Do you use a Wacom tablet at home or work? If so, like many users you may find it convenient to keep it beside the keyboard and even use it as a mouse pad. Out of necessity you might also keep the Wacom tablet connected at all times, especially if you use it frequently.
Inconvenient Truth
But along with the convenience of having the Wacom tablet immediately available come potential hazards you should consider. Namely, if you ever drink beverages while at the computer there is the risk of an accidental spill. This is a common occurrence, which unfortunately, many people casually dismiss as an unlikely event. As a result they fail to take simple steps that could prevent a costly loss. This fact may also be why many if not all laptop computer warranties do not cover damage from spills.
Thrill of the Spill
The practice of bringing drinks (or any liquids) near computers means that sooner or later a liquid disaster could occur. It doesn't matter if a person or the cat knocks a drink over, once the liquids seep into the electronic devices the crisis begins. For Wacom tablet users this often means racing against the clock to take the unit apart and dry it out with a hair dryer in a desperation effort to save it. I can personally attest to how quickly a spill can ruin a perfectly functioning Wacom tablet.
Unequal & Unprotected
Since computer keyboards are the devices most likely to suffer from spills, a small industry has arisen to protect them. A plethora of keyboard protectors can be purchased for the vast array of keyboards out there. But sometimes the cost of the keyboard protectors can be as much or more than the keyboard itself. For instance, when I went shopping for a keyboard protector for myself, I ended up purchasing a quality used keyboard instead of a new keyboard protector. Alas, Wacom tablet owners do not have the same range of options. This probably is because the computer tablet market is much smaller than the computer keyboard market. Nevertheless, finding a Wacom tablet cover for spill protection can be frustrating.
Cost Crush
Adding to the general lack of spill-protection options is the extra-expense risk. Why? Well because Wacom tablets are considerably more expensive than keyboards which top out at about $50. For instance the cost of a Wacom tablet from the Intuos4 line can range from $200 to $800. But the ultimate digital disaster would be a liquid death befalling a Wacom Cintiq model (which can sell close to $2000). So cost alone can justify being more protective of your Wacom device which can be much more of an investment than other basic peripherals.
Common Cents Solution
As I mentioned earlier, I once lost a nice Intuos3 Wacom tablet to an accidental spill. After swallowing the cost of replacing it, I was determined to prevent a repeat occurrence. The first change was to put away the tablet when not using it. But I wanted some measure of spill protection while it was in use as well. The most vulnerable area was around the function keys where potentially hazardous liquids could easily seep in. Obviously, the function keys needed a water-repellent covering. I found that clear adhesive packing tape served this purpose well and was very inexpensive. Packing tape can easily be found in most any office supply, hardware, grocery or general merchandise store and normally comes in about 2" widths. I simply cut a piece of packing tape a little larger than the function key area and voila! Instant custom-made Wacom tablet spill protector for pennies! It's almost invisible, plus it's easy and cheap to replace if necessary.
Salvation in Self-Reliance
There is no good reason to neglect the risk of spill damage to valuable computer peripherals. Just because commercial products may not be available doesn't mean there are not options. Indeed, applying a little do-it-yourself ingenuity can spill-protect an expensive Wacom tablet at minimal expense.
J.S. Yoon writes about a variety of computer and technology topics and has over 17 years journalism experience working at several major U.S. newspapers.
Looking for Intuos 4 and Cintiq? Find great deals on Wacom Tablets and Accessories at http://www.gizmotechshop.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J.S._Yoon
