Courtesy Xencelabs

Comfort and Precision

I was offered the opportunity to review the new Xencelabs Pen Display 16, a 16-inch 4K OLED display tablet bundle, and I jumped at it after falling in love with their larger 24-inch display tablet. The Pen Display 24 is beautiful but large and heavy, and I was hoping the 16 would offer a more mobile option.

When the box arrived, I was a little concerned due to it weighing more than I expected. But once I opened it, I discovered it was packed with anything you could possibly need: the pen display, a padded carry bag big enough for both the display and a small laptop, two styluses with different barrel widths, spare nibs, Wi-Fi dongle, plugs for every global region, a hub driver and six cable options, a protective glove, a metal stand, and a Quick Keys remote. Once everything was set up with my laptop, I set the laptop aside and worked on a large painting entirely on the display tablet, in the comfort of my living room.

Courtesy Xencelabs

At 2.67 pounds and less than a half-inch thick, it rests comfortably in your lap or on the Xencelabs Mobile Easel with dual angles, 18.3 and 32 degrees. With no fan and an aluminum housing, the tablet

remains cool even after hours of work. I am pleased with how lightweight the unit is while still feeling very durable. This is a sleek, minimalist option for travel or just working on the sofa.

The lightweight OLED display’s edge-to-edge seamless smooth surface and glare reduction is bright with virtually non-existent latency. What sets OLED technology apart is its ability to produce deep blacks and vibrant colors, and Xencelabs leverages this to the fullest. With 4K resolution (3,840x2,160) and a high color gamut coverage (98% Adobe RGB, 98% P3-D65, 99% sRGB, 99% REC 709, 82% REC 2020), you get both color and pen accuracy to satisfy photographers and digital artists who require precise color representation.

The large bezel is a comfortable resting space for my hand and enables natural drawing movements. I also have access to the menus without having to remove my hand from its position. Xencelabs keeps the bezel clear of anything, including buttons. To take advantage of button and dial functionality, users should order the Bundle, which includes Xencelabs Quick Keys Controller, a highly customizable dongle.

©Danica Barreau
©Danica Barreau
I completed this large painting entirely on the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 in the comfort of my living room.

The Quick Keys Controller features eight programmable buttons that can be assigned and arranged into sets of up to 40 shortcuts, commands, and options per application. There’s support for a wide range of software partners, including Adobe and Corel. A dial on the Quick Keys Controller adds more customization and allows you to switch between saved configurations based on the software you’re using.

The two styluses each offer 8,192 levels of sensitivity and 60 degrees of tilt in any direction. The thin pen perhaps caters to those more comfortable with an Apple pencil, and the fatter one resembles

Wacom’s Pro pen. You can set up each pen with different actions on its buttons, which makes them ideal for artists who work in a mix of apps and disciplines.

While the included multitude of cables provides plenty of options, the simple USB-C to USB-C single cable connection with provided 15W power is ideal, although it limits screen brightness to 170cd/m2. If you need additional brightness, the hub provides more powerful alternative connections for up to 300cd/m2. Connection and setup are easy and quick, thanks to a sheet of clear instructions. A QR code connects to the driver for download (PC/Mac/Linux; no ChromeOS or Android options).

The pen display features the Virtual Tablet, which allows users to navigate all attached displays without leaving the Xencelabs display or switching to a different input method.

Courtesy Xencelabs
The bezel gives the user a comfortable space to rest their hand for natural drawing movements. It also allows access to menus without having to move your hand. The exterior dimensions are 16.1x10.2x0.47 inches.

Xencelabs is offering the Pen Display 16 Bundle for $1,249 and the Pen Display Essentials for $999. The Essentials version of the 16-inch pen display does not include the metal easel, the Quick Keys remote, the charging adapter, or hub with multiple cables. The Quick Keys Controller is available separately for $99.99. Xencelabs has a desktop easel in the works that will include a VESA mount.

While neither of these options is inexpensive, you get great value for the price. If you love the idea of having a dedicated pen display that delivers, this is the best option. You’ll save a little money with even the Pen Display 16 Bundle compared to the Wacom, and you’ll have a better pen display.

Known for their precision and quality, Xencelabs has once again delivered a product that stands out in a crowded market. 

Danica Barreau is the owner of Pouka Art and Photography in central Ohio.

Tags: gear  painting