Hands-On Review of the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16

The first thing you should know about the new Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 is that it’s probably the most powerful pen tablet on the market. Wacom calls it a “pen computer,” which might be more apt, considering the MobileStudio Pro functions as a stand-alone Windows 10 device. But whatever the name, whatever you want to call it, the fact remains that the MobileStudio Pro 16 is an absolute powerhouse. So much so, it’s basically without rival—a fact that begged the question: Who exactly is this thing for? I brought the MobileStudio Pro 16 home with me for a couple of days to try and find out.

Wacom 15.6" MobileStudio Pro 16 Graphics Tablet

Design

When you set the current MobileStudio Pro 16 next to the 2017 model, it’s difficult to tell the two apart. Both have the same screen size, panel type, active drawing area, and overall footprint. Likewise, they feature the same ExpressKeys and Radial Menu layout, have the same number of ports and connectors, same number of front and back cameras, and a similar weight. At first glance, this might suggest a lack of innovation, but the fact is the 2017 model had a very sleek and, in terms of functionality, darn near perfect design. So why change it? If it ain't broke, etc.
Now, on the inside, it’s a different story. Wacom kitted out the MobileStudio Pro 16 with some major upgrades, including a new Intel® Core™ i7-8559U processor and dedicated NVIDIA Quadro P1000 graphics card, and boosted the USB-C connections to support Thunderbolt™ 3. It also has 16GB of expandable RAM and 512GB of upgradable storage. Based on the specs and rating, the battery might be a lower capacity than the 2017 model, but I achieved similar usage times from each.