Genius M508W wireless graphics tablet, pen and mouse

Computer mice are invaluable for working on a PC, but for some tasks they're too restrictive and in some cases just not fit for purpose – for example, when creating artwork.

That kind of project requires a different device and the Genius Mousepen M508W, a graphics tablet, is just that.

Setting up the M508W was just a case of inserting batteries into both the tablet and the pen and setting it up to talk to the supplied receiver, which plugs into one of the computer's USB sockets. The tablet works wirelessly so can be placed anywhere within range of the adapter.

We tested the device in Art Rage 3 Studio Pro and were pleased with the results. The pen felt comfortable and glided across the tablet easily. It's pressure-sensitive, which means that when drawing in certain programs, the force exerted will dictate the thickness of the lines.

This worked well in Art Rage – a soft touch produced fine brush strokes – and we were able to add details to projects that would have otherwise been hard to apply.

Professional users should be aware that it doesn't support multiple screens. The pen has its own power source, though we prefer the more versatile inductive pens that draw power from the tablet.

The tablet itself has four physical buttons on the top that perform certain actions depending on your computer's operating system (it works with Windows and Mac computers). The first button reveals the desktop, the second displays open program windows and the others scroll up and down.

Below these there are touch-sensitive buttons that can only be operated by tapping with the wireless pen. These are used for copying and pasting items, opening new windows and more.

The device also includes a wireless mouse, which was a bit flimsy and can only be used when placed on the tablet, but it's a useful extra. The mouse connects to the same USB receiver as the tablet, so you get the choice of mouse and tablet without taking up any more USB sockets.

We were pleased with the performance of the Genius M508W, but it's relatively expensive at £129.