as a more “travel friendly” version of the cintiq, it’s frustrating.

So, let’s fast forward to today: It has been 6 months, and the cintiq has been used with a decent amount of frequency, but it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down or glitching. The screen is in pretty good shape and doesn’t scratch easily, something I was worried about. The light has also been just as bright and clear. 

I take care of it as best as possible… God forbid that this expensive piece of hardware break down. I clean it, put it inside a cushioned slip when not in use, and when I draw I use my ultra modern drawing glove not to stain the screen with my disgusting hand grease. 

Latest anti-hand grease technology. Patent pending. 

All in all, would I recommend this as a drawing tablet? If you have some extra money lying around that won’t cause your tragic starvation for the next 6 months, I say go for it. It’s a really good investment, wonderful to practice sketching and doing design projects on, and is pretty sturdy and reliable. If money is an issue, I’d say going for a more traditional tablet. They can still help you produce wonderful artwork, but are a bit uncomfortable to get used to.  Follow your heart, reader.

If you have any questions, drop a line down in the comment section! I’d be happy to help.

Clarissa (◕‿◕✿)