Microsoft Buys N-Trig

[artfx]

I know some Android tablets employ pens by N-Trig, a competitor to Wacom. According to Reuters, Microsoft has purchased the company for at least $200 million USD. Their Surface tablets have apparently already been using N-Trig pens, as opposed to Wacom, and now it seems that relationship is solidified.

"Customers for N-trig's technology include Sony, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo for use in smartphones, tablets and ultra books."

Curious to see how this affects the market in the near future.

[Paul Fierlinger]

Have you had a chance to try it out, Terrence (or have heard or seen any comparative evaluations somewhere)?

[artfx]

I had a chance to play with one of the Lenovo tablets which uses the N-Trig pens. I didn't feel any noticeable difference between it and a Wacom model. I do remember hearing something bad about the N-Trig drivers, but I can't seem to find that old email now.

[Paul Fierlinger]

Interesting that it seems to be harder to get the software end of tablets right than the hardware technology. Maybe it's because software bu its nature is more divergent than the hardware, though you'd think MS should be able to get both right.

I'd be pretty happy with Wacom tablets just the way they are today if all the items in the drop down menus would work as advertised by their names -- and of course, if Wacom's driver wouldn't disappear for no reason at all.

[schwarzgrau]

I never tried a N-trig tablet and if I'm correct they need batteries, which is a bit annoying. But nice to hear n-trig could become a real competitor to wacom, through the investment of Microsoft

[Fabrice]

the biggest problem with N-Trig is the Hover lag. I tried it some years ago, it's also here :
http://animatingforfun.tumblr.com/post/ ... restocking" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

but maybe MicroSoft will fix it sooner or later.

[ten_zero]

I wonder if Wacom collaborates with Panasonic TOUGHPAD 4K ...

It's a wonder, do not question about teriffic price !

[ematecki]

I wonder if Wacom collaborates with Panasonic TOUGHPAD 4K ...

I'm sure there is no Wacom technology inside, because the stylus has a battery...

Huh, $6.000 for the i5 version !

I NEED to check if TVPaint works on it, so who buys me one ? :) :)

[Elodie]

I don't think neither. Here, the pressure seems being managed by the stylus only, which is not exactly the case with Wacom technology.