I got my Cintiq 22HD about one week ago. The huge box contained another big box, and then another box and then finally the Cintiq box. The packaging seemed ridiculous, but I was grateful for it because I saw the UPS guy just drop the box on the floor and roll it out of the truck only to slam it at my feet. It was harder to set-up than I thought, but after about an hour and a trip to Fry's for a DVI to Mini Display Port connector it was finally set up. I also bought the LX Ergotron Arm so I can put the Cintiq in better positions for comfort...this thing is heavenly BTW, but more on that later.

Cintiq 22HD Specifications:

- The Cintiq has 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, same as the Intuos 4/5

- 19.5 x 11.5 active area

- 16.7 million colors can be displayed depending on your video card

- 16 programmable buttons (8 on each side)

- 2 touch strips on the back that can be used for zoom, rotate, brush size, etc.

- Pen is the same pen from Intuos5, as well as same stand with same standard nibs

- 72% color gamut, the 24HD is 92%

- Weighs 18lbs without stand, 34lbs with stand

- 1999$ <---- A LOT

These are just some of the basic specs. For more detailed info go to www.Wacom.com

REVIEW TIME!

It took me awhile to start liking the Cintiq, partially because I am used to the Intuos5 touch functions. The screen does have a slight texture to it, and that took me awhile to get used to. A lot of people love the texture, but for me, I would prefer a smooth glass texture, which is why I got a screen cover. I would recommend getting a microfiber cloth and a screen cover. If there is any dust on your screen it will be very noticeable if you draw on it. Any little speck of dust feels like a grain of sand if you draw over it, and it makes my teeth cringe. So, initially, the dust freaked me out, but I wipe it frequently so that I no longer cringe.

Once I got used to drawing on the Cintiq, I really loved how much time I saved using a Cintiq compared to Intuos. It feels very natural to draw on it. A lot of people that have reviewed the Cintiq say the distance between the pen and screen is annoying to get used to, but you really don't notice it at all. Calibrating it also helps a whole bunch.

There are 16 programmable buttons and in reality, I only use the left hand side because 1) I draw with my right hand and 2) I am so used to using only one side from the Intuos

Anyone who gets a Cintiq 22HD should immediately buy an LX Ergotron arm!! The stand that comes with the Cintiq is very sturdy and reliable, but it is not really built for comfort. The LX Arm makes it so that I can pull the Cintiq on my lap, or stand with it, or move it out of the way, it really makes anything possible. If I start getting a pain in my neck I can easily just tilt it in pretty much whatever way I want. It is perfect and awesome. The LX Arm really makes the Cintiq 10x easier, more comfortable and way more awesome. Did I mention it's awesome? Cause it is.

The screen on the Cintiq does not really get hot. I have used it for 8+ hours straight and it only gets a tiny bit warm in the center of the screen. The color gamut is 72% on the Cintiq and that worried me before I got it since my current monitor is 94%, but the color difference is not noticeable at all. I also love that the screen is wide because it makes more room for PS panels on the side without interrupting the workspace.

One thing that you really need to get used to on the Cintiq is that the screen looks grainy. At first, when I looked at the screen I felt like I was looking into one of those books that you have to cross your eyes to see the hidden image. After a couple of hours, I got used to it and I don't really see it anymore. I think the graininess is caused by the antiglare coating.

All in all, I love my Cintiq and I dont think I can go back to a normal tablet after this. Normal tablets are still awesome, but there is always a slight disconnect while drawing, and the Cintiq doesn't really have that. I love it.

I got the Cintiq as a gift from my husband for my birthday cause he is awesome.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to ask any questions cause I looked up so many things about the Cintiq and there were questions I had that were left unanswered until I actually got it. If I knew someone with one I would have asked a million questions. So ask away!

Also, ignore my backwards, Yoda way of writing.

-Cody Lee