If you use a Wacom tablet you may be like many users who keep it connected to your computer all the time. If so, this Wacom tablet tip is for you. Understandably, it is very convenient to have it instantly available and if you use it a lot it makes sense to keep it connected. I also used to do this and I liked to use mine as a mouse pad as well.
Risk vs. Convenience
However, keeping a Wacom tablet connected all the time can be risky especially if you ever drink beverages while at your computer, and face it, people do this all the time. Sooner or later a drink could spill and damage your Wacom tablet. Online discussion boards are replete with people freaked out because they spilled a drink on their computer keyboard or tablet. The lucky ones seem to dodge the bullet by spilling only water and/or having the tablet not plugged in at the time. Even so, the common ritual ensues of taking the unit apart and drying it out with a hair dryer in a desperation effort to save it. It all spells a big hassle that this simple tip would prevent.
Of course the unlucky ones, who spill something more deadly such as soda pop, coffee, wine or beer often find their Wacom tablet irreparably destroyed. Sugar and circuits don't mix especially if the power is on when it happens. I know, because it happened to me once. I spilled soda pop on my Intuos 3 while reaching for a beverage. But I lost my grip on the flimsy aluminum can and that spelled R.I.P. for what was a nice Wacom tablet as I watched the fizzy liquid seep into the seams around the buttons and soon the power light went out never to come on again.
For (Quite) A Few Dollars More
The loss of my Intuos 3 was more than just an inconvenience. That's because the price of replacing a Wacom tablet is a much greater hit to the wallet than, say, replacing a typical computer keyboard. For instance, replacing my trusty 4" x 6" Wacom Intuos 3 cost about $200 while I could buy a used keyboard for around $20 bucks. (In fact I did purchase a spare keyboard for a backup because it was so cheap to get one). A worse hit would be losing a newer Wacom model such as one from the Intuos 4 line which can cost upwards of $400. But for the ultimate digital disaster, imagine a liquid death claiming a fancy Wacom Cintiq model (which can sell for over $1000). So cost alone can justify being more protective of your Wacom device which can be much more of an investment than other basic peripherals. Nowadays, when I am finished using it, I unplug the tablet, loosely wrap the cord, and set it in a convenient but out of the way spot on my computer desk.
The moral of the story
Disconnecting and putting the Wacom tablet aside when not in use can save time, money and inconvenience in case of an accidental spill. I personally have vowed to never let this happen to me again by following this simple Wacom tablet tip.
J.S. Yoon writes about a variety of computer and technology topics and has over 17 years journalism experience working at several major U.S. newspapers. Looking for Intuos 4 and Cintiq? Find great deals on Wacom Tablets and Accessories at http://gizmotechshop.com
