If you use a Wacom tablet, you may be like many users who keep it connected to their computer all the time. If so, this Wacom tablet tip is for you. Understandably, it's very convenient to have it instantly available, and if you use it a lot, it makes sense to keep it connected. I used to do this too and I liked to use mine as a mouse pad. Click here to know more information about this article.

Risk versus convenience

However, keeping a Wacom tablet connected all the time can be risky, especially if you ever drink beverages while at your computer, and accept it, people do this all the time. Sooner or later, a drink could spill and damage your Wacom tablet. Online discussion forums are full of people scared because they spilled a drink on their computer or tablet keyboard. The lucky ones seem to dodge the bullet by spilling only water and/or having the tablet unplugged at the time. Still, the common ritual of taking the unit apart and drying it with a hairdryer is followed in a desperate effort to save it. Everything is a great annoyance that this simple advice would avoid.

Of course, the unfortunate, who spill something more deadly, like soda, 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 on my Intuos 3 while looking for a drink. But I lost control over the flimsy aluminum can and that spelled R.I.P. so it was a nice Wacom tablet as I watched the bubbling liquid seep out of the seams around the buttons and soon the power light went off never to come back on.

For (quite) a few dollars more

The loss of my Intuos 3 was more than an inconvenience. That's because the price of replacing a Wacom tablet is a much bigger hit to the wallet than, say, replacing a typical computer keyboard. For example, replacing my trusty 4 "x 6" Wacom Intuos 3 costs around $ 200 while I could buy a used keyboard for around $ 20. (I actually bought a replacement keyboard for a backup because it was so cheap to get one.) A worse hit would be losing out on a newer Wacom model, like one in the Intuos 4 line, which can cost upwards of $ 400. But for the ultimate digital disaster, imagine a liquid death claiming a sleek Wacom Cintiq model (which may sell for more $ 1000). So the cost alone may justify protecting your Wacom device further, which can be a much higher investment than other entry-level peripherals. Nowadays, when I'm done using it, I unplug the tablet, loosely coil the cable, and place it in a convenient but secluded spot on my computer desk.

The moral of the story

Unplugging and setting aside your Wacom tablet when not in use can save time, money, and inconvenience in the event of an accidental spill. Personally, I am committed to never letting this happen to me ever again by following this simple Wacom tablet tip.