Intuos 4 WL - Vista Tablet PC

Throughout the week, I have sought to optimize and repeat the same parameters in order to address any lag issues with regards to Photoshop and the Wireless Wacom.

Interestingly, these conflicts can be of two main reasons:

• Memory issues? (how Windows Vista allocates priority to variosu programs)
  
• Driver conflict (Tablet PC - pen-enabled drivers vs Intuos 4 drivers)

Thus, let me share the problems unique to my Laptop + wacom combo. Perhaps you have had a similar experience or no problems whatsoever. It will be great to compare and to find the best outcome.

Tablet PC: TEST SUBJECT 1

• Fujitsu Siemens T4220
• OS: Windows VIsta
• RAM: 4GB
• Specs: T7700 Intel (core) 2 Duo - 2.4 GHz/ 2.4 GHz
• Programs Running: Photoshop
• BG Programs: Bluetooth/RunDll32
  

Driver Conflicts

On booting up Vista, if you pair up your bluetooth with Wacom i4 WL - this automatically disabled your tabletPC pen. Upon loading up Photoshop - it will say tabletpc driver is wrongly installed (x2)

Conversely, if you load up Vista and use your normal pen enabled facility then your installed wacom drivers go offline and say there is a install error. This is solved if you merely reboot vista without having to reinstall your drivers.

(I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling the drivers to test out various combinations)

Summary: If you use Wacom Intuos 4 Wireless (please do not use the pen-enabled pen facility. It just causes conflicts.

LAG

If you have your web browser, and few other programs such as Open office running. Ther eis minimal to no lag.

However, if you have Photoshop running.....

Everytime one tries to alt-tab between various programs there will be a 5-15s lag/freeze to the system. Dont panic. This will correct itself accordingly.

TIPS/TRICKS

Do set up a shortcut to your bluetooth pairing with Wacom tablet. And if your laptop memory allows, stick your laptop onto hibernate.

Now, everytime you want to use the wacom tablet, just switch it on/off at will and it will reconnect instantly.

NB: Eventually, Vista will run out of memory (dependant on how large your file is for Photoshop when you hibernate) of if you are runnign multiple programs, and the whole process needs to be repaired. So ensure Photoshop is closed prior to hibernation.

Happy Digital Easter painting!

Next up - Midnight Plein Aire testing (London Bridge) to retest wirelss functionality at 4-6 degrees celcius