Graphire4 Studio XL

Any self-respecting digital artist not yet using a graphics tablet should hang their head in shame. The natural control afforded through the stylus when used with software such as Photoshop or Illustrator, provides a range of expression that is simply impossible to achieve using the mouse alone.

The problem with many tablets is the price, which has been high enough to deter the more budget conscious. But this is set to change with the arrival of the Graphire4 Studio XL, the latest addition to Wacom’s Graphire range.

This new line of tablets consists of either A5 or slightly smaller models in either Classic or Studio variants. The main difference here is essentially the bundled software. The cheaper Classic version includes Corel Painter Essentials 2 while the Studio option provides you with Photoshop Elements 3.0 and nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 Standard, a useful set of Photoshop plug-ins.

Software and size aside, the USB tablets within the Graphire range have effectively identical specifications. A resolution of 2,000dpi and 512 pressure levels ensure you apply an even stroke, and although these figures are half those offered by the top-end Intuos range, there’s certainly enough here to satisfy the precision and control that the average artist demands.

Wacom has also introduced a new stylus, bringing the device more inline with the current Intuos range. A rubber collar makes the pen comfortable to hold and the replacement of the side rocker switch with two independent buttons is welcome. However, the stylus is a bit on the short side. You don’t get the same balanced feel its Intuos relative provides and the tip can stray while finding the side buttons.

The tablet also borrows the programmable ExpressKeys from the Intuos, providing convenient access to common keys such as Ctrl and Alt, plus a scroller so you can move up and down your documents without your hand leaving the tablet. Unfortunately the Graphire range provides these controls at the top of the tablet, unlike the Intuos range, which positions them on the side, meaning you need to steer your stylus carefully on the reduced size tablet to avoid your other hand.

But such complaints are minor when you consider the potential of the tablet. You’ll get used to working with the lightweight pen quickly and the positioning of the ExpressKeys will become second nature after a few hours use. The supporting software used for configuring the product also lives up to the high standards set by Wacom.

If you want to save a few quid, the regular Classic XL costs £34 less and may be worth a look. You could save even more by opting for the A6 Graphire4 Classic at around £67 and £102 for the Studio version. If you’re a cash-conscious designer in need of more control over your pixels, the new Graphire range could be just what you’ve been looking for.