Too many questions, not enough answers from useless tech journos at these events:
Q:
- Is it backwards compatible with previous N-Trig DuoSense 2 devices?
- Is it a version of Wacom's gen 13 dual protocol pen with 1 gram initial Detection Force load sensor or is it more of the same 5 gram load sensor on the previous Surface pens?
- Why is it $99 when Wacom's dual protocol pen Bamboo Ink Smart is only $69? Does Bamboo Ink Smart lack a second coil for the tilt or is MS just extra gung ho to rip everyone off?
I honestly don't know if any site asked these questions. The 4096 levels of pressure matches the figure seen from Wacom's gen 13 pen presentation, so I'm inclined to think this is using Wacom's load sensor and other parts. But that's just a guess. I'm also worried about that price gap. Wacom's never been known for pricing things reasonably. So assuming that MS is charging $99 for their gen 13 Wacom parts tilt pen, then why is their own retail pen only $69? Is Wacom feeling generous all of the sudden or does it lack the second coil for tilt?
Supposedly the Bamboo Ink Smart will hit my local Best Buy sometime this week, so we shall find out soon.
EDIT: Just read that Verge article. 12 gram activation force? Go fuck yourself with your $99 pen MS. So this pen is NOT using Wacom load sensor and is just their own solution. Yeesh... 12 grams? That's worse than their last pen's 10 grams! Even Wacom's old old load sensor they stopped using back in 2012 did 3 grams. WTF...