Graphics tablets are one of those fantastic, if overlooked, digital devices that can – for the right person – speed up productivity tenfold. The Wacom intuos4 once again updates the company’s professional range. If you’re the kind of person who finds yourself Photoshopping through a considerable number of images day to day then the advantage a tablet offers is unparalleled: it will save you plenty of time, increase accuracy and up your output. Perfect for dodging and burning, brushing, or other work. However, for first- time users, it does take some getting used to – but once the hand-eye co-ordination and quick reference features take hold you’ll not look back.

The intuos4 comes in four sizes – from small (A6) to extra large (A3) – and is stylishly dressed in a subtle black finish. Quick reference buttons next to a touch ring controller which, similar to the ring of an iPod, can be twirled to cycle through up to four assigned options – though cycling between them can be a little cumbersome if left in the wrong mode. The included stylus comes with a comfortable rubberised grip and has buttons for quick access menus, with different nib types should you want to change the feel. These options complement the intuos4’s incredibly sensitive response – with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity, as little as 1g of pressure will cause response. Wacom has also updated its drivers – a common complaint with previous versions – to ensure a more stable experience that now allows for programming of multiple programmes to specific buttons and shortcuts.