In assessing hardware add-ons there are two main questions to be answered: Do they do what the makers claim? And are they worth the money? In the case of these joysticks the answer to both is a definite yes.

These joysticks are meant to remove the drawbacks of the manufacturers' ones and they do just that. They are small enough to fit in the hand properly without fatigue, they have a well-positioned fire button and they have some 'feel'. This means that, far from being just for games, they are ideal for programs which can use a joystick to draw on-screen, such as Grafstick and Draftmate.

They have a square aperture, which means you can actually get maximum readings in both directions at the same time, giving them true proportionality. The D-type connector is metal, very sturdy and well fitting - unlike my present pair, which never did fit properly!

The only feature which I would like to see improved is the fire button, which does seem a little small despite its convenient placing.

Overall, these joysticks are a real pleasure to use and are my firm favourites now. Even the simple drawing program on the leaflet which accompanies them is good fun.

D.C.