Graphics tablets are one of those fantastic, if overlooked, digital devices that can - for the right person - speed up productivity tenfold...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

87%
Overall score:87%

Pros:

  • Speed of workflow, sensitivity, ease of install, touch ring controller, stylish

Cons:

  • It's an unavoidable hefty financial investment, custom buttons overkill for
  • some users' needs

Product:

Wacom Intuos4 Tablet

Price as reviewed:

£429.00

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.

Verdict

The intuos4 offers a highly professional solution and, given the lack of dominance from other manufacturers, is up there with the best offering on the market. For what little criticism can be made, it's essentially a case of whether any tablet is right - the intuos4, at any size, won't disappoint at a professional level. For those only tweaking the odd photo however, a smaller tablet to the side of your keyboard may suffice.